How can you obtain informed consent and document your coaching sessions?

1 What is informed consent?

Informed consent is the process of informing your clients about the nature, purpose, benefits, risks, and limitations of your coaching services, and obtaining their voluntary agreement to participate. Informed consent is not a one-time event, but an ongoing dialogue that respects your clients' right to make informed decisions about their coaching goals and outcomes. Informed consent also includes informing your clients about your credentials, fees, policies, boundaries, and expectations, as well as their rights and responsibilities as coaching clients.

2 What is documentation?

Documentation is the process of recording and storing the information and data related to your coaching sessions, such as your clients' names, contact details, goals, progress, feedback, notes, and agreements. Documentation serves several purposes, such as enhancing your coaching effectiveness, supporting your professional development, demonstrating your accountability, and providing evidence in case of disputes or complaints. Documentation also helps you comply with the ethical standards and legal regulations that apply to your coaching practice.

3 Why are informed consent and documentation important?

Obtaining informed consent and documenting your coaching sessions are important for several reasons. First, they demonstrate your respect for your clients' autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality, and help you build trust and rapport with them. Second, they clarify your roles and responsibilities as a coach, and help you avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, or ethical dilemmas with your clients or other parties. Third, they protect you from potential legal or ethical issues that may arise from your coaching practice, such as malpractice, negligence, or breach of contract. Fourth, they enhance your professionalism and credibility as a coach, and show your commitment to the quality and integrity of your coaching services.

4 How to obtain informed consent?

Obtaining informed consent from clients is an important part of the coaching process, and there are various ways to do it depending on your context, style, and preferences. Generally, you should explain the nature, purpose, benefits, risks, and limitations of your coaching services. Additionally, provide a written coaching agreement that outlines your credentials, fees, policies, boundaries, and expectations. Ask clients to sign the agreement and keep a copy for yourself and them. Furthermore, review the agreement periodically and update it as needed to reflect any changes in your or your clients' circumstances or goals. Finally, always seek consent before recording, sharing or disclosing any information or data related to your coaching sessions. Make sure to explain how you will protect their privacy and confidentiality.

5 How to document your coaching sessions?

Documenting your coaching sessions is an important part of providing ethical, effective, and professional coaching services to your clients. To ensure you respect your clients' autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality, as well as protect yourself from potential legal or ethical issues, you should consider the following tips: record and store your clients' names, contact details, goals, progress, feedback, notes, and agreements in a secure and organized manner; use a consistent and clear format and language for your documentation; document your coaching sessions as soon as possible after they occur; follow the ethical standards and legal regulations that apply to your coaching practice; and seek feedback from your clients, peers, or supervisors on your documentation. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your professionalism and credibility as a coach.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?