SALT LAKE CITY — The circumstances surrounding the mother’s involvement with the now-convicted licensed counselor Jodi Hildebrandt have been brought to light.
A character reference letter from Franke’s brother, Beau, revealed that he also enrolled in Jodi Hildebrandt’s online life coaching service, ConneXions Classroom, likening it to a cult. In a communication to the judge and parole board, Beau expressed concerns about the program’s deceptive nature, stating, “Many of the teachings from the ConneXions program seemed reasonable and positive. However, I later realized that these very aspects made the program exceptionally perilous.”
According to Franke’s parents, Chad and Jennifer Griffiths, their daughter sought the assistance of a family therapist/counselor to address issues with her teenage son, Chad. The Griffiths observed a shift in Ruby’s mindset during the summer of 2020, culminating in her complete estrangement from them, her siblings, and close friends by that fall.
During her sentencing, Franke admitted to compensating Hildebrandt for mentorship. She actively contributed to ConneXions by generating and sharing content, particularly focusing on dispensing online parenting guidance.
Mark Steinagel, the director of the Utah Division of Professional Licensing under the Department of Commerce, highlighted the lack of regulation in the state concerning life coaching. He acknowledged receiving complaints related to life coaching encroaching into mental health therapy territory, with a significant portion of grievances involving therapists overstepping boundaries.
Addressing the need for regulation, Steinagel mentioned a proposed bill that outlines requirements for life coaching but clarified that it would not be considered in the 2024 legislative session, citing the necessity for further examination. He emphasized the importance of defining potential harm, scope of practice, and protective measures to guide the licensing framework.
Regarding the potential re-licensing of convicted individuals like Hildebrandt, Steinagel emphasized the cautious approach adopted by the Department of Commerce and licensing boards. While existing statutes do not outright deny relicensing, serious criminal offenses related to the profession present significant barriers.
When questioned about the continuity of ConneXions Classroom post-Hildebrandt, Steinagel indicated that if the operation remained within the unregulated realm of life coaching, it could potentially persist.
Steinagel advocated for the regulation of life coaching in Utah to mitigate public risks and ensure accountability. He highlighted the importance of legislation like [ppp1] aimed at enhancing accessibility to behavioral health practitioners while enforcing stringent standards and safeguards.
Jeff Shumway, the director of the Office of Professional Licensure Review, elaborated on the bill’s provisions, emphasizing the increased requirements for therapist licensure, including mandatory direct client hours and observation. The bill also mandates repeated criminal background checks and patient disclosures to enhance transparency and safety.
DOPL expressed optimism regarding the bill’s progression in the upcoming legislative session, underscoring the significance of verifying the credentials and suitability of mental health professionals for individuals seeking assistance.
Steinagel stressed the need for thorough vetting of professionals in various fields, urging individuals to verify licenses, check references, and explore additional avenues to ensure they engage the most suitable and qualified professionals for their needs.