Alright, let’s get real. Confidentiality in coaching is non-negotiable. But you’d be surprised how often coaches violate it without even realizing it. Want to avoid being that coach? Here are five ways coaches screw up client confidentiality and what you can do to stay ethical and professional.

1. Blabbing in Public Places

You know that loud conversation in the coffee shop? Yeah, everyone around you just learned about your client’s divorce. Discussing client details in public spaces is a massive no-no. Even if you’re not mentioning names, people can put two and two together.

2. Oversharing in Peer Groups

Peer support is crucial, but there’s a fine line between seeking advice and spilling secrets. Sharing too many details about a client’s situation can quickly cross into unethical territory. Keep it general, folks.

3. Using Client Stories in Marketing (Without Permission)

We get it, client success stories are great for marketing. But if you’re sharing those stories without explicit permission, you’re breaching confidentiality. Even if you think you’ve anonymized the details, there’s a good chance someone could recognize the story. Always get written consent before using client stories in your marketing materials.

4. Casual Mentions on Social Media

Posting about your day-to-day coaching experiences on social media? Be careful. Even vague posts can give away too much if your client base is small or niche. Before you hit “post,” think about whether your client would be okay with what you’re sharing.

5. Discussing Clients with Family and Friends

Your spouse might be your best confidant, but they shouldn’t be hearing about your clients. Sharing client details with family or friends breaches confidentiality, plain and simple. Keep your work and personal life separate.

Why Confidentiality and Ethics Matter at The Coaching Guild

At The Coaching Guild, we don’t mess around when it comes to confidentiality and ethics. We know that trust is the foundation of any successful coaching relationship, and we’re here to help you build that from the ground up.

Our training programs are designed to instill a deep understanding of confidentiality and ethics. We teach you how to navigate tricky situations, handle sensitive information, and maintain your clients’ trust. Here’s how we do it:

Comprehensive Ethics Training

Our multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach includes comprehensive ethics training. You’ll learn the ins and outs of maintaining confidentiality, understanding ethical dilemmas, and making decisions that uphold the integrity of your practice.

Real-World Scenarios

We use real-world scenarios to prepare you for the challenges you’ll face as a coach. You’ll practice anonymizing case studies, managing peer support ethically, and avoiding common pitfalls. This hands-on approach ensures you’re ready to handle anything that comes your way.

Ongoing Support and Mentorship

Our commitment to your growth doesn’t end when the training does. We offer ongoing support and mentorship to help you navigate ethical challenges throughout your career. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, we’re here to back you up.

Ready to Level Up Your Coaching Game?

Confidentiality isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the backbone of professional coaching. If you’re ready to build a practice rooted in trust and integrity, The Coaching Guild is here to help. Our training program is specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers.



Hit me up for a no-pressure, no BS, no trip, and fall into a sales funnel conversation. Let’s talk about what’s possible for you as a coach. Visit The Coaching Guild to learn more.