International Association of Trauma Recovery Coaching (IAOTRC) Code of Ethics

Scope of Coaching practice

All Trauma Recovery Coaches certified through the International Association of Trauma Recovery Coaching are mandated to ascribe to the following ethical standards.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not work with clients who are engaged in behavior that puts their physical safety at risk, such as active alcohol and drug addiction, active and significant self-harming behavior.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not work with clients who are actively suicidal.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not have sessions with clients who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Coaches must reschedule clients in that situation and address the drug or alcohol issue at a subsequent session.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches always provide trauma-informed services.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not offer services to clients who require assistance with issues outside of the coach’s scope of competence.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches seek professional supervision from a qualified Supervisor when they encounter issues in their practice that they are not fully competent to handle.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not diagnose or assess mental health issues.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not provide advice about psychotropic medication.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not work with minors.

Confidentiality

• Trauma Recovery Coaches provide their services with complete confidentiality. Coaches do not disclose their work with any clients, client records or any client information to anyone without written consent from their client or a court-ordered subpoena.

• Trauma Recovery Coaches keep accurate, detailed records of their work with clients. They store those records in such a way that does not allow access to them by anyone other than the Coach themselves. This includes both written documents and online data.

• Trauma Recovery Coaches voluntarily serve as Mandatory Reporters. They ALWAYS report current and ongoing abuse to minors, the disabled, and elders to the appropriate local agencies.

Practice standards

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches work with clients as peers and equals. They recognize that while they may be experts at trauma and recovery, their clients are experts on their individual needs and wishes.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches treat their clients, as well as their client’s time and money, with respect.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not discriminate against any race, gender, social class, gender identity or religious belief.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches respect their client’s views, ideals and beliefs.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches set goals with their clients that reflect their client’s needs and wishes, not those of the coach.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not allow clients who are significantly triggered and unsafe to leave sessions.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches set boundaries with their clients that facilitate the development of their relationship with their clients in sessions and adjunctive healing activities such as support groups. Boundaries are set that neither promote nor accept interactions outside of coaching activities.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with clients.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not involve in financial dealings with clients outside of the scope of coaching activities.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not refer their clients to services that they have not personally vetted.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not abandon their clients in any manner. If they must stop their coaching practice or release any clients they must do so with an explanation and a referral to other coaching providers.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not require contractual obligation with their clients regarding the length or frequency of coaching services.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches keep up-to-date with research and methodology in the field of trauma, trauma recovery, and intervention.

  • Trauma Recovery Coaches do not conduct sessions with clients while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Trauma Recovery Coaches that have training outside of their initial certification may provide services that are compatible with their level of training. For example, coaches who have counseling or therapy degrees may provide therapeutic interventions. Should a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach egregiously violate these Ethical Standards they are in danger of having their certification revoked.