Trust and intimacy

Trust and intimacy is the forming of a space in which the client can show themselves even in their most vulnerable state. The ICF defines this as one of the core competencies under a distinct heading. Trust is not established in a moment; it accumulates over time on consistency, confidentiality, and non-judgment. Intimacy, in turn, requires the coach too to be real and genuine; a distant expert cannot form a deep closeness. When the client trusts, they can go down to the real matter beneath the surface topic.