Coaching & Educational Disclaimer

The Ripple Stone | Chris Blackman Coaching

Last updated: 18 October 2026

1. Introduction

The Ripple Stone explores how our thoughts, beliefs, emotions, values, decisions and actions can influence the direction of our lives.

Through books, coaching, podcasts, articles and educational resources, our aim is to encourage greater self-awareness, reflection and understanding of how different areas of life interact.

We believe that personal development begins with awareness and that understanding the influences on our decisions can help us make more informed choices.

However, every individual has different circumstances, experiences, needs and responsibilities.

This Coaching & Educational Disclaimer explains the purpose and limitations of the information, resources and services provided through The Ripple Stone and Chris Blackman Coaching.

It is intended to help visitors, readers, listeners and coaching clients understand what they can reasonably expect and when additional professional support may be appropriate.

Nothing in this disclaimer removes or restricts your statutory rights or our legal responsibilities.

2. About Us

The Ripple Stone website is operated by Chris Blackman Coaching, the trading name of Chris Blackman, a sole trader operating in the United Kingdom.

Business information

Trading name: Chris Blackman Coaching
Business owner and coach: Chris Blackman
Business structure: Sole trader
Website: https://theripplestone.co.uk
Email: hello@theripplestone.co.uk
Business correspondence address: 3, Whiteway Close, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 4AT, England, United Kingdom.

Throughout this document, references to "we", "us" and "our" mean Chris Blackman trading as Chris Blackman Coaching.

3. Purpose of Our Content and Services

The Ripple Stone and its associated Navigating the Lake framework provide an approach to exploring personal experiences, decision-making and the interconnected areas of life.

Our materials and services may encourage individuals to reflect on:

Their personal values, beliefs and priorities.
Their goals, aspirations and desired direction.
Their thoughts, emotions, habits and behaviours.
Their health, energy and personal capacity.
Their relationships, family and other areas of life.
External influences and circumstances.
The possible consequences and wider effects of their decisions.

These ideas are intended to encourage personal reflection, learning and development.

They are not presented as universal solutions or guarantees of particular outcomes.

Individuals are encouraged to consider the relevance of any information or exercise to their own circumstances.

4. Educational and Informational Content

Information published through The Ripple Stone is generally provided for educational, informational and personal development purposes.

This includes content available through:

Our website and blog.
The Ripple Stone books and related publications.
The Ripple Stone podcast.
The Navigator's Resource Library.
Navigating the Lake: Navigator's Log.
Downloadable worksheets and educational exercises.
Videos, social media posts and other published material.
Educational presentations and talks.

Although we aim to present information thoughtfully and accurately, general educational material cannot account for every individual's personal circumstances.

An example, perspective or approach that is useful to one person may not be suitable for another.

Readers, listeners and visitors should consider their own circumstances and seek appropriately qualified professional advice where necessary.

Accessing our general educational content does not, by itself, establish a professional coaching relationship.

5. The Nature of Coaching

Coaching is a collaborative process that supports reflection, awareness, learning and personal development.

Our coaching approach is informed by The Ripple Stone and Navigating the Lake and may use reflective questioning, cognitive and behavioural approaches, structured exercises and other personal development techniques.

The purpose of coaching is to help clients explore their experiences, consider different perspectives, understand influences on their decisions and identify actions they may wish to take.

Coaching is not intended to dictate what someone should believe, decide or do.

The coach provides a structured and supportive process, while clients retain autonomy over their own decisions.

Coaching services are subject to our separate Coaching Terms & Conditions, which explain the arrangements and responsibilities associated with the coaching relationship.

6. Coaching Is Not Therapy or Medical Treatment

Chris Blackman Coaching provides personal development coaching.

Our coaching services are not offered as psychotherapy, psychological diagnosis, psychiatric care, medical treatment or clinical mental health services.

Although coaching may involve discussion of emotions, beliefs, behaviours, stress and personal difficulties, these discussions do not constitute a clinical assessment or treatment.

The use of cognitive, behavioural or other personal development techniques within coaching should not be interpreted as the provision of regulated clinical services.

Coaching is not a substitute for:

Assessment or treatment by a qualified medical practitioner.
Psychological therapy or psychotherapy.
Psychiatric assessment or treatment.
Diagnosis or management of a mental health condition.
Prescribed medication or medical treatment.
Specialist support for trauma, addiction or other clinical needs.

If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

You should not discontinue, change or disregard prescribed treatment because of something discussed in coaching or encountered through our educational materials.

Coaching may complement other forms of support where appropriate, but it does not replace them.

7. Mental Health, Emotional Wellbeing and Personal Safety

Personal reflection can sometimes involve exploring difficult experiences, challenging beliefs or uncomfortable emotions.

We recognise that these discussions may be emotionally demanding.

Clients are encouraged to communicate if a discussion or exercise feels uncomfortable or unsuitable.

You may decline to answer a question, pause an exercise or request that a particular topic is not explored.

We aim to respond appropriately to concerns raised during coaching and to remain within the professional scope of the services we provide.

When additional support may be appropriate

If coaching reveals concerns that fall outside our professional scope, we may discuss whether support from a GP, counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist or another appropriately qualified professional would be more suitable.

We may also recommend postponing or discontinuing coaching where continuing would be inappropriate.

Urgent support and emergencies

Chris Blackman Coaching is not an emergency or crisis intervention service.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend an appropriate Accident & Emergency department.

In England, urgent mental health support that is not an immediate emergency can be accessed through NHS 111, including the mental health option.

You can also contact Samaritans on 116 123 for emotional support.

Coaching appointments, email correspondence and educational resources must not be relied upon for urgent or emergency assistance.

8. Medical, Financial and Legal Matters

The Ripple Stone explores different areas of life, including health, finances, relationships, career and personal circumstances.

These subjects may arise in coaching sessions, educational examples or reflective exercises.

However, discussion of a particular subject does not constitute specialist professional advice.

Medical and health matters

Information relating to health, wellbeing, energy, lifestyle or habits is provided for general educational and reflective purposes.

It is not intended as individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Financial matters

Discussion of finances, security, career decisions or financial priorities is intended to support personal reflection.

We do not provide regulated financial advice, personalised investment recommendations, debt counselling or other specialist financial services.

Legal matters

Information or discussion relating to relationships, employment, family circumstances or other legal issues should not be interpreted as legal advice.

Where a legal matter requires professional attention, appropriate advice should be sought from a qualified legal professional.

Clients remain free to seek specialist advice alongside coaching whenever appropriate.

9. Individual Circumstances and Personal Decisions

Every person approaches life with different experiences, responsibilities, opportunities, constraints and priorities.

The Ripple Stone and Navigating the Lake provide ways of reflecting on these influences, but they cannot determine what choices are right for every individual.

Examples used in our books, podcasts, articles or coaching materials are intended to illustrate concepts rather than prescribe particular actions.

You are encouraged to consider:

Your own circumstances and responsibilities.
The information available to you.
The potential consequences of your choices.
Your personal values and priorities.
The interests and wellbeing of other people who may be affected.
Whether additional professional guidance would be helpful.

Coaching clients retain responsibility for deciding which actions to pursue and how to apply the ideas explored.

This does not remove our responsibility to deliver agreed coaching services with reasonable care and skill.

10. Outcomes and Expectations

We aim to provide thoughtful, professional and constructive coaching and educational resources.

However, personal development is not a predictable or identical process for everyone.

The benefits of coaching or educational resources may be influenced by numerous factors, including individual circumstances, personal engagement, opportunities and events outside either party's control.

We therefore do not guarantee:

Particular personal or professional achievements.
Improvements in relationships or family circumstances.
Changes in financial circumstances or career outcomes.
Specific improvements in emotional wellbeing.
The achievement of a particular goal or destination.
That a particular exercise or technique will be suitable for everyone.

We do not present individual experiences, testimonials or illustrative examples as guarantees of future results.

Although specific outcomes cannot be promised, we remain responsible for delivering our contracted services with reasonable care and skill and meeting applicable legal obligations.

11. Books, Podcasts and Personal Experiences

The Ripple Stone books, podcasts, blog articles and other educational materials may contain personal reflections, illustrative stories, metaphors and examples drawn from everyday life.

These materials are intended to communicate ideas and encourage reflection.

They may explore family life, relationships, career decisions, challenges, personal growth and other experiences.

The circumstances described in an example may differ substantially from those of the reader or listener.

Where personal experiences or opinions are shared, they represent the perspective being expressed and should not automatically be interpreted as professional advice for another person's circumstances.

Examples are not intended to suggest that everyone will experience the same results or should make the same decisions.

Readers and listeners should exercise their own judgement when considering how the ideas relate to their lives.

12. Worksheets, Exercises and Self-Guided Resources

The Navigator's Resource Library, Navigating the Lake: Navigator's Log and our other educational materials may contain questions, exercises and activities intended to support self-reflection.

These resources are designed to help individuals explore their circumstances, values, decisions and experiences.

They are not clinical assessment tools and should not be interpreted as providing a diagnosis or determining psychological or medical conditions.

Participation in exercises is voluntary.

You may choose which questions to answer, how deeply to explore a subject and whether an exercise is appropriate for you.

If a resource raises concerns that would benefit from specialist support, we encourage you to seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.

Self-guided resources do not provide the same individualised interaction as a coaching session.

Downloading or completing a worksheet does not establish a coaching relationship with Chris Blackman Coaching.

13. Professional Use of Our Frameworks and Materials

The ideas explored through The Ripple Stone may be relevant to coaches, educators, organisations and other professionals.

However, accessing our published materials does not provide professional accreditation, clinical qualifications or certification to deliver services on our behalf.

The use of the framework in another professional context does not automatically indicate endorsement, supervision or authorisation by Chris Blackman Coaching.

Professionals remain responsible for operating within their own qualifications, competence, legal responsibilities and applicable professional standards.

Where someone wishes to reproduce or commercially use protected materials, our Copyright & Intellectual Property Policy applies.

14. Coaching Confidentiality and Personal Information

We recognise that coaching may involve the discussion of private and sensitive personal information.

Information shared during coaching is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Coaching Terms & Conditions.

Confidentiality is subject to applicable legal obligations and other lawful grounds for disclosure, including certain circumstances involving serious risks of harm.

AI-assisted note-taking

We may use Zoom AI Companion to support the preparation of coaching session summaries.

Clients will be informed beforehand, and their agreement to AI-assisted note-taking will be sought.

Relevant notes are retained in accordance with the periods and safeguards explained in our Privacy Policy.

We do not routinely record complete audio or video sessions for note-taking purposes.

More information is available in our Privacy Policy:

https://theripplestone.co.uk/legal/privacy-policy

15. Communication and Support Between Sessions

Clients participating in the twelve-session Navigating the Lake coaching programme receive email support between sessions, as described in our Coaching Terms & Conditions.

We aim to respond to coaching-related emails within two working days.

This support is intended to complement scheduled sessions and is not an emergency, crisis intervention or continuous monitoring service.

Ongoing coaching-related email support is not included with individual coaching session purchases.

Administrative communication remains available for bookings, payments and other service-related enquiries.

Clients should not rely on email support for urgent medical, psychological or safety matters.

16. Third-Party Information and External Resources

Our website, books, podcast and other materials may refer to independent organisations, professionals, services or websites.

These references may be included to provide context, educational examples or information about further resources.

A reference or link does not necessarily indicate that Chris Blackman Coaching endorses or guarantees every statement, product or service provided by the third party.

We do not control the content or independent practices of external organisations.

Where you choose to use another service, its own terms, professional responsibilities and privacy arrangements may apply.

Nothing in this section removes any responsibility that we may have under applicable law.

17. Accuracy and Development of Our Materials

The Ripple Stone is an evolving body of work.

Our understanding, explanations, resources and educational materials may develop as we continue to explore and communicate the ideas behind the framework.

We make reasonable efforts to present content clearly and accurately.

However, published material may reflect the knowledge, context or perspective available at the time of publication.

We may review, correct or update materials where appropriate.

Where content forms part of a purchased product or an agreed service, our relevant contractual obligations and your statutory rights remain unaffected.

18. Our Legal Responsibilities

This disclaimer is intended to explain the scope and limitations of our educational materials and coaching services.

It is not intended to exclude liability where doing so would be unlawful or unfair.

Nothing in this disclaimer excludes or restricts responsibility for:

Death or personal injury caused by negligence.
Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.
Failure to provide contracted services with reasonable care and skill.
Breaches of statutory consumer rights.
Faulty or misdescribed goods or digital content.
Any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.

We do not guarantee particular personal development outcomes, but we remain responsible for meeting our contractual and legal obligations.

Your statutory rights remain unaffected.

19. Relationship With Other Policies

This Coaching & Educational Disclaimer should be read alongside the other relevant policies and agreements published on our website.

These include:

Website Terms & Conditions

https://theripplestone.co.uk/legal/website-terms

Coaching Terms & Conditions

https://theripplestone.co.uk/legal/coaching-terms

https://theripplestone.co.uk/legal/privacy-policy

Refund & Cancellation Policy

https://theripplestone.co.uk/legal/refunds-and-cancellations

https://theripplestone.co.uk/legal/copyright

Where you purchase coaching services, the applicable Coaching Terms & Conditions and Refund & Cancellation Policy govern the contractual arrangements.

Nothing in this disclaimer overrides those agreements or your statutory consumer rights.

20. Changes to This Disclaimer

We may review and update this Coaching & Educational Disclaimer to reflect changes in our publications, coaching services, educational resources or applicable legal requirements.

The latest version will be made available on our website with an updated revision date.

Where changes affect existing contractual rights or obligations, those changes will only apply in accordance with the relevant agreement and applicable law.

21. Contact Information

If you have questions about this disclaimer, the nature of our coaching services or the intended use of our educational materials, please contact:

Chris Blackman Coaching

Trading name of Chris Blackman, a sole trader operating in the United Kingdom.

Website: https://theripplestone.co.uk

Email: hello@theripplestone.co.uk

Business correspondence address: 3, Whiteway Close, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 4AT, England, United Kingdom.

Our intention is to provide accessible educational materials and responsible coaching services that support reflection, awareness and personal development while respecting the individual circumstances and choices of those who engage with our work.