The International Coaching and Counseling Association (ICCA) upholds the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical practice in coaching and counseling. Our Code of Ethics outlines the principles and guidelines that all members are expected to adhere to, ensuring integrity, respect, and excellence in their professional practice.
1. Professional Competence and Integrity
Continuous Learning: Members shall commit to ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills.
Honesty and Transparency: Members shall conduct themselves with honesty and transparency in all professional interactions.
Accurate Representation: Members shall accurately represent their qualifications, certifications, and experience.
2. Client Welfare and Confidentiality
Client-Centered Approach: Members shall prioritize the well-being and best interests of their clients at all times.
Confidentiality: Members shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information, except where disclosure is required by law or with the client’s explicit consent.
Informed Consent: Members shall ensure that clients are fully informed about the nature and process of coaching or counseling, including any potential risks and benefits.
3. Ethical Practice and Professionalism
Ethical Boundaries: Members shall establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients to avoid conflicts of interest and maintain objectivity.
Respect and Dignity: Members shall treat all clients with respect, dignity, and sensitivity, acknowledging their autonomy and individual differences.
Non-Discrimination: Members shall provide services without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status.
4. Responsibility to Clients
Client Autonomy: Members shall respect the autonomy and independence of clients, empowering them to make their own decisions and take responsibility for their actions.
Goal Setting and Achievement: Members shall collaboratively set realistic and achievable goals with clients and support them in the pursuit of these goals.
Feedback and Evaluation: Members shall regularly seek feedback from clients and conduct evaluations to ensure the effectiveness and quality of the services provided.
5. Professional Relationships
Collegiality and Collaboration: Members shall foster a spirit of collegiality and collaboration with fellow professionals, respecting their contributions and expertise.
Supervision and Mentoring: Members shall seek supervision and mentoring as necessary to enhance their practice and address any challenges that arise.
Conflict Resolution: Members shall address conflicts and disputes with colleagues and clients constructively and professionally.
6. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with Laws: Members shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing their professional practice.
Reporting Misconduct: Members shall report any unethical or illegal conduct by other professionals to the appropriate authorities.
Record Keeping: Members shall maintain accurate and secure records of all client interactions and sessions in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
7. Ethical Marketing and Representation
Truthful Advertising: Members shall ensure that all marketing and advertising materials accurately represent their services, qualifications, and fees.
Avoiding Exploitation: Members shall not exploit clients for personal, professional, or financial gain.
Clear Agreements: Members shall establish clear agreements with clients regarding the terms of services, including fees, cancellation policies, and confidentiality.
8. Commitment to Excellence
Striving for Excellence: Members shall strive for excellence in all aspects of their professional practice, continually seeking to improve their skills and knowledge.
Reflective Practice: Members shall engage in reflective practice, regularly assessing their own performance and seeking ways to enhance their effectiveness.
Contribution to the Field: Members shall contribute to the advancement of the coaching and counseling fields through research, education, and sharing best practices.
Adherence and Enforcement
All members of the ICCA are expected to adhere to this Code of Ethics. Failure to comply with these ethical standards may result in disciplinary action, including revocation of membership and accreditation.
Acknowledgment and Agreement
By becoming a member of the ICCA, you agree to uphold and adhere to this Code of Ethics, ensuring that your professional practice aligns with the highest standards of integrity, respect, and excellence.
For more information or to report a violation of the Code of Ethics, please contact us at office@icca.com
Commitment to Ethical Practice – Ensuring Integrity and Excellence in Coaching and Counseling.