Ethics & Professional Practice

Although recovery coaching is not psychotherapy, my ethical practice is informed by the professional frameworks and guidance of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), alongside the Global Code of Ethics for Coaches, Mentors and Supervisors, developed by the Association for Coaching and EMCC Global.

Recovery coaching often involves working closely with clients in their everyday lives, sometimes over extended periods and across complex personal, family and professional circumstances. This requires flexibility, careful professional judgement and a clear understanding of the boundaries and responsibilities of the coaching relationship.

My practice is grounded in confidentiality, informed consent, respect for client autonomy and professional accountability. I work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, with appropriate clinical oversight, alongside regular independent clinical supervision.

The practical and relational nature of recovery coaching can involve contact with family members, friends, clinicians, colleagues and others involved in a client's life. These relationships can create overlapping responsibilities, competing expectations and questions about confidentiality, consent and professional boundaries. I work with clients and their clinical teams to establish clear agreements about my involvement, communication and the sharing of information.

Ethical practice is not static. Recovery is a changing process, and the circumstances and relationships surrounding a client may evolve considerably. Boundaries and agreements therefore require ongoing attention, discussion and clarification. I regard this as an active, collaborative part of the coaching relationship, rather than something established at the outset and subsequently taken for granted.

This process can also have therapeutic value. Where clients have experienced relationships characterised by unclear, inconsistent or problematic boundaries, openly exploring expectations, negotiating appropriate limits and learning to communicate needs can offer opportunities to recognise familiar patterns and develop greater confidence, trust and autonomy. The practical boundaries of coaching may be negotiated, while fundamental professional and safeguarding responsibilities remain firmly in place.

I regard ethical practice as an ongoing commitment to reflection, communication, supervision and accountability, recognising that maintaining a safe and respectful professional relationship is itself an important part of supporting recovery.