In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about coaching and confidentiality.
Find the Full Notes to this episode at RecoveringCorpoholics.com/40.
Did you ever want to work with a coach but then think, I don’t want my business getting out there?! This is especially true if your employer is paying for the coaching.
Since coaches are not bound by a medical board and that anyone can claim to be a coach these days (AKA why it’s so important to work with qualified coaches these days!), it can be hard to let your guard down and trust that what you say will be confidential.
But I am here to tell you that is just not the case.
I want to assure you that when you work with a professional coach, especially a coach who is accredited through the ICF or the CCE, whatever you say is 100% confidential.
It is actually our duty as a coach to not disclose any confidential information you tell us during the course of our sessions, unless we have your permission.
There is only one circumstance where confidential information may be shared without your permission is if you were to say something that puts your life at risk.
Now there are other times where confidential information may be shared, however, we must have your permission to do so. For example, if you are sitting for your ICF coaching credentials, sometimes you are required to submit a coaching session recording.
This shows to the coaching accreditation board that you have the skills to coach.
But a coach would never record you without your permission! Otherwise, they violate the coaching code of ethics.
I would ask in advance if it would be OK to record a future session. And if you are comfortable doing so, I would state at the beginning of the recording the date, the purpose of the recording and who it will be shared with (a coaching board that will keep the recording confidential).
This is just one example but I want to assure you that you are in the driver's seat with your information. You can say no to anything!
That is why it is so important to discuss this prior to starting your coaching relationship.
When you begin your relationship with a coach, confidentiality is a topic that will always be brought up by your coach and discussed… if you are a good coach that is, again that’s why it is so important to work with a trained and certified coach.
Discuss this with your coach. Look at your contract (and there should always be a contract) and see what it states.
Maybe the contract states information may be shared for training purposes only, maybe it states that only your name will be shared for hourly tracking purposes (that is for credentialing), but, whatever the case may be, just ensure you know!
This is especially important when working with a coach hired by your employer. Just know what information can be shared.
And when you are unclear about anything, don’t like what you see and / or If you don’t see anything on confidentiality on the contract (which is a red flag in my opinion), ask your questions, have it added! Do whatever you need to do to make yourself comfortable.
Go to RecoveringCorpoholics.com/40 to see some standard contract language you can ask your coach to add.
Coaches are professionals and our only goal is to help you achieve your goals. I do this work full time and take my job very seriously and I would never compromise my relationships with my clients. And every other professional coach should think the same.
Your information belongs to you and you alone and I will always protect that.....
FIND THE FULL SHOW NOTES + EXAMPLE CONFIDENTIALITY CONTRACT LANGUAGE HERE.