
EP 373 - Holding Space for Integrity: Ethics for Faith-Based Coaches
From REALIFE Conversations for Christian Coaches by Teresa McCloy
March 11, 2026 · 31 min · Episode 373
About this episode
The episode discusses the importance of ethics in coaching, emphasizing love, respect, and the coaching relationship.
In this episode, Erica and I talk about the role of the International Coach Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics, and why ethics should never feel like a restrictive set of rules. Instead, ethics are really about love, respect, and protecting the coaching relationship. We explore why clarity with clients matters—from written agreements to how faith might show up in sessions—and how being transparent builds trust. One of the most powerful parts of our conversation centers around the influence we carry as coaches. When clients bring deep emotions or spiritual questions into a session, it can be tempting to guide, correct, or even teach. But coaching isn’t about persuasion or authority—it’s about curiosity, partnership, and honoring the client’s own journey. Ultimately, faith and ethics aren’t in competition with one another. When done well, they actually strengthen each other. Integrity builds trust. And trust creates space for transformation. If you’re a coach who wants to grow in both your spiritual formation and professional practice, this conversation will encourage you to stay grounded, humble, and client-centered as you serve others. FREE RESOURCES: Link to ICF Code of Ethics…
People in this episode
Host: Teresa McCloy
Guest: Erica
Topics covered
- ethics
- coaching
- faith
- trust
- transformation
- client-centered
Keywords
- coaching ethics
- ICF
- trust
- faith-based coaching
- client relationship
- spiritual formation
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: International Coach Federation, ICF Code of Ethics
More episodes of REALIFE Conversations for Christian Coaches
- EP 378 - Boredom is not the absence of something good. It’s the beginning of it. · June 3, 2026 · 12 min
- EP 377 Why Now. Why This. Why You. · May 20, 2026 · 12 min
- Ep 376 From Mission Field to New Calling: Navigating Transition with Tim Austin · April 22, 2026 · 35 min
- EP 375 The Hidden Costs of Coaching No One Talks About · April 8, 2026 · 37 min
- EP. 374 - Can You Make Money As A Coach? · March 25, 2026 · 39 min
- EP.372 - Coaching in a Digital World: Tools, AI, and Staying Present · February 25, 2026 · 31 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the REALIFE Conversations for Christian Coaches podcast page.