7 Must-Haves for Your Life Coaching Disclaimer (+ Examples From a Lawyer)
Wondering what to include in your life coaching disclaimer? Without the right disclaimers in place, you could risk clients mistaking your coaching for therapy, demanding refunds over “unmet results,” or even blaming you for emotional or psychological outcomes you never promised to manage.
As a business lawyer who drafts contracts for life coaches like you, I’ve seen firsthand how a missing or poorly written life coaching disclaimer can create confusion, cross professional boundaries, and leave coaches legally exposed.
The good news? A few clear clauses can prevent all of that.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly what to include in your life coaching disclaimer, with real life coaching disclaimer examples taken directly from my coaching disclaimer template inside my 1-On-1 Coaching Agreement Template.
You’ll discover how to use these disclaimers to protect your business, define your role, and set realistic expectations with your clients.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what a legally solid life coaching disclaimer looks like — so your role stays clear, your boundaries respected, and your business fully protected.
This post is all about what to include in your life coaching disclaimer — so you can coach confidently, protect your business, and avoid legal headaches.
Best Life Coaching Disclaimer
The Full Life Coaching Disclaimer You Need (Including 7 Life Coaching Disclaimer Examples You Can Copy+Paste)
1. You’re Not the Client’s Therapist
Why it matters
One of the biggest legal risks for life coaches is when clients confuse coaching with therapy, counselling, or mental health treatment.
Even if you’re not offering therapy, the moment you discuss mindset, trauma, or emotional regulation, the line can blur.
Without a proper life coaching disclaimer, you could accidentally be held to the same standards or professional duties as a licensed therapist or psychologist — which opens the door to liability claims.
What your life coaching disclaimer should include
A clear statement that you’re not a therapist, counsellor, or mental health professional.
Clarification that coaching doesn’t replace therapy or treatment.
A disclaimer limiting your responsibility for emotional or psychological results.
Example from my coaching disclaimer template
“The Coach is not the Client’s psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, counsellor, or another type of mental health professional. Any information, advice, opinions, or any other communication from the Coach does not constitute counselling or psychological, psychogeriatric, or therapeutic advice, treatment, support, or services. The Coach disclaims any responsibility and liability in this respect.”
Protect yourself with this life coaching disclaimer 👉 Pre-written inside my 1-on-1 Coaching Agreement Template, which is fully customizable into the best life coaching agreement template for your coaching business.
2. No Professional-Client Relationship
Why it matters
Without an ironclad coaching disclaimer, a client could later claim that you had an ongoing professional or fiduciary duty — similar to what applies between a doctor and patient or lawyer and client.
This life coaching disclaimer ensures your relationship is limited strictly to the coaching services under your agreement.
What your life coaching disclaimer should include
A clear statement that no professional or ongoing relationship is created beyond the coaching agreement.
Clarification that your role doesn’t carry any legal or fiduciary duties outside the agreed services.
A disclaimer that your responsibility ends when the coaching services conclude.
Example from my coaching disclaimer template
“Participating in and/or using any part of the Services or any other information, materials or guidance from the Coach does not establish a [[your profession]-client relationship or] any kind of professional relationship with the Coach, nor does it create any kind of ongoing legal or professional obligation or responsibility between the Coach and the Client beyond the scope of this Agreement.”
Protect yourself with this clause 👉 Pre-written inside my 1-on-1 Coaching Agreement Template, which is fully customizable into the best life coaching agreement template for your coaching business.
3. Clarify Your Professional Role (if you’re licensed)
Why it matters
If you are a licensed psychologist, doctor, or other professional who also offers coaching, clients might assume you’re acting in your licensed capacity.
A strong life coaching disclaimer should make clear that you’re providing coaching — not therapy, medical, or professional advice. It should protect you from being held to the stricter standards of your licensed profession.
What your life coaching disclaimer should include
A statement that you’re not acting in your professional capacity (if you hold a license).
Clarification that your coaching services are for informational and educational purposes only.
A disclaimer that your guidance doesn’t replace professional advice in your field.
Life coaching disclaimer sample
“Although the Coach is a [insert your profession] by profession, the Coach is not acting in the capacity of the Client’s [profession]. All information provided during and in relation to the Services is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute, and should not be construed as, professional advice.”
Protect yourself with this life coaching disclaimer 👉 Pre-written inside my 1-on-1 Coaching Agreement Template, which is fully customizable into the best life coaching agreement template for your coaching business.
4. Client’s Fitness for Coaching
Why it matters
Another major risk is coaching a client who actually needs help from a licensed professional.
A client might be dealing with emotional, mental, or even physical issues that need treatment and that you don’t even know about.
This disclaimer shifts responsibility back to the client, ensuring they (1) confirm they’re mentally and emotionally capable of participating in coaching, (2) are not currently in therapy or treatment, and (3) don’t need to undergo therapy or treatment.
What your life coaching disclaimer should include
A warranty that the client is in good mental and emotional health.
A statement that they’re not undergoing (or advised to undergo) therapy or medical treatment.
A confirmation that they can fully participate in all aspects of the coaching process.
Example from my coaching disclaimer template
“The Client represents and warrants that they are in good mental and emotional health and capable of engaging fully in all aspects of the Services and are not undergoing and are not advised or aware that the Client should undergo counselling or therapeutic treatment or support.”
Protect yourself with this clause 👉 Pre-written inside my 1-on-1 Coaching Agreement Template, which is fully customizable into the best life coaching agreement template for your coaching business.
5. No Guarantee of Results
Why it matters
Even when you give your best guidance, some clients won’t follow through — or they’ll expect instant transformation.
This proper coaching disclaimer (for any niche) should make clear that coaching doesn’t come with guaranteed results and that clients are responsible for their own decisions, actions, and outcomes.
It protects you from refund requests and unrealistic expectations.
What your life coaching disclaimer should include
A disclaimer that you don’t guarantee any specific results, success, or disclaimer.
A statement that clients are responsible for their own results.
Clarification that your comments and feedback are opinions only.
Example from my coaching disclaimer template
“The Coach is not responsible for (1) the effectiveness of the Services, (2) any results in relation to or outcomes from the Services, or (3) any decisions made by the Client or any other third party based on the Services and/or any results in relation to or outcomes from the Services. The Coach does not represent, warrant, or guarantee the effectiveness of the Services or the results in relation to or outcomes from the Services. The Coach’s comments and feedback about the effectiveness of the Services and/or result(s) and/or outcome(s) are expressions of opinion only.”
Protect yourself with this clause 👉 Pre-written inside my Client Agreement for Coaches, which is fully customizable into the best life coaching agreement template for your coaching business.
6. Sensitive or Controversial Topics
Why it matters
Life coaching often involves exploring deep, personal, or emotional subjects — and not every conversation will feel comfortable.
That’s why a comprehensive life coaching disclaimer should (but often doesn’t) include a disclaimer that protects you if a client becomes upset, offended, or emotionally triggered by topics discussed during sessions.
This is especially important for mindset, relationship, or transformation coaches who address beliefs and behaviour patterns.
What your life coaching disclaimer should include
A statement that sensitive or provocative topics may arise during coaching.
A disclaimer that you’re not responsible for how clients emotionally respond.
Optional mention that profane language or strong discussions may occur.
Example from my coaching disclaimer template
“The Client acknowledges that controversial, sensitive, or provocative topics, including, but not limited to, [[insert any specific controversial or sensitive topics you discuss] or other] political, ethical, religious, social, ideological, or personal views and beliefs, may arise. The Coach may use profane language. The Coach does not intend to harm, offend, distress, or in any way adversely impact the Client or any other third parties. The Coach is not responsible or liable for how such topics are received by the Client or the Client’s emotional or psychological response, including, but not limited to, any harm, offence, distress, or adverse effect the Client may experience.”
Protect yourself with this clause 👉 Pre-written inside my 1-on-1 Coaching Agreement Template, which is fully customizable into the best life coaching agreement template for your coaching business.
7. No Influencing or Persuasion
Why it matters
As a life coach, your goal is to support and empower clients — not to impose your own values or beliefs. However, some clients might accuse you of trying to “influence” or “manipulate” them.
That’s why your life coaching disclaimer should include a special disclaimer that protects you if a client claims they were “manipulated” into changing personal views, making life decisions, or adopting a new mindset.
What your life coaching disclaimer should include
A statement that your coaching doesn’t seek to influence or change a client’s personal beliefs, opinions, or values.
Clarification that any changes the client experiences are a result of their own process.
A disclaimer of responsibility for any personal or behavioural decisions made by the client.
Example from my coaching disclaimer template
“The Coach solely intends to support the Client and does not intend to influence, persuade, alter, or change the Client’s personal views, beliefs, opinions, values, or decisions. The Coach does not impose any (personal or external) agendas, views, opinions, or ideologies upon the Client. The Coach disclaims any responsibility or liability for any decisions, actions, or changes in behaviour that the Client may choose to pursue as a result of the Services. Any shifts in the Client’s views, opinions, values, or beliefs are a direct result of their own internal process. The Coach disclaims any responsibility or liability for any attempts to influence, persuade, alter, or change the Client’s views, opinions, values, beliefs, or decisions.”
Protect yourself with this clause 👉 Pre-written inside my 1-on-1 Coaching Agreement Template, which is fully customizable into the best life coaching agreement template for your coaching business.
Don’t Stop Here — This Life Coaching Disclaimer Template Isn’t All You Need (Yes, There’s More)
The seven disclaimers above are just part of what keeps you protected as a life coach. My 1-on-1 Coaching Agreement Template also includes other key clauses and disclaimers that most coaches overlook — but absolutely need.
Here are some of the examples you need that you’ll find inside:
💻 Technology & Communication Disclaimer – covers issues like lost recordings, connectivity problems, or email delivery errors.
🧾 Cancellation & Refund Policies – protects your income if clients cancel, reschedule, or request a refund.
📚 Intellectual Property Clause – ensures your coaching materials, methods, and tools stay yours.
🛡️ Indemnity & Limitation of Liability Clauses – limit your legal and financial exposure if a client misuses your advice or claims loss.
👉 All of these are already written for you inside my 1-on-1 Coaching Agreement Template — fully customizable into the best life coaching contract for your business.
FAQ — The Answers You Need About the Coaching Disclaimer
Are these 7 disclaimers all the disclaimers I need as a life coach?
No — these are just the core life coaching disclaimer essentials every coaching contract should include. Your agreement should also have disclaimers for platforms, technology, and tools you use that might fail, disclaimers for errors or mistakes that could occur, and disclaimers for changes in your methods or strategies along the way.
And a life coaching disclaimer isn’t the only thing you need. A solid refund policy, cancellation and rescheduling policy, and an intellectual property clause (to protect your coaching methods, workbooks, and materials) are just as important — along with limitations of liability and indemnities to keep your business fully protected.
All of these are pre-written for you in my 1-on-1 Coaching Agreement Template, so that you can launch or update your contract with confidence.
Why are disclaimers important in coaching contracts?
They set clear boundaries, define your professional role, and protect you from being held responsible for things outside your control — like how a client interprets your guidance, applies your advice, or reacts emotionally to your coaching.
Where should I put my life coaching disclaimers?
Inside your coaching contract or terms and conditions that clients must agree to before starting services. That’s what makes them legally binding — a short life coaching disclaimer on your sales page, website, or invoice isn’t enough.
Can I copy a disclaimer from another coach?
No — disclaimers must reflect your specific coaching practices, niche, and methods. Copying someone else’s could leave you with gaps or even conflicting language. That’s why you need a fully customizable life coaching agreement template that includes lawyer-drafted disclaimers tailored to your business.
Is a website disclaimer legally binding? Can’t I just include disclaimers on my sales page or invoice?
A website disclaimer helps protect your free content, but it isn’t enforceable for your paid coaching services, since your clients never actually agreed to it. A contract or set of terms that clients explicitly sign or check a box to accept is what makes your disclaimers legally valid.
Do disclaimers protect me if a client claims harm?
Yes — they greatly reduce your risk by confirming that clients are responsible for their own results and emotional responses. Once they’ve signed your contract (or agreed to your terms), they’ve explicitly accepted that responsibility — giving you strong legal protection if issues arise.
The ULTIMATE Life Coaching Contract Template Free of Fluff
A proper life coaching disclaimer is what keeps your boundaries, reputation, and peace of mind intact. The right disclaimers make sure that trust never gets confused with legal or professional obligations you didn’t agree to.
With my 1-on-1 Coaching Agreement Template, you’ll get every disclaimer you’ve seen in this post — plus all the extra clauses and legal protections that most coaches forget to include.
It’s fully customizable, written in plain English, and designed specifically for life coaches who want to stay protected and look professional.
👉 Get your 1-on-1 Coaching Agreement Template today and make sure your coaching contract includes every disclaimer and legal protection your business needs.
This post was all about what to include in your life coaching disclaimer — so you can coach confidently, protect your business, and avoid legal headaches.
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