Professional Conduct and Coaching Business Essentials
Ethics and Scope
Professional coaching conduct centers on scope of practice, informed consent, confidentiality, and avoiding harm. Coaches stay within their training: they do not diagnose, prescribe, or provide medical or psychological treatment. Know when and how to refer-clients with symptoms, clinical conditions, or needs beyond coaching scope. Informed consent means explaining the coaching process, fees, confidentiality limits, and the client's right to stop. Confidentiality has legal and ethical limits (e.g., risk of harm), and records should be handled securely. Recognize the importance of cultural competence, avoiding dual relationships that compromise objectivity, and maintaining professional boundaries.
Business Essentials
Understand the practical side: clear coaching agreements, defining services and fees, scheduling and cancellation policies, and professional liability insurance. Know the value of continuing education and credential maintenance. Marketing should be truthful and avoid outcome guarantees or misleading claims. Documentation should be accurate, objective, and secure. Be familiar with the distinction between coaching and other licensed professions, and why credentialing bodies set ethical standards.
Traps
Questions test scope repeatedly: the correct answer is usually referral or consultation, not expanding the coach's role. Watch for answers that promise specific health outcomes, breach confidentiality casually, or blur coaching with therapy. Another trap is assuming a signed agreement removes the need for ongoing consent and boundary clarity.
Rule of Thumb
Ask: "Is this within my scope, consented to, and in the client's best interest?" If any answer is no, refer, clarify, or consult-do not proceed.