What does "scope of practice" refer to in coaching?

The concept of "scope of practice" in coaching primarily refers to the conditions under which a coach can work with clients. This includes the types of issues or areas a coach is trained and qualified to address, as well as the methods and tools they can employ in their practice. It encompasses both the legal and ethical frameworks that govern a coach's actions and interactions with clients, ensuring they practice within their competency levels.

Understanding the scope of practice is crucial for maintaining professionalism and protecting client well-being. It defines the coach's role and helps avoid encroaching into areas that fall outside their expertise, particularly those that might require professional intervention from licensed therapists or healthcare providers. This is vital in establishing trust and ensuring effective coaching outcomes while safeguarding clients’ mental and emotional health.

The marketing tactics for attracting coaching clients, the number of clients a coach can take on at one time, and the ethical boundaries between coaching and therapy are relevant to the broader practice of coaching, but they do not specifically delineate what is encompassed in the term "scope of practice."