A client tells their coach that they are struggling to sleep and are having nightmares about a past event they experienced Which is the best action for the coach to take?
A.
Continue coaching the client but recommend they see a mental health professional about these symptoms
B.
Stop coaching until the client stops experiencing sleeping issues and nightmares from the past event
C.
Modify the coaching agreement to address the client's struggles with the problems resulting from this past event
D.
Contact a health provider for the client so the coach and health provider can collaborate on the client's case.
The ICF Coaching Boundaries distinguish coaching from therapy, stating that coaching does not address mental health conditions like trauma or sleep disorders. The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 2.5) requires coaches to "refer clients to other professionals when appropriate" if issues fall outside their scope. Let’s evaluate:
A. Continue coaching the client but recommend they see a mental health professional about these symptoms: This balances the coach’s role in supporting the client’s goals (ICF Competency 8) while adhering to ethical boundaries by referring out for nightmares and sleep issues, which suggest unresolved trauma (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.5).
B. Stop coaching until the client stops experiencing sleeping issues and nightmares: Ceasing coaching entirely isn’t required unless the client’s condition prevents engagement. ICF encourages maintaining the relationship within its scope (ICF Definition of Coaching).
C. Modify the coaching agreement to address the client’s struggles with the problems resulting from this past event: This crosses into therapy by addressing past trauma, violating ICF boundaries and Competency 3 ("Establishes and Maintains Agreements").
D. Contact a health provider for the client so the coach and health provider can collaborate: This breaches confidentiality (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4) unless the client explicitly consents, and collaboration exceeds coaching’s non-therapeutic role.
Option A is the best action, as it upholds ICF ethics and boundaries by continuing coaching within its scope while ensuring the client’s mental health needs are addressed professionally.
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