Coaching Agreement

Effective Date: August 1st, 2026

In the spirit of sharing Coaching Services in accordance with national best practices, Mallika asks that you confirm that you have received and are in agreement with the terms of service and other information contained in the following Coaching Agreement. 

You will be referred to in the Agreement as “Client,” and Mallika will be referred to in this Agreement as “MB”. Client and MB will be referred to in the Agreement individually as “Party” and collectively as “Parties.”

In consideration for the mutual agreements and promises contained in this COACHING AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

TERMS OF AGREEMENT

1. Definition of Coaching.

MB adopts and embraces the following definition of Coaching as set forth by the International Coach Federation [quoted and emphasized as follows]: 

“Coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses or organizations. Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life. In each meeting, the client chooses the focus of conversation, while the coach listens and contributes observations and questions. 

This interaction creates clarity and moves the client into action. Coaching accelerates the client's progress by providing greater focus and awareness of choice. Coaching concentrates on where client is now and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be in the future.” 

2. MB’s Coaching Services.

MB’s coaching practice involves Couples Coaching, Personal Coaching, and online courses (collectively, MB’s “Coaching Services”). 

MB’s unique coaching methods involve guiding her clients to focus more on the present and the future, rather than dwelling on happenings in the past. MB’s role and approach is tailored for each client and each situation, depending on where each couple is at the moment, taking into account each client’s unique needs, goals, and hopes. MB’s role and ultimate coaching goal is to support her clients in gaining tools and access to skills that can create more satisfying, authentic and empowered relationship with themselves and with others in their lives. 

MB’s Coaching Services are available for individuals and couples who are considered mentally healthy. For all purposes of this Agreement, Client is engaging MB in capacity of a coach. If the Client mentions or requests services that are outside of MB’s scope of service, then she will be more than happy to share a list of qualified therapists and/or make appropriate referrals. 

3. Scheduling Sessions.

MB’s Coaching Services are scheduled in 2, 4, and 10 session packages, for either 50, 75 or 90 minutes. The time and location of each coaching session will be determined by MB and Client based on a mutually agreed upon time. Client can arrange to meet with MB in-person or digitally via Zoom or telephone (MB’s digital Coaching Services are never to be interpreted as Telehealth or telemedicine services). 

At the start of their coaching journey together, MB and Client will collaborate to determine a coaching session schedule. MB will suggest a frequency of coaching sessions based on her assessment of Client’s goals and requests. 

MB’s schedule recommendation is not binding and may be altered and adjusted throughout the coaching journey by mutual agreement of the Parties, in accordance with the terms set out in this agreement.

4. Coach-Client Relationship.

The Parties intend that this Agreement shall govern the Parties’ private coach-client relationship and that this Agreement shall supersede any other agreement(s) between the Parties, written or oral, that is contrary to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. 

1. MB’s Commitment to Client. MB’s commitment to Client is to, at all times, operate within her areas of expertise and behave in a professional manner. As a matter of principle, training, and valid legal reasons, MB will not presume, nor attempt, to heal, treat, cure, prevent, or mitigate any physical, emotional, mental or spiritual injuries, diseases, traumas, or conditions. 

2. Scope of Coaching Services. Client acknowledges that MB’s Coaching Services are intended to support Client in taking actions toward the types of relationships which they desire to have. At times, the content of a coaching session may include work, finances, health, relationships, education and recreation. Client agrees that deciding how to manage all areas of Client’s life, including the incorporation of MB’s coaching principles, is exclusively Client’s responsibility. 

3. No Treatment. Client acknowledges that MB’s Coaching Services do not involve the diagnosis or treatment of any mental disorders (as defined by the American Psychiatric Association) and that her Coaching Services are not to be used as a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, or other professional advice by legal, medical or other qualified professionals. Client agrees that it is Client’s exclusive responsibility to seek such independent professional guidance as needed. If Client is currently under the care of a mental health professional, it is recommended that Client promptly inform the mental health care provider of the nature and extent of the coaching relationship agreed upon by Client and MB.

4. Open Communications. Client understands that in order to enhance the coaching relationship, Client agrees to communicate honestly, to remain open to constructive feedback and coaching assistance, and to create the time and energy to participate fully in the coaching program. Client acknowledges that it is Client’s own responsibility to educate themselves as to the efficacy, risks, and desirability of any information, ideas, or suggestions that MB shares with Client. 

5. Payment for Coaching Services.

The service fees are as follows: single sessions for new clients are $100 (limit 4 per person). Packages for 50-minute session for new clients are $369, $720 and $1,800 for 2, 4, or 10 sessions, respectively. Packages for 75-minute session for returning clients are $440, $880 and $2,200 for 2, 4, or 10 sessions, respectively. Payment plans are available inside ThriveCart. See information below on payment plans.

1. Payment Methods and Authorization. For Client’s convenience, MB will accept payments from Client via cash, Zelle (RootedRelationshipsLLC@gmail.com), or Credit Card through ThriveCart. If Client elects to pay for MB’s Coaching Services by debit card or credit card, Client, by signing this Agreement, hereby provides MB their express permission and authorization to automatically charge Client’s credit card and/or debit card as payment for MB’s Coaching Services rendered without any additional authorization from Client.

2. Refund Policy. Due to the personalized and sensitive nature of MB’s Coaching Services, MB’s general rule is that no refunds will be provided after completion of any coaching sessions. If Client would like to request a refund for unused session in their package, Client may email MB at Mallika@rootedrelatinships.com to explain the specific situation and/or hardship for consideration. Client is aware that a request for a refund is not a guarantee that any such refunds will be provided. All requests for refunds will be evaluated by MB, at her sole discretion, on a case-by-case basis. 

3. Payment Plan. Should payments from Client stop during the agreed upon payment plan for a coaching package, MB will not schedule further sessions with Client until the balance due has been paid. Likewise, access to any purchased online courses will be paused until the balance has been paid. 

4. Term & Termination. This Agreement shall become effective when executed by the Parties and will continue in full force and effect until the coach-client relationship established under this Agreement is terminated by either Party (the “Term”). Either Party may terminate this Agreement at any time by delivering written notice to the other Party stating their intent and reasons for terminating this Agreement. Upon any termination of this Agreement, Client agrees to compensate MB for all Coaching Services rendered through and including the date of termination of the coaching relationship. All terms and conditions of this Agreement that are intended to protect the Parties and/or their private records and to regulate disputes, grievances, or complaints between the Parties will survive any termination of this Agreement.

6 . Confidentiality and Records Policy.

Although MB is a trained and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, she offers her Coaching Services solely in the capacity of a coach. Client is aware that the coach-client relationship is not considered to be a legally confidential relationship (like the medical and legal professions) and, thus, communications between Client and MB are not subject to the protection of any legally recognized privilege. The Parties acknowledge and agree that all information that Client provides to MB, and all information exchanged between Client and MB during coaching sessions, will be considered as private communications. Further, the Parties acknowledge and agree that all notes and records developed by MB during coaching sessions will be considered Client Notes. Together, all Client Notes and private communications between the Parties will be referred to in this Agreement collectively as, “Confidential Client Records.” 

1. For purpose of this Agreement, Confidential Client Records shall not include information that: (a) was in MB’s possession prior to being delivered by Client; (b) is generally known to the public or Client’s industry; (c) is obtained by MB from a third party, without breach of any obligation to Client; (d) is independently developed by MB without use of or reference to the Confidential Client Records; (e) MB is required by statute, lawfully issued subpoena, or by court order to disclose; (f) is disclosed to MB, and as a result of such disclosure, MB reasonably believes there to be an imminent or likely risk of danger or harm to Client, children, elders, or others; and (g) involves illegal activity. 

   Confidential Client Records are NOT Medical Records. The Parties agree and promise that they will never refer to any Confidential Client Records as medical records. Under no circumstances will any Confidential Client Records be released by MB as medical records. 

   Record Retention & Release Policy. Records pertaining to Client’s coaching relationship with MB will be maintained by MB in a format of MB’s choice (print or digital/electronic) for a period of not less than 3 years. Confidential Client Records will not be released to any other person or entity unless an appropriate and lawful written request is made for the release of Confidential Client Records. Client may have a copy of all Confidential Client Records maintained by MB upon delivery of a written request to MB. 

7 . Cancellation Policy. If a situation arises in which Client must cancel or reschedule a scheduled coaching session with MB, Client agrees that it is the Client’s responsibility to notify MB at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled session. In the event Client misses a scheduled appointment without notice to MB, then MB reserves the right to bill Client for a missed session at the agreed upon rate, unless Client misses due to unforeseen emergency – MB understands life happens. MB will attempt in good faith to reschedule any missed sessions. This applies to 4-month package sessions as well.

1. Client Satisfaction. MB shall use her best efforts to provide Coaching Services to Client and shall perform all services in a diligent, professional, collaborative, and business-like manner. Client acknowledges and recognizes that, due to the nature of coaching and the importance of self-responsibility, MB cannot guarantee a particular result or the outcome of any coaching service. Any opinions that MB gives to Client are advisory and informational only. Client agrees that, if for any reason, Client is dissatisfied with MB’s Coaching Services, Client will immediately notify MB in writing of and provide MB the opportunity to rectify any issue that may exist. 

2. Dispute Resolution Process. The Parties acknowledge and understand that it is possible there will be occurrences/eventualities that no one anticipated at the time this Agreement is executed. The Parties further acknowledge that it is also possible that times may come when they find themselves in disagreement over some aspect of their working relationship or the Coaching Services related to this Agreement. If something unanticipated happens, or if they find themselves in disagreement, the Parties are fully committed to moving away from harmful/violent communications and adversarial proceedings and, instead, are dedicated to engaging a collaborative process through which they will strive to transform their dispute in a way that will best serve the needs of all involved.
   
   Accordingly, mindful of the high costs of litigation, not only in dollars, but also in time and energy, the parties intend to and do hereby establish the following out-of-court alternate dispute resolution procedure to be followed in the event a claim, controversy, or dispute (collectively, “Dispute”) should arise out of, or relating to this Agreement: 

a. Binding process. The Parties acknowledge and agree that they will make good faith attempts to privately and promptly resolve between them any Dispute that arises under or relating to this Agreement. The Parties expressly agree that good faith participation in negotiation and mediation is a precondition to pursuing any other available legal or equitable remedies, including arbitration. 

In the event the Parties are not able to resolve a Dispute through good faith negotiations or by subsequently participating in good faith mediation, any such Dispute shall be settled by BINDING ARBITRATION. Any arbitration will be conducted by a single arbitrator of American Arbitration Association (AAA) or another arbitrator whom: 1) has working knowledge of business law and the evolving fields of professional coaching and Complementary and Alternative wellness services; and 2) is mutually agreeable to the Parties. Any arbitration relating to this Agreement shall be conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures of the AAA, or another set of rules that is agreeable to the Parties. 

The substantive law of the state of North Carolina shall be applied by the arbitrator to the resolution of the dispute, provided that the arbitrator shall base her or his decision on the express terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement. The arbitrator shall be bound to make specific findings of fact and reach conclusions of law, based on the submissions and evidence of the Parties, and shall issue a written decision explaining the basis for the decision and award. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and as an “award” within the meaning of the Commercial Rules and judgment upon the arbitration award may be entered into any state court or United States District Court located in or for the area encompassing the state of North Carolina (“District Court”), as if it were a judgment of that court. 

Each Party shall bear its own individual costs in the arbitration, and Parties shall share equally the fees and expenses associated with the arbitration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the arbitrator, in his/her sole discretion, may determine that the Party against whom the decision is rendered shall pay the prevailing Party’s costs and share of the arbitrator’s fees and expenses. 

In the event the Parties must undergo mediation, negotiation, or arbitration to resolve any Dispute stemming from, or otherwise related to, this Agreement, the exclusive venue for any and all Disputes, whether through mediation, negotiation, arbitration, or litigation, shall be a location within the city of Asheville, North Carolina, or another location that is mutually agreeable by the Parties (if appropriate, dispute resolution procedures may be carried out via telephone or video conference). 

By executing this Agreement, the Parties acknowledge and agree that MB’s Coaching Services are not currently regulated by the state or local government, and that the provisions contained in this Section 10 provide the Parties with access to a fair and impartial dispute resolution process. The Parties acknowledge and agree that a failure by either Party to adhere to the Dispute Resolution Process will constitute a material breach of this Agreement. For inquiries about filing a service complaint, please contact MB. 

8. Non-Disparagement. The Parties agree to not publicly or privately make any negative or critical comments about the other, or to communicate with any other individual, company or entity in a way that disparages the other Party or harms the other Party’s reputation in any way, including on social media and online review websites. In arbitration or when required by law, of course, the Parties are not prohibited from sharing their thoughts and experiences. 

1. Notices. To Client: All notices, requests, consents, demands, and other communications due to Client under this Agreement must be in writing and delivered either by email, hand, by courier, by registered mail, or by certified mail, return receipt requested to the address client provided at the top of this Agreement. All such notices will be considered effective and delivered upon actual receipt by the addressee. To MB: All notices, requests for information, consents, demands, complaints, and other communications due to MB under this Agreement must be in writing and delivered to MB’s notice address provided below. All such communications will be considered effective and delivered upon actual receipt by the addressee.
   Rooted Relationships LLC
   Attn: Mallika Bush, 17 Moser Sedge Ct, Biltmore Lake NC 28715

2. Amendments. The Parties may amend any term of this Agreement upon mutual agreement. All amendments made to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both Parties in order to be effective. 

3. Right to Refuse Service; Conflict of Interest. MB reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason. In the event MB, in her sole discretion, determines that a situation has arisen in which she is involved in multiple interests and where service to one interest could potentially work against or be in conflict with any of Client’s interests (whether financial, personal, or otherwise), then MB reserves the right to amend or terminate the coach-client relationship created under this Agreement at any time by delivering notice to Client with information about the perceived conflict of interest and how MB believes is best to move forward. 

4. Intellectual Property. MB shall retain all ownership and intellectual property rights to the content and materials provided to Client through MB’s website and all informational materials (whether delivered personally or in printed or electronic form), including all copyrights and trademarks belonging to MB. Branded informational materials about MB’s Coaching Services are being provided to Client for Client’s private use only and with a single-user license, which means that Client is not allowed or authorized to share, copy, sell, post, distribute, reproduce, duplicate, trade, resell, exploit, or otherwise disseminate any portion of the branded informational materials, electronically or otherwise, without the prior express written permission of MB. 

5. Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is deemed void or unenforceable by any judicial or administrative authority, the validity of any other provision and of the entire Agreement shall not be affected.
   

6. Binding Effect. The Parties intend that this Agreement be legally binding upon the Parties and their family, heirs, successors, representatives, executors, estate(s), administrator, receivers, custodians, nominees, guardians, and assigns. 

7. Waiver. The failure of either party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or limitation of that Party's right to subsequently enforce and compel strict compliance with every provision of this Agreement. 

8. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Utah, without giving effect to any conflict of law provisions. 

9. Execution of Agreement. The Parties agree that this Agreement may be executed by: 1) the hand-written signature of both Parties; or 2) signed electronically in multiple counterparts, each part to be deemed an original – all counterparts, when taken together, will constitute a single Agreement that is fully binding on both Parties. Once this Agreement is executed, the Parties agree to defend the validity of this Agreement and their respective rights to contract privately for MB’ Coaching Services without outside interference. 

9. Client Acknowledgements, Services Disclaimers, Indemnification, Waiver, and Release. 

By purchasing this Coaching Service from MB, you are stating that you understand and agree with the provisions and Agreements below: 

1. I state truthfully and with utmost sincerity that I have read and understand the information contained in this Coaching Agreement. By signing this Agreement, I acknowledge that I am pursuing a coach-client relationship with MB for my own benefit.

2. I acknowledge and fully understand that MB will at all times be providing her Coaching Services in the capacity as a coach, and not in the capacity of a licensed marriage and family therapist or mental health counselor. I acknowledge that MB’s Coaching Services are not licensed by the State of North Carolina.
   

3. I acknowledge and fully understand the Coaching Services I will be receiving from MB are not offered as a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, or substance abuse treatment, and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any mental health or medical conditions. I acknowledge and agree that it is my sole responsibility to seek appropriate medical care for all conditions, illnesses, injuries, and/or diseases that I am now experiencing or may experience in the future.
   

4. I acknowledge and fully understand that it is entirely my own responsibility to consider the information and recommendations offered to me by MB, and that it is my own responsibility to educate myself as to the efficacy, risks, and desirability of MB’s information and coaching assistance.
   

5. Because MB’s Coaching Services are NOT medical or therapy services of any kind, I acknowledge understand that there is no medical coding or billing that I can submit for insurance payment or reimbursement. Accordingly, I agree to be personally responsible for all MB Coaching Services I choose to receive.
   

6. I acknowledge and understand that the use of technology is not always secure and I accept all risks to my Confidential Client Records and other information and data associated or exchanged with the use of email, websites, text, phone, online video conferencing, mobile applications, and other information-sharing technologies.
   

7. I acknowledge and understand that, if I report the abuse or neglect of a child or elder, or if I threaten to harm myself or someone else, that necessary actions will be taken and my confidentiality agreement with MB will be limited accordingly. Furthermore, if MB is ordered by a court to provide information or to testify, I understand that she will do so to the extent the law requires, and said information or testimony will be solely from the role as a coach, not as a therapist.
   

8. MB COACHING DISCLAIMER. I acknowledge that MB has used care in preparing the informational materials that will be made available to me. All informational materials are being provided to me as self-help tools for my own use and for informational and educational purposes only. I acknowledge and agree that MB is not responsible for my physical, mental, emotional or spiritual health, or for any other result or outcome that I may experience through participation in MB’s Coaching Services. For specific questions related to a medical or mental health situation, I will consult a medical or mental health professional. For specific questions related to my financial, legal or tax situation, I will consult my own attorney, accountant, and/or financial advisor. For specific questions related to religion, spirituality, or faith, I will consult a clergy member or spiritual healer. Under no circumstances should I start or stop taking any medications because of anything I read or receive from MB. Under no circumstances should I pursue divorce, legal separation or remain in a marriage because of anything I read or receive from MB. Any recommendation of any products or services is simply offered to me for educational purposes.
   

9. NO GUARANTEES; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. I acknowledge that MB has made no guarantees, representations, or warranties of any kind or nature, express or implied, with respect to the Coaching Services negotiated, agreed upon and rendered. I understand that, MB cannot and will not be held responsible for any indirect, consequential or special damages for the information that I request or receive from MB or through my voluntary participation in MB’s Coaching Services, including products and informational materials and any other information I may receive from or through my use of MB’s websites (www.rootedrelationships.com) or MB’s social media accounts (@mallikabush, @rooted.relationships). Notwithstanding any damages that I may incur, MB’s entire liability under this Agreement, and my exclusive remedy available under this Agreement, shall be limited to the amount of money actually paid by me to MB under this Agreement for all Coaching Services rendered through and including the termination date. 

10. ASSUMPTION OF RISK; INDEMNIFICATION; AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS. With the signing of this Agreement, in the absence of evidence of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing on the part of MB, I voluntarily agree to waive, acquit, hold harmless, indemnify and release MB from any and all claims, suit actions, demands, or liability for any loss, injury, or expense that I ever had, now have, or may have against MB arising out of acts or omissions by myself or by MB resulting from or in connection with the coach-client relationship contemplated by this Agreement. By signing this Agreement, I expressly agree to assume all risks for my choices; I intend this Agreement to be a complete release of liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.
    

11. INFORMED CONSENT. I affirm that I have requested all information from MB that is necessary to make a fully informed decision about whether or not MB’s Services are right for me. I have the ability to give my informed consent, and I hereby give my consent to MB to help me reach my defined goals. I promise to accept full responsibility for my choices.
    

To evidence the Parties’ agreement to this COACHING AGREEMENT, each Party has executed this Agreement on the date of purchase.