THE FINE PRINT
RATES
COSTS ARE DISCUSSED DURING A FREE INITIAL CONSULT AND DEPEND ON SEVERAL FACTORS INCLUDING; SERVICES RENDERED, SESSION LENGTH, AND NEEDS OF CLIENT. PAYMENT IS DUE AT TIME OF SESSION.
COUNSELING VS. COACHING
While both coaching and counseling offer support for personal growth, they are distinct services. Counseling is a clinical process focused on emotional healing, mental health, and addressing past experiences. It is typically provided by licensed professionals and may involve diagnosis and treatment. Coaching, on the other hand, is a non-clinical, goal-oriented partnership that helps individuals create change, improve performance, and move forward in their personal or professional lives. Even if a coach is also a licensed counselor, a coaching contract may still be used when the work is not therapeutic in nature. This distinction helps clarify the boundaries of the relationship and ensures the focus remains on forward momentum rather than mental health treatment.
INFORMED CONSENT FOR COUNSELING
Counseling is a professional relationship that supports your mental and emotional well-being through a confidential, collaborative process. As a licensed mental health provider, I adhere to the ethical standards set forth by the American Counseling Association (ACA), including the principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, fidelity, and veracity. In accordance with ACA Code of Ethics (2014), Section A.2.a., clients have the right to receive accurate information about the nature of counseling, including goals, techniques, limitations, potential risks, and expected outcomes. All information shared in counseling is confidential, except in specific situations outlined by law and ethical guidelines—such as when there is risk of harm to self or others, or when there is suspected abuse or neglect (see ACA Section B.2.a.–B.2.d.). Participation in counseling is voluntary, and you may ask questions, decline interventions, or discontinue services at any time. This informed consent is provided to help you make a knowledgeable decision about engaging in counseling services.
INFORMED CONSENT FOR COACHING
CAROLINE GUTERL IS A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. CAROLINE'S THERAPEUTIC SERVICES ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS AND ARE NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING AND PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES.
COACHING INFORMATION
COACHING IS A PARTNERSHIP (DEFINED AS AN ALLIANCE, NOT A LEGAL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP) BETWEEN THE COACH AND THE CLIENT IN A THOUGHT-PROVOKING AND CREATIVE PROCESS THAT INSPIRES THE CLIENT TO MAXIMIZE PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL POTENTIAL. IT IS DESIGNED TO FACILITATE THE CREATION/DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL, OR BUSINESS GOALS AND TO DEVELOP AND CARRY OUT A STRATEGY/PLAN FOR ACHIEVING THOSE GOALS.
COACH-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
A. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY: THE CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING, DECISIONS, CHOICES, ACTIONS, AND RESULTS STEMING FROM THE COACHING RELATIONSHIP. CONSEQUENTLY, THE CLIENT AGREES THAT THE COACH HOLDS NO LIABILITY FOR ANY CONSEQUENCES, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, ARISING FROM THE COACHING SERVICES PROVIDED.
B. TERMINATION OF COACHING RELATIONSHIP: THE CLIENT RETAINS THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE OR DISCONTINUE THE COACHING RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TIME.
C. COMPREHENSIVE COACHING PROCESS: ACKNOWLEDGING COACHING'S ENCOMPASSING NATURE, THE CLIENT UNDERSTANDS THAT THE PROCESS MAY INVOLVE VARIOUS LIFE AREAS. IT IS THE CLIENT'S EXCLUSIVE RESPONSIBILITY TO DETERMINE HOW TO HANDLE THESE ASPECTS AND TO INCORPORATE COACHING PRINCIPLES INTO THEIR CHOICES AND ACTIONS.
D. NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE: THE CLIENT UNDERSTANDS THAT COACHING DOES NOT DIAGNOSE OR TREAT MENTAL DISORDERS, AND IT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FROM LEGAL, MEDICAL, OR OTHER QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS. IF THE CLIENT IS UNDER THE CARE OF A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL, THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROMPTLY INFORMING THE PROVIDER ABOUT THE COACHING RELATIONSHIP.
E. ENHANCING THE COACHING RELATIONSHIP: TO OPTIMIZE THE COACHING RELATIONSHIP, THE CLIENT COMMITS TO HONEST COMMUNICATION, OPENNESS TO FEEDBACK, AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM.
​
F. NOT A THERAPIST ROLE: ALTHOUGH CAROLINE GUTERL IS A REGISTERED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING INTERN IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, THE CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SHE IS NOT UTILIZING HER LICENSE FOR THE SERVICES RENDERED. CAROLINE GUTERL DOES NOT PRESENT HERSELF AS A THERAPIST TO THE CLIENT AND IS NOT PROVIDING PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES.