Last updated: April 29, 2026
James Lidback Coaching is committed to honest, transparent relationships with clients. This page explains what coaching is, what it isn't, where to turn in a crisis, and the terms under which coaching services are offered. By booking a session or engaging in coaching, you confirm that you have read and understood the information below.
Coaching Is Not Therapy or Medical Treatment
James Lidback is a life coach. He is not a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, addiction counselor, or other licensed mental-health or medical professional. Coaching is not psychotherapy, counseling, mental-health treatment, addiction treatment, or medical care, and it is not a substitute for any of those services.
Coaching is a forward-looking, action-oriented partnership focused on growth, accountability, mindset, and personal development. Coaching does not diagnose, prevent, or treat any mental, emotional, or physical condition.
If you are currently being treated by a licensed mental-health, medical, or addiction professional, you should continue working with that professional. Please discuss any concerns with your provider, and let James know about any treatment you are receiving so that coaching can complement your care, not replace it.
If You Are in Crisis
If you are in immediate danger, having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or experiencing a mental-health emergency, please reach out to a qualified crisis resource right now. James Lidback Coaching is not an emergency or crisis service.
United States
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 24/7, free and confidential, mental health and substance use.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
- Emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
Outside the United States, please contact your local emergency services, or visit findahelpline.com for international crisis lines.
If you are concerned about someone else, the same resources can guide you in helping them.
Addiction & Recovery
James openly shares his lived experience with addiction and recovery, and many of the men he works with are in some stage of that journey. Coaching can be a meaningful complement to recovery, but it is not a treatment program for substance-use disorders. If you are actively struggling with addiction, please work with a licensed treatment provider, recovery program, sponsor, or medical professional alongside any coaching engagement.
Emotional Healing & Trauma
Coaching with James often touches on emotionally charged territory: identity loss after divorce, parental alienation, depression, grief, and the long shadow of trauma. While coaching can support healing, it is not a substitute for trauma-focused therapy or clinical care. If you have a history of trauma, PTSD, severe depression or anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or other clinical mental-health concerns, you are encouraged to work with a licensed therapist in addition to (or instead of) coaching. James reserves the right to recommend, at any point, that a client seek licensed clinical support, and to pause or end the coaching engagement if it is in the client's best interest to do so.
Confidentiality
James treats client conversations with discretion and respect. However, coaching confidentiality is not protected by the same laws that govern licensed therapists, doctors, or attorneys. There is no legally privileged communication between coach and client. If you require legally protected confidentiality, please work with a licensed professional.
James will not share identifying details of coaching sessions in public materials without your explicit written permission. The only exceptions are situations where the law requires disclosure, or where there is reasonable concern about imminent harm to you or another person.
No Guarantees & Personal Responsibility
Coaching outcomes depend on many factors, and the most important is your own willingness to engage, reflect, and act. James cannot and does not guarantee specific results: emotional, relational, financial, or otherwise. Testimonials on this site reflect individual experiences and are not promises of similar outcomes for any other person.
You retain full responsibility for the decisions you make and the actions you take during and after any coaching engagement. Coaching offers perspective, accountability, and tools; it does not make decisions for you.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, James Lidback and James Lidback Coaching are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from participation in coaching services or use of this website. By engaging in coaching, you acknowledge that you are doing so voluntarily and at your own risk.
Website Information
Information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. External links are provided as a courtesy; James Lidback Coaching is not responsible for the content of third-party websites.
Updates to This Disclaimer
This disclaimer may be updated from time to time. The date at the top of the page reflects the most recent revision. Continued engagement in coaching services after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Questions
If anything here is unclear, or if you have questions before booking, reach out at james@jameslidbackcoaching.com. I would rather have the conversation up front than after the fact.