CPC Ethics, Boundaries & Professional Conduct 2

Question 1

A client discloses they are in a romantic relationship with their previous therapist. What is the coach's primary ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the disclosure, maintain the coaching focus, and avoid becoming a fact-finder in another professional's ethics case

Answer

Coaches should stay within their scope and not investigate or adjudicate ethical violations by other professionals.

Question 2

Which practice BEST demonstrates a coach maintaining professional boundaries with a long-term client?

Accepted Answer

Consistently beginning and ending sessions at the scheduled times

Answer

Consistent time boundaries signal professionalism and reinforce the structured nature of the coaching relationship.

Question 3

A coach realizes mid-engagement that a client's goals have shifted to grief counseling needs beyond coaching scope. The ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Discuss the shift with the client and provide a referral to a licensed grief counselor

Answer

When client needs exceed coaching scope, the ethical action is transparent communication and referral to an appropriate professional.

Question 4

Under ICF ethics, how should a coach handle a situation where two clients who know each other are both in the coach's practice?

Accepted Answer

Maintain strict confidentiality and never disclose either client relationship to the other

Answer

Confidentiality requires the coach never to reveal that someone is a client, regardless of their social connections.

Question 5

A coach is offered equity in a client's startup as payment for coaching services. What ethical consideration is MOST important?

Accepted Answer

The potential for a conflict of interest that could compromise the coach's objectivity

Answer

Financial stake in a client's outcome can bias a coach's guidance and undermine the client's best interest.

(CPC) Life Coach Certified Practice Test