Title: Legal Threats and Financial Coercion: The Relationship School’s Pattern of Silencing and Pressuring Students

Article:

A growing number of former students are coming forward to share disturbing allegations against The Relationship School, founded by self-proclaimed relationship expert Jayson Gaddis. The central claims involve a pattern of legal intimidation, coercive financial tactics, and false accusations of fraud—all designed to force students to remain silent, pay thousands of dollars, and waive their right to dispute charges.

At the center of this controversy are two premium-priced programs: Relationship Mastery and the Relationship Coach Training Program—which cost between $5,000 and $9,000 depending on payment structure. Critics allege that once enrolled, participants face high-pressure contracts, little transparency, and retaliation if they try to withdraw, speak up, or file a chargeback.

Accusations of Defamation to Suppress Complaints

Several individuals report receiving threatening cease-and-desist letters from Gaddis or his legal representatives after expressing dissatisfaction online or asking for refunds. These letters accuse students of defamation—even when their statements reflect their personal experiences, course costs, and contract terms.

However, expressing a negative opinion or disclosing what one paid for a service is not defamation under Canadian or U.S. law. Legal experts affirm that consumers have the right to share truthful accounts of their experiences, especially regarding financial dealings, lack of accreditation, and misleading sales tactics.

Forcing Students to Pay—and Cancel Chargebacks

One of the most alarming allegations is that Gaddis and The Relationship School pressure students who initiate chargebacks through their banks to cancel those disputes—even in cases where the student feels misled or financially trapped. According to reports, students have been contacted and told to reverse their chargebacks, or face legal action for breach of contract or defamation.

Some individuals say they were coerced into paying the full $5,000+ price tag, regardless of personal hardship or program dissatisfaction, simply to avoid being sued or harassed. Others were allegedly warned that speaking out publicly—or leaving a bad review—would violate their agreement and trigger further legal threats.

Unaccredited and Unregulated—but Presented as Professional

Despite presenting itself as a coaching institution, The Relationship School is not accredited or regulated by any official psychological, academic, or coaching authority. In Canada, legitimate coach training programs can be recognized by bodies like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or overseen by provincial regulatory bodies when mental health services are involved.

By contrast, The Relationship School operates outside of these systems—yet still charges professional-level prices and markets its programs as transformational certifications. Students are then locked into binding contracts that offer no meaningful refund policy, and no third-party oversight if problems arise.

The Silence Strategy: Legal Threats Over Accountability

This is not an isolated incident. Multiple reports across forums, consumer platforms, and complaint boards describe a consistent pattern of silence and suppression:

• Cease-and-desist letters sent within days of posting a negative comment

• Accusations of fraud for using the legal chargeback process

• Forced payment plans enforced despite withdrawal or non-participation

• No clear grievance process within the organization itself

Rather than addressing the root issues—like transparency, ethical pricing, or program quality—Gaddis and his legal team appear more interested in intimidating former students into compliance and preventing negative information from becoming public.

Conclusion: A Dangerous Precedent for Online Education

Online education, especially in the coaching industry, must be grounded in transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. When an unaccredited business uses contracts and threats to force thousands of dollars out of struggling students, it crosses a serious line.

Students deserve better than to be legally cornered for exercising their right to speak out, ask questions, or protect their finances. Until The Relationship School chooses transparency over silence, and resolution over retaliation, its reputation will only continue to unravel.

Tags: The Relationship School, Jayson Gaddis, cease and desist, defamation threats, coaching fraud, chargeback suppression, Relationship Mastery, Relationship Coach Training, unaccredited program, financial coercion, consumer rights