Why Is Confidentiality So Important
Coaching doesn’t work without trust. And trust cannot be built without confidentiality.
For the client to be able to speak openly, vulnerably, and honestly, they must know that what is said during the session will remain within that room. The ICF (International Coaching Federation) Code of Ethics defines this principle as the coach’s fundamental obligation.
Fundamental Rule
According to the ICF Code of Ethics, a coach may not share the client’s information or experiences with third parties without the client’s explicit consent. This applies to notes, session content, personal information, and commitments.
This rule applies both during the active coaching process and after it has ended.
Exceptions
There are two main exceptions, and these must be discussed clearly at the outset:
Risk of Harm: If a client poses a risk of serious harm to themselves or others, the coach may share this information with the appropriate authorities. This is an ethical obligation.
Legal obligation: In some jurisdictions, there may be a legal obligation to report certain criminal information.
Apart from these exceptions, everything discussed remains confidential within the session.
The Situation Is Different in Corporate Coaching
When a company funds a coach, a complex third-party dynamic arises. The company may expect progress reports: “How is this person doing?”
In this context, it is critical to clarify at the outset what will and will not be shared. The ICF defines this as a “tripartite agreement”: an agreement among the coach, the client, and the organization regarding the boundaries of confidentiality.
General principle: the content of individual sessions is confidential; general progress categories (goal achievement, etc.) may be shared—but only if this was discussed at the outset.
Confidentiality at Cevvela
Cevvela sessions are completely confidential. Session content is not shared with third parties. Exceptions—such as a risk of harm—are clearly discussed during the initial consultation.
The Cevvela Perspective
- Confidentiality is a fundamental principle of the ICF Code of Ethics; session content cannot be shared without permission.
- Two exceptions: risk of serious harm and legal obligation—these must be discussed at the outset.
- In organizational coaching, the tripartite agreement is critical: it must clearly define what can and cannot be shared.
- Confidentiality is not trust; it is the very foundation that makes trust possible.
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