There are also times when a client will contact a coach and the presented issue is not one a coach can handle but would best be referred to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or marriage counselor. The coach must constantly be aware of the potential for these situations to develop so they can be handled in a sensitive manner. The coach must not only know his own limits, but be aware of the potential liability involved.
Finally, it would be remiss to ignore the situation where there is an actual physical threat. Most coaching is done via telephone or other communications media, so there is some degree of safety built in. If the session is face-to-face, the best approach is to present a calm demeanor and try to end the session as expeditiously as possible. At this point, the goal is to get to safety. Once safe, the coach can rationally explore the event and determine an appropriate response, which may range from continuing coaching to notifying the police.
With the exception of the physical threat scenario described above, any coaching relationship ending early must be handled in a professional, positive manner. In ending the relationship the coach should be careful not to be accusing or judgmental. Just as with the client who completes the coaching process with a positive outcome, the coach wants every client to leave with positive thoughts about the contact that was made. When ending the coaching relationship early it is important to attempt to get the client to take ownership for the issue that is causing the difficulty. In a respectful manner the coach can bring up the topic that is causing the difficulty and how the coach perceives it and then encourage the client to discuss the issue. At this point the coach can make suggestions on how to proceed.
If the issue is an inability of the coach and client to establish a working relationship, or the need for the client to seek professional help, the coach can refer the client to another coach or professional and end by
…summarizing what they have gained from their relationship and wishing them luck.
(personal-coaching-information.com, 2008) The coach may also encourage the client to check back with them about their success or difficulty in making the new contact and with the client’s progress.
In the case of a client who is not progressing, missing sessions or not paying fees it may be possible to make a contract with the client on how to proceed. In this case the client and the coach will make an agreement spelling out the details on how the relationship will proceed. The client may agree to consistently attend sessions, meet certain goals or begin a reduced payment plan with the understanding that failure to adhere to the agreement will end the relationship.
A client who has worked with a coach is much like the client who has worked with a therapist. A relationship of trust was established that enabled the client to set goals and achieve them and the client was ready to move forward on his own with a new sense of confidence. When it is necessary to end the coaching relationship early, the coach needs to exercise as much skill as possible in order to successfully support the needs of the client and end the relationship on a positive note. A successful conclusion to the coaching relationship leaves the client with a positive view of the coach and possible referrals to future clients.
Bibliography
Barnett, J., & Zur, O. (2010). Codes of Ethics on Termination in Psychotherapy and Counseling. Retrieved from zurinstitute.com: http://www.zurinstitute.com/ethicsoftermination.html
Hopkins, M. ((n.d.)). ehow.com. Retrieved from How to Finish a Counseling Relationship With a Client:
Howes, R. (2008, Sep 30). Terminating Therapy, Part I: What, Why, How? Retrieved Dec 2011, from psychologytoday.com: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-therapy/200809/terminating-therapy-part-i-what-why-how#
International Coach Federation. (2008, Dec 18). Code of Ethics. Retrieved from www.coachfederation.org:
International Coach Federation. (June 2011). Code of Conduct for Coaching and Mentoring. International Coach Federation.
personal-coaching-information.com. (2008). Ending Your Coaching Relationship. Retrieved from www.personal-coaching-information.com: http://www.personal-coaching-information.com/ending-your-coaching-relationship.html
Transition Partnerships. (2005). Coaching: How to Make it Work for You. Retrieved from wwpartnerships.comw.transition: