Introduction

This Code of Ethics is established to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct in the field of life coaching. It serves as a guiding framework for ethical decision-making and behavior, promoting integrity, competence, problem-prevention, and coaching responsibility.

Reason for Having a Coaching Profession Code of Ethics

1. Establish and maintain standards of ethical conduct.
2. Inform and protect clients seeking coaching services.
3. Guide coaches in their practice.
4. Serve as a basis for addressing ethical concerns and complaints.

 

How Code of Ethics Assists Coaches & Clients

            For Coaches

• Provides clear pro-active guidelines for professional conduct.
• Offers a framework for ethical decision-making.
• Enhances credibility and professionalism.
• Helps avoid reputational risks by meeting professional standards and competencies.
• Identifies potential areas of risk and pro-active actions to protect yourself.

            For Clients

• Ensures a standard of care and professionalism.
• Protects their interests and well-being.
• Clarifies what they can expect from a coaching relationship. 

Disclaimer of Liability

This Code of Ethics is not and shall not under any circumstance constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on the part of our “Organization” (aka CYD LLC, Create Your Destiny, and any other affiliated coaching services.)  Adherence to this Code does not guarantee legal compliance by coaches using, affiliated with, or learning from our “Organization”.  Coaches are responsible for ensuring their practices comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Definitions

Coach: A professional who works with clients to facilitate personal and professional growth through a collaborative, solution-focused process. 

Client: An individual or entity receiving coaching services.

Coaching: A partnering process in which a coach supports a client in achieving specific personal or professional goals and inspires them to maximize their potential.

 Coaching Relationship: The professional agreement and interaction between a coach and a client.

Conflict of Interest: A situation where a coach's personal or professional interests compete with or compromise their professional responsibilities.

Equality: The principle of treating all clients with equal respect and consideration, regardless of personal characteristics or circumstances including gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religion, mental or physical disability, or national origin.

Conditions Under Which Information Will Not Be Kept Confidential

While confidentiality is a cornerstone of the coaching relationship, there are circumstances where confidentiality may be breached:

1. When required by law.

2. To prevent clear and imminent danger to the client or others.

3. With the express consent of the client.

 

Ethical Standards

1. Responsibility to Client

Clear Communication and Expectations

• Clearly communicate the nature of the coaching relationship, including limitations.
• Establish clear agreements with clients regarding coaching processes, fees, and schedules.
• Provide accurate information about qualifications, expertise, and experience.

Respect for Client Autonomy

• Respect for client autonomy, which is crucial in empowering clients to make their own decisions.
• Recognize and honor the client's right to make their own decisions.
• Avoid imposing personal values or beliefs on clients.
• Support clients in developing their own solutions and strategies.

Client Welfare

• Prioritize the client's well-being and best interests at all times.
• Respect the client's right to make their own decisions.
• Avoid any actions or situations that may harm the client.

2. Practice & Performance

Competence

• Refer clients to other professionals when issues are beyond coaching expertise.
• Continuously enhance coaching skills through ongoing education and training.
• Incorporate evidence-based techniques and approaches in coaching practice when appropriate and possible.

Scope of Practice

• Work within the boundaries of personal competence and qualifications.
• Clearly communicate the boundaries of coaching and distinguish it from therapy, consulting, or other professional services.

Time Management

• Respect agreed-upon time boundaries for coaching sessions.
• Avoid extending sessions or availability in ways that could create dependency. 

3. Professional Conduct, Behavior and Boundaries

Honesty and Transparency

• Maintain honesty in all professional interactions.
• Be transparent about coaching processes, potential outcomes, and limitations.
• Provide accurate information about qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise.

Integrity and Professionalism

• Maintain the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct.
• Act in a manner that enhances the reputation of the coaching profession.
• Continuously develop professional skills and knowledge.

Relationship Dynamics

• Maintain appropriate professional relationships with clients at all times.
• Avoid dual relationships that could impair professional judgment or increase the risk of harm to clients.
• Refrain from entering into personal, business, financial, romantic, or sexual relationships with current clients.
• Wait for a minimum of two years after the termination of the coaching relationship before considering any form of personal relationship with a former client.

Supervision and Support

• Engage in regular supervision or peer support to discuss boundary issues and ethical dilemmas.
• Seek professional help when personal issues arise that may impact the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.

• Coaches must regularly reflect on their boundary practices and be willing to address any issues that arise promptly and professionally.

 Boundaries

• Maintaining clear and consistent boundaries is crucial for the safety, trust, and effectiveness of the coaching relationship.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients.
• Avoid dual relationships that may impair professional judgment or increase the risk of harm to clients.
• Act within your scope of practice by clarifying your role and expectations.
• Recommend seeking other professional services or refer clients to other professionals when beyond your scope of practice.

Physical Contact

• Avoid unnecessary physical contact with clients.
• Obtain explicit consent for any physical contact that may be part of the coaching process (e.g., in somatic coaching approaches).
• Respect cultural differences regarding physical contact and personal space.
• Do not engage in sexual or romantic relationships with current clients.

Social Media and Online Presence

• Maintain appropriate boundaries in online interactions with clients.
• Develop clear policies regarding connecting with clients on social media platforms.
• Protect client confidentiality in all online activities

Self-Disclosure

• Use self-disclosure judiciously and only when it serves the client's best interests.
• Avoid excessive self-disclosure that shifts focus away from the client.

 Power Differential

• Recognize and respect the inherent power differential in the coaching relationship.
• Avoid exploiting clients financially, sexually, emotionally, or in any other manner.
• Use their position of influence responsibly and in the best interest of the client.

Gift Giving & Receiving

• Establish clear policies regarding the acceptance of gifts from clients.
• Avoid accepting gifts that could create a sense of obligation or compromise the professional nature of the relationship.

Financial Boundaries

• Maintain clear and professional financial arrangements with clients.
• Avoid lending money to or borrowing money from clients.

“Do No Harm” Principle

• Respect client’s right to privacy, autonomy, dignity, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
• Minimize risk of harm to reputational damage.
• Coaching without consent

Agreements

• Establish clear and transparent agreements with clients.

4. Confidentiality and Privacy

• Maintain strict confidentiality of all client information.
• Disclose confidentiality limitations and legal obligations to report certain information.
• Obtain written permission before sharing any client information for case studies or supervision.

5. Conflicts of Interest

• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest to clients and relevant parties.
• Take appropriate action to eliminate or manage any conflicts that arise.

6. Ethical Marketing and Representation

• Represent coaching services and potential outcomes accurately and honestly.
• Do not make false or exaggerated claims about coaching results.
• Respect intellectual property rights and give appropriate credit for others' work.

7. Professional Relationships

• Maintain respectful and professional relationships with other coaches and professionals.
• Avoid undermining colleagues or making disparaging remarks about other coaching approaches.

Professional Collaboration

• Foster collaborative relationships with other professionals when in the best interest of the clients.
• Respect the expertise of other professionals and refer clients when appropriate.
• Maintain clear boundaries and communication in collaborative professional relationships.

8. Diversity and Inclusion - Cultural Sensitivity and Non-Discrimination

• Respect the diversity of clients and avoid discrimination based on age, race, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, or any other factor.
• Be aware of and sensitive to cultural differences and their impact on the coaching relationship.

9. Intellectual Property Responsibility

• Respect intellectual property rights of others.
• Properly attribute sources of methodologies, tools, and materials used in coaching.
• Obtain necessary permissions before using copyrighted or trademarked materials.
• Protect the coach's own intellectual property and that of their clients.

10. Financial Integrity

• Maintain clear and fair financial practices.
• Provide transparent information about fees and payment policies.
• Avoid financial arrangements that may adversely affect the coaching relationship or outcome.

11. Technology and Online Coaching

• Ensure the confidentiality and security of online coaching sessions and client data.
• Be proficient in the technology used for online coaching and have contingency plans for technical issues.

12. Compliance and Ethics Violations

• Adhere to this Code of Ethics and all applicable laws and regulations.
• Report observed violations of the Code through appropriate channels.
• Cooperate fully with ethics investigations and proceedings.

13. Self-Care and Personal Development

• Maintain personal health and well-being to ensure optimal professional performance.
• Engage in regular self-reflection and seek supervision or peer support when needed.

14. Termination of Services

• Recognize when it's appropriate to terminate the coaching relationship.
• Provide referrals when necessary, ensuring a smooth transition for the client.
• Respect the client's right to terminate coaching at any time.
• Be prepared to suggest alternative support resources when appropriate.