Professional Ethics and Boundaries
Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate in Health and Life Coaching course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Accountability #
the responsibility of a coach to be reliable, trustworthy, and answerable for their actions and decisions, as well as the obligation of clients to take responsibility for their own actions and progress. Related terms: reliability, trustworthiness, responsibility.
Autonomy #
the ability of clients to make their own decisions and take ownership of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Related terms: self-determination, independence, self-efficacy.
Boundaries #
the limits and guidelines that coaches establish to maintain a professional relationship with clients. Related terms: ethical guidelines, professional standards, role clarification.
Code of Ethics #
a set of principles and rules that guide the behavior and decision-making of coaches in their professional practice. Related terms: ethical standards, professional conduct, ethical responsibility.
Coaching Agreement #
a written document that outlines the terms and conditions of the coaching relationship, including the roles and responsibilities of both the coach and client. Related terms: contract, service agreement, terms of engagement.
Coaching Presence #
the ability of coaches to be fully present and attentive to clients during coaching sessions, creating a safe and supportive space for exploration and growth. Related terms: active listening, empathy, non-judgmental attitude.
Confidentiality #
the obligation of coaches to protect the privacy and confidentiality of their clients' information, subject to legal and ethical requirements. Related terms: informed consent, data protection, privacy rights.
Cultural Competence #
the ability of coaches to understand, respect, and work effectively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences. Related terms: diversity, inclusivity, cultural sensitivity.
Decision #
Making: the process of selecting a course of action based on a consideration of alternatives, values, goals, and consequences. Related terms: problem-solving, critical thinking, informed consent.
Empowerment #
the process of supporting clients to develop their autonomy, self-efficacy, and capacity for self-determination, enabling them to take control of their lives and make positive changes. Related terms: self-advocacy, personal growth, transformation.
Ethical Guidelines #
the standards and principles that guide the behavior and decision-making of coaches in their professional practice, promoting integrity, fairness, and respect for clients and colleagues. Related terms: code of ethics, professional conduct, ethical responsibility.
Ethical Responsibility #
the obligation of coaches to act in accordance with ethical principles and standards, promoting the well-being and autonomy of clients, and avoiding harm or exploitation. Related terms: ethical guidelines, professional conduct, accountability.
Evidence #
Based Practice: the use of research evidence and best practices to inform coaching interventions and decisions, promoting effectiveness and efficiency. Related terms: empirical evidence, best practices, outcome evaluation.
Feedback #
the provision of information and guidance to clients regarding their progress, performance, and behavior, promoting learning, growth, and self-awareness. Related terms: constructive feedback, reinforcement, self-reflection.
Goal #
Setting: the process of identifying and establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with clients' values, needs, and aspirations. Related terms: action planning, progress tracking, accountability.
Health Coaching #
a collaborative and person-centered approach to supporting clients to achieve their health and wellness goals, promoting self-awareness, self-care, and self-efficacy. Related terms: lifestyle medicine, health promotion, behavior change.
Informed Consent #
the process of obtaining clients' voluntary, competent, and informed agreement to participate in coaching interventions, based on a clear understanding of the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Related terms: confidentiality, disclosure, ethical responsibility.
Integrity #
the quality of being honest, trustworthy, and consistent in one's values, beliefs, and actions, promoting ethical and responsible behavior. Related terms: authenticity, transparency, credibility.
Life Coaching #
a holistic and client-centered approach to supporting clients to achieve their personal and professional goals, promoting self-awareness, self-discovery, and self-empowerment. Related terms: personal development, career coaching, executive coaching.
Motivational Interviewing #
a person-centered and evidence-based approach to supporting clients to explore and resolve ambivalence, promoting intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, and behavior change. Related terms: empathy, reflective listening, affirmations.
Multicultural Competence #
the ability of coaches to understand, respect, and work effectively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences, promoting cultural humility, inclusivity, and social justice. Related terms: diversity, cultural sensitivity, social responsibility.
Non #
Judgmental Attitude: the ability of coaches to suspend their own biases, assumptions, and values, and to provide a safe and supportive space for clients to explore and express their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Related terms: empathy, active listening, unconditional positive regard.
Outcome Evaluation #
the process of assessing the effectiveness and impact of coaching interventions, using valid and reliable measures and methods, and providing feedback and recommendations for improvement. Related terms: evidence-based practice, data analysis, continuous quality improvement.
Professional Boundaries #
the limits and guidelines that coaches establish to maintain a professional relationship with clients, promoting trust, respect, and accountability. Related terms: ethical guidelines, role clarification, informed consent.
Professional Conduct #
the behavior and decision-making of coaches that align with ethical principles and standards, promoting integrity, fairness, and respect for clients and colleagues. Related terms: code of ethics, ethical responsibility, accountability.
Professional Development #
the ongoing process of learning, growth, and self-improvement that coaches engage in to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities, and to stay current with best practices and emerging trends. Related terms: continuous learning, lifelong learning, evidence-based practice.
Professional Ethics #
the principles and values that guide the behavior and decision-making of coaches in their professional practice, promoting integrity, responsibility, and respect for clients and colleagues. Related terms: ethical guidelines, ethical responsibility, accountability.
Relationship Building #
the process of establishing and maintaining a collaborative and trusting relationship with clients, promoting rapport, engagement, and partnership. Related terms: active listening, empathy, non-judgmental attitude.
Reliability #
the quality of being consistent, dependable, and trustworthy, promoting accountability and credibility. Related terms: integrity, transparency, authenticity.
Role Clarification #
the process of defining and communicating the roles and responsibilities of coaches and clients, promoting clarity, alignment, and respect. Related terms: coaching agreement, informed consent, professional boundaries.
Self #
Awareness: the ability of coaches to understand their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, promoting self-reflection, self-regulation, and self-compassion. Related terms: emotional intelligence, mindfulness, self-care.
Self #
Care: the practices and strategies that coaches use to promote their own physical, emotional, and mental well-being, preventing burnout, stress, and compassion fatigue. Related terms: self-compassion, work-life balance, resilience.
Self #
Disclosure: the sharing of personal information and experiences by coaches, promoting trust, authenticity, and vulnerability. Related terms: transparency, honesty, empathy.
Self #
Efficacy: the belief in one's ability to achieve desired outcomes and overcome challenges, promoting motivation, resilience, and empowerment. Related terms: autonomy, self-determination, personal agency.
Self #
Reflection: the process of examining and learning from one's own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, promoting self-awareness, growth, and self-compassion. Related terms: self-care, emotional intelligence, mindfulness.
Social Responsibility #
the commitment of coaches to promote social justice, equity, and inclusion, and to address issues of power, privilege, and discrimination. Related terms: diversity, inclusivity, cultural competence.
Supervision #
the process of providing ongoing support, guidance, and feedback to coaches, promoting professional development, ethical practice, and accountability. Related terms: mentoring, coaching, peer consultation.
Trustworthiness #
the quality of being honest, reliable, and transparent, promoting credibility, integrity, and accountability. Related terms: authenticity, reliability, professionalism.
Unconditional Positive Regard #
the attitude of acceptance, respect, and appreciation that coaches bring to their work with clients, promoting trust, safety, and self-esteem. Related terms: non-judgmental attitude, empathy, active listening.
Values #
the principles and beliefs that guide the behavior and decision-making of coaches and clients, promoting alignment, authenticity, and purpose. Related terms: personal values, professional values, ethical principles.
Well #
being: the state of physical, emotional, and mental health and wellness, promoting happiness, fulfillment, and quality of life.