Client Rights, Informed Consent, & Confidentiality
Informed Consent, Confidentiality, & the Limits of Confidentiality
~ Informed consent in coaching is the process where a coach provides potential clients with all the necessary information about the coaching process, including its nature, purpose, benefits, risks, and limitations, before the client agrees to participate. It's an ongoing dialogue that ensures the client understands what they are getting into and can make a voluntary decision about participating.
~ Confidentiality in coaching refers to the ethical obligation of a coach to protect the privacy of information shared by a client during coaching sessions. It means the coach will not disclose this information to anyone else without the client's explicit permission, except in very limited circumstances. This principle is crucial for building trust and fostering a safe space for clients to explore their challenges and vulnerability openly.
Limits of Confidentiality:
All information disclosed in sessions is confidential and is not revealed to anyone without your written consent (requiring a release of your information, normally called Authorization of Disclosure). However, the following exceptions to this rule are required by the federal, Missouri, and other government or state laws and include:
· By legitimate order of the court.
· In the event of a medical emergency.
· By law, we are legally mandated to report to the Division of Social Services, Children’s Division, suspected or reported child abuse, neglect, elder abuse, or neglect.
· If there is a severe threat to yourself or others.
· And the minimal information is necessary for billing purposes.
Limits of Confidentiality for Relational Coaching
It is common for your coach to ask to meet with each person individually for a brief time during a couple or family group session, or in individual sessions. Information that is discussed in individual meetings is kept confidential. However, if something is disclosed in an individual appointment that would be helpful to address the presented issue, your coach will:
1. Discuss the information and its importance.
2. When appropriate, encourage you to discuss this information openly.
By not choosing to disclose to others when it is of paramount importance towards the goal, coaching services are null and void, and the coach is obligated to end coaching services. ***If sessions have been prepaid, knowing full well that the person will not disclose the issue when services were initially implemented, there will not be a refund. If any person paid for the services in advance who did not know about the non-disclosure, then that person can continue with personal goals in a different direction or offer them to another person.
Clients’ Bill of Rights
A Client's Bill of Rights in a coaching relationship outlines the ethical and legal expectations for both the coach and the client. It ensures a transparent, respectful, and productive coaching experience by defining the boundaries, responsibilities, and rights within the coaching agreement. At the very least, clients should be informed of the cost of professional services before receiving the services, be assured of privacy and confidentiality while receiving services as defined by rules and law (for limits, see section on Confidentiality), and be free from being the object of discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, objectification, or other unlawful categories while receiving services. Here's a breakdown of what a typical Coaching Client Bill of Rights might include:
Rights Related to the Coaching Relationship:
Respectful Treatment: Clients have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and empathy throughout the coaching process.
Informed Consent: Clients should be fully informed about the coaching process, including the coach's qualifications, the nature of the coaching relationship, the methods used, and the associated fees and policies.
Confidentiality: Clients have the right to privacy, and coaches should not disclose confidential information without the client's consent, except when legal mandates are required. Legal mandates refer to mandatory reporter laws, any type of Third-Party Billing, and limits of confidentiality when harm or neglect, or worse, such as that of a child, an elder, or any person that does not have the mental capacity to make sound decisions for their wellbeing such as the bases for power of attorney situations and legal wards of state.
Safe Environment: Clients have the right to a safe and supportive environment free from any form of abuse, harassment, or exploitation.
Clear Expectations: Clients should understand the objectives of the coaching relationship and have a clear understanding of what they can expect from the coach.
Transparency: The coaching relationship should be transparent, with clear communication about costs, billing policies, and any potential conflicts of interest.
Right to Ask Questions: Clients can ask questions about their coaching, the coach's qualifications, or any aspect of the coaching process.
Right to Terminate: Clients have the right to terminate the coaching relationship if they are not satisfied with the services or progress, or if their needs change. However, this must be done in writing and especially if the client has already paid for and scheduled appointments.
Access to Records: Clients may have the right to access their coaching records, or a summary of those records, as defined by the coach's policies and relevant laws. Each coach independently operates their coaching business, files their taxes, and keeps their records; thus, clients must contact the coach they have seen to have access to their personal records.
Rights Related to the Coach's Responsibilities:
Professional Competence: Coaches should be qualified, trained, and experienced in the areas they offer coaching services.
Ethical Conduct: Coaches should adhere to a code of ethics, such as the NBHWC Code of Ethics, ensuring they act with integrity and professionalism.
Best Practices: Coaches should use evidence-based practices and continually update their knowledge and skills.
Appropriate Scope of Practice: Coaches should be clear about their scope of practice and not provide services that are outside their area of expertise.
Referral: If a client's needs are outside the coach's scope or expertise, the coach should be willing to refer the client to another qualified professional.
Rights Related to the Coaching Agreement:
Clear Contract: The coaching relationship should be governed by a clear coaching agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the coaching relationship, including the scope of work, fees, payment schedule, and termination policies.
Cancellation and Refund Policies: The agreement should clearly define the cancellation and refund policies for both the client and the coach.
Benefits of a Client's Bill of Rights:
Empowers Clients: Knowing their rights empowers clients to make informed decisions about their coaching experience.
Builds Trust: A clear Bill of Rights builds trust and confidence in the coaching relationship.
Promotes Ethical Practice: It ensures coaches adhere to ethical and professional standards.
Reduces Misunderstandings: It helps prevent misunderstandings and conflicts by clarifying expectations and boundaries.
By understanding and upholding a Client's Bill of Rights, both coaches and clients create a positive, productive, and ethical coaching experience.