Coaching Disclaimer

Coaching is a professional development and personal growth partnership. Coaches on the BESA Coaching platform provide goal-setting support, accountability, motivational guidance, skill-building frameworks, and structured reflection to help clients achieve personal and professional objectives.

Coaching is distinctly different from — and is not a replacement for — the following licensed professional services:

• Therapy / Psychotherapy / Counseling: Licensed mental health services that diagnose and treat psychological disorders, trauma, and mental illness. Coaching does not diagnose, treat, or cure any mental health condition.
• Medicine / Healthcare: Licensed medical services that diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure physical or mental health conditions. Coaching does not constitute medical advice or treatment.
• Financial / Investment Advisory: Licensed financial services regulated by the SEC, FINRA, or state securities regulators. Coaching does not constitute investment advice, securities recommendations, or financial planning regulated under applicable law.
• Legal Services: Services provided by licensed attorneys. Coaching does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
• Nutritional / Dietetic Services: Services provided by registered dietitians or licensed nutritionists. Coaching does not constitute clinical nutritional advice or medical dietary guidance.

The coaching relationship is a collaborative, forward-focused partnership. It is not a clinical, therapeutic, or advisory relationship governed by professional licensing boards. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential." BESA Coaching endorses this definition.

Nothing communicated by a Coach through the BESA Coaching platform — whether in sessions, messages, written materials, programs, or events — constitutes professional advice of any kind, including medical, psychological, legal, financial, nutritional, or any other licensed professional advice.

You are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of appropriately licensed professionals for any matter that requires professional expertise, including but not limited to:

• Any physical or mental health concern — consult a licensed physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist
• Any legal matter — consult a licensed attorney in the relevant jurisdiction
• Any investment, tax, or financial planning decision — consult a licensed financial advisor, CPA, or registered investment advisor
• Any nutritional or dietary concern — consult a registered dietitian or licensed nutritionist
• Any business or regulatory compliance matter — consult qualified legal and compliance professionals

BESA Coaching and its Coaches expressly disclaim any responsibility for decisions made by Clients based on coaching guidance without seeking appropriate professional advice where warranted.

Financial Coaches on the BESA Coaching platform may provide guidance on topics such as budgeting, debt management, savings habits, financial goal-setting, money mindset, and general financial literacy. This guidance is educational and motivational only and is subject to the following important limitations:

• Not Investment Advice: Financial coaching does not constitute investment advice, securities recommendations, or portfolio management services regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), or any state securities regulator. Coaches are not registered investment advisors (RIAs) unless they expressly state so and provide their registration credentials.
• Not Tax Advice: Financial coaching does not constitute tax advice. Clients should consult a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Enrolled Agent (EA), or tax attorney for tax planning, preparation, or compliance matters.
• Not Regulated Financial Planning: Financial coaching is not Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) services, unless the Coach expressly holds and discloses a valid CFP® designation issued by the CFP Board. The CFP Board's Standards of Conduct apply only to CFP® certificants.
• CFI Alignment: Where Coaches reference frameworks, concepts, or materials from the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) or similar educational bodies, such references are for educational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial advice or endorsement by CFI.
• No Fiduciary Duty: Unless a Coach is a licensed fiduciary and expressly states so, financial coaching does not create a fiduciary relationship. Coaches are not legally obligated to act in your best financial interest in the manner required of licensed fiduciaries under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 or applicable state law.
• Past Performance: Any financial examples, case studies, or success stories shared by Coaches are illustrative only. Past financial results do not guarantee future outcomes. All financial decisions carry risk.
• Cryptocurrency & Alternative Assets: Any discussion of cryptocurrency, NFTs, or alternative investments in coaching sessions is general and educational only. It does not constitute regulated financial advice. These asset classes carry significant risk of total loss.

Clients engaging financial coaching services are strongly advised to consult a licensed financial advisor, CPA, or attorney before making any significant financial decisions.

Health and wellness coaching on the BESA Coaching platform is focused on lifestyle, habit formation, motivation, and general wellbeing. It is subject to the following limitations:

• Health coaching does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, medical condition, or physical ailment
• Health coaches are not licensed physicians, nurses, physical therapists, or other licensed healthcare providers unless expressly stated and verified
• Clients with existing medical conditions should consult their physician before making any changes to diet, exercise, or lifestyle based on coaching guidance
• Health coaching does not replace medical supervision for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, or any other medical condition requiring clinical management
• Any nutritional guidance provided by health coaches is general and educational — it is not clinical dietary advice from a registered dietitian or licensed nutritionist
• Clients should immediately seek medical attention for any acute health concern and should not delay seeking medical care based on coaching guidance
• Health coaches who hold the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) credential (NBC-HWC) have met national board certification standards. This credential does not confer a medical license or authorize the provision of clinical services.

HIPAA Notice: Coaching sessions on the BESA Coaching platform are not covered healthcare services under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Coaches are not covered entities or business associates under HIPAA unless they independently hold a healthcare license and operate in a clinical capacity. Client health information shared in coaching sessions is protected under BESA Coaching's Privacy Policy and the Standard Service Contract's confidentiality provisions, but not under HIPAA.

Life coaching, mindset coaching, and similar services may touch on emotional topics, personal challenges, and psychological wellbeing. These services are not mental health treatment and are subject to the following important limitations:

• Coaching does not diagnose or treat any mental health disorder, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, or any other condition listed in the DSM-5-TR or ICD-11
• Coaches are not licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, or mental health counselors unless expressly stated and verified
• Coaching is not appropriate as the sole or primary support for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises, suicidal ideation, self-harm, or severe psychological distress
• If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis helpline immediately (see Section 16)
• Coaches may refer Clients to mental health professionals when appropriate and are encouraged to do so per ICF ethical guidelines
• The presence of an ICF credential (ACC, PCC, MCC) does not indicate mental health licensure — it indicates adherence to ICF coaching competencies and ethics standards

Business coaching, career coaching, and entrepreneurship coaching may involve discussions of legal topics such as contracts, business structures, employment, or compliance. Any such discussion is general and educational only and does not constitute legal advice. Specifically:

• Coaching does not create an attorney-client relationship
• Coaches are not licensed attorneys unless expressly stated and verified
• General information about legal topics shared in coaching sessions does not substitute for advice from a licensed attorney in the relevant jurisdiction
• Clients should consult a licensed attorney for any matter with legal implications, including business formation, contracts, employment matters, intellectual property, or regulatory compliance
• Legal information shared in coaching sessions may not reflect the current state of the law in your jurisdiction

Coaching outcomes vary significantly based on individual effort, commitment, circumstances, external factors, and other variables outside the Coach's control. BESA Coaching and its Coaches make no guarantees, representations, or warranties regarding:

• Specific results, outcomes, or achievements from coaching engagements
• Income levels, revenue growth, or financial returns
• Weight loss, fitness improvements, or health outcomes
• Career advancement, promotions, or job placement
• Business growth, client acquisition, or revenue targets
• Relationship improvements or personal transformation
• Any other measurable goal or outcome

Testimonials, success stories, and case studies shared on the Platform reflect individual experiences under specific circumstances and are not representative of typical or guaranteed results. Individual results will vary. Any income or results figures mentioned are illustrative only and should not be interpreted as typical or guaranteed.

The effectiveness of coaching depends substantially on the Client's active participation, honest engagement, and consistent effort in applying coaching guidance.

Coaches on the BESA Coaching platform are independent contractors, not employees, agents, or representatives of B.E.S.A. BESA Coaching does not:

• Employ, supervise, or control the coaching methods, techniques, or advice of any Coach
• Endorse, warrant, or guarantee the qualifications, credentials, certifications, or professional experience of any Coach
• Guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness, or appropriateness of any coaching service
• Independently verify all claims made by Coaches regarding their qualifications, unless expressly stated
• Accept responsibility for the conduct, advice, or omissions of any Coach

Clients are solely responsible for evaluating the suitability, qualifications, and approach of any Coach before engaging their services. BESA Coaching encourages Clients to review Coach profiles, credentials, and reviews carefully, and to ask Coaches directly about their qualifications and approach before booking.

While BESA Coaching may request credential verification and may remove Coaches who violate platform policies, this does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement of any Coach's qualifications or services.

BESA Coaching recognizes the following professional bodies and credential frameworks as industry standards. The presence of a credential from these bodies on a Coach's profile indicates the Coach's self-reported affiliation — BESA Coaching independently verifies credentials on a best-efforts basis only.

The presence of a credential badge on a Coach's profile does not guarantee current active status. Clients are encouraged to verify credential status directly with the issuing body. BESA Coaching is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a partner of any of the above credentialing bodies.

Where AI-assisted features are used on the Platform, the following applies:

• AI-generated content (summaries, suggestions, recommendations) is produced by automated systems and has not been reviewed or endorsed by a licensed professional
• AI features do not diagnose, treat, or advise on medical, psychological, legal, or financial matters
• AI-generated session summaries may contain errors or omissions — they should be reviewed and corrected by the Coach before being relied upon
• Clients should not make significant life decisions based solely on AI-generated coaching content
• AI features process data in accordance with BESA Coaching's Privacy Policy and Data Processing Agreement
• BESA Coaching does not use AI to make automated decisions that have legal or similarly significant effects on users without human review
• The use of AI features is disclosed in the Platform interface where applicable

BESA Coaching is committed to responsible AI use and will update this section as AI features evolve. For questions about specific AI features, contact [email protected].

11.1 Minors (Under 18). BESA Coaching does not knowingly provide coaching services to individuals under 18 years of age without verified parental or guardian consent. If a Coach becomes aware that a Client is under 18, they must notify BESA Coaching immediately at [email protected]. Coaching sessions with minors may only proceed with:

• Written parental or legal guardian consent on file with BESA Coaching
• A parent or guardian present during sessions (for users under 16)
• Compliance with applicable child protection laws in the relevant jurisdiction
• The Coach holding any required certifications or clearances for working with minors

11.2 Vulnerable Adults. Coaches are expected to exercise heightened care when working with clients who may be in vulnerable circumstances, including those experiencing bereavement, acute stress, financial hardship, or health crises. Coaches should refer vulnerable clients to appropriate licensed professionals where the client's needs exceed the scope of coaching.

11.3 Mandatory Reporting. Coaches who become aware of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a minor or vulnerable adult during the course of coaching are encouraged — and in many jurisdictions legally required — to report this to the appropriate authorities. BESA Coaching supports Coaches in fulfilling mandatory reporting obligations and will not penalize Coaches for making good-faith reports.

Coaches are expected to maintain the confidentiality of all information shared by Clients during coaching sessions, consistent with professional coaching ethics standards (e.g., ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2). However, confidentiality is not absolute and may be limited in the following circumstances:

• Legal Obligation: Disclosure required by applicable law, court order, subpoena, or government authority.
• Risk of Harm: Where the Coach has a reasonable belief that the Client or another person is at imminent risk of serious harm (including self-harm or harm to others). In such cases, the Coach may be ethically and legally obligated to take protective action, which may include contacting emergency services.
• Child / Vulnerable Adult Protection: Where the Coach becomes aware of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a minor or vulnerable adult, mandatory reporting obligations may apply under applicable law.
• Client Consent: Where the Client provides explicit written consent to share specific information.
• Platform Operations: BESA Coaching may access session notes and coaching content stored on the Platform for purposes of dispute resolution, fraud prevention, legal compliance, and platform safety, as described in the Privacy Policy.

Clients should discuss confidentiality expectations and limitations with their Coach at the outset of the coaching relationship. Coaches are not licensed mental health professionals and are not bound by the same confidentiality obligations as therapists or counselors under HIPAA or state mental health confidentiality laws.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, B.E.S.A and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, or harm — direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive — arising from:

• Your reliance on coaching advice, guidance, materials, or recommendations
• Actions taken or not taken based on coaching sessions, programs, or events
• The conduct, advice, services, or omissions of any Coach on the Platform
• Any outcomes or results (or lack thereof) from coaching engagements
• Decisions made without seeking appropriate licensed professional advice
• Any financial, health, legal, or personal consequences of coaching guidance
• AI-generated content, summaries, or recommendations produced by Platform features

This limitation of liability is a fundamental element of the basis of the bargain between you and BESA Coaching. See Section 17 of the Terms of Service for the full limitation of liability provision.

By engaging coaching services through BESA Coaching, you expressly acknowledge and agree that:

• You are solely responsible for all decisions you make and actions you take, including those influenced by coaching guidance
• You will seek appropriate licensed professional advice (medical, legal, financial, psychological) for matters requiring professional expertise
• You understand the distinction between coaching and licensed professional services
• You will not use coaching as a substitute for necessary medical, psychological, legal, or financial professional care
• You will inform your Coach of any relevant medical, psychological, or other conditions that may affect the coaching relationship
• You have read and agree to this Disclaimer, the Terms of Service, and the User Agreement
• You take full personal responsibility for your wellbeing, decisions, and outcomes
• You are 18 years of age or older, or have obtained the required parental/guardian consent described in Section 11

This Disclaimer applies globally. The following jurisdiction-specific notes supplement the general disclaimer above:

United States. Coaching is not a licensed profession at the federal level. State-level regulations vary. Coaches who hold professional licenses (e.g., LCSW, RD, CFP®) are subject to their respective licensing board's scope of practice rules. Nothing in this Disclaimer limits the obligations of licensed professionals to comply with their licensing board's requirements.

European Union / EEA / UK. This Disclaimer does not limit any mandatory consumer rights you have under applicable EU, EEA, or UK law. The EU Directive on Unfair Commercial Practices (2005/29/EC) and equivalent UK law prohibit misleading commercial practices — BESA Coaching is committed to transparent and accurate representations of coaching services.

Australia. Nothing in this Disclaimer excludes, restricts, or modifies any right or remedy under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), including consumer guarantees that cannot be excluded by contract. To the extent permitted by the ACL, BESA Coaching's liability for failure to comply with a consumer guarantee is limited to re-supply of the services or payment of the cost of re-supply.

Canada. This Disclaimer is subject to applicable Canadian federal and provincial consumer protection legislation. Quebec residents may have additional rights under the Consumer Protection Act (Loi sur la protection du consommateur).

India. This Disclaimer is subject to the Consumer Protection Act 2019. BESA Coaching's Grievance Officer for Indian consumers: [email protected] (acknowledged within 48 hours, resolved within one month).

Coaching is not an appropriate resource for crisis situations. If you are in crisis, please reach out to the resources above or go to your nearest emergency room.

For questions about this Disclaimer or concerns about a coaching interaction: