Ethics & Professional Standards in Relationship Coaching Flashcards

A client asks the coach to communicate on their behalf to the client's partner outside of sessions. The coach should:

Answer: Decline, as acting as a messenger or intermediary falls outside the coaching role

Serving as an intermediary between a client and their partner violates role boundaries and creates triangulated relationships that undermine coaching integrity.

Which best describes the purpose of a coaching supervision arrangement for a CRC practitioner?

Answer: To provide reflective support that helps the coach maintain ethical practice and professional growth

Supervision offers a reflective space for coaches to examine their practice, manage ethical dilemmas, and continue developing without a senior coach intervening in sessions.

A coach routinely uses social media to post about 'lessons learned from clients this week.' Even without names, this practice is ethically questionable because:

Answer: Clients may recognize their own situations, and the coach has not obtained consent to share

Even without identifying details, sharing themes from client sessions without consent risks breaching confidentiality if clients recognize their own circumstances.

A CRC coach is certified through one body but practices a niche modality (e.g., somatic techniques) they learned in a weekend workshop. Ethically, the coach should:

Answer: Only use the modality if they have sufficient training and disclose its experimental nature if relevant

Coaches must only offer modalities within their genuine competency and be transparent with clients about the nature and depth of training underpinning any specialized approach.

When a client discloses information suggesting a child in their household is being abused, the coach's ethical duty under most US jurisdictions is to:

Answer: Report the concern to child protective services as a mandated reporter if applicable

Many US states classify coaches as mandated reporters for child abuse; even where not mandated, ethical standards require breaking confidentiality when a child's safety is at risk.

Fee transparency in relationship coaching ethics means the coach must:

Answer: Clearly disclose all fees, payment terms, and refund policies before the coaching agreement is signed

Ethical coaches disclose all financial terms before the engagement begins so clients can make fully informed decisions without surprises.

A coach who is also a trained psychologist provides coaching services. Which ethical concern is most salient in this scenario?

Answer: Clients may assume the interaction carries therapeutic protections it does not, requiring clear role clarification

When a coach holds additional clinical credentials, clients may blur the distinction between coaching and therapy; explicit role clarification at intake is therefore essential.