Core Values
Inherent Worth
All people have inherent worth. The inherent worth of all people must be valued and respected without exception. The coaching relationship is based on genuine love and acceptance of all clients without condition, and is also a means to help clients unconditionally love and accept themselves. (D, H)
Capacity for Change
All people have the capacity for growth and change. This capacity can be acted upon when people believe they can change, and when others believe they can change. Emphasizing the capacity for growth and change gives clients hope and facilitates forward movement and progress. (B, C)
Personal Strengths
All people have unique strengths. Helping clients recognize and accentuate their strengths builds trust in the client-coach relationship, motivates clients, instills hope, and helps facilitate growth and change. (B)
Process
Change is a process, not just a one-time event. People themselves are process. When we accept our lives as process, we open ourselves to learning, growth, and change. As described by counseling theorist Carl Rogers, who originated this perspective, “A person is a fluid process, not a fixed and static entity; a flowing river of change, not a block of solid material; a continually changing constellation of potentialities, not a fixed quantity of traits” (Rogers & Kramer, 1961). (D)
Complexity
People are complex. All of life and the universe are complex. Acknowledging and embracing our complexity—that everything is shaped by many influences, from within and external to ourselves—frees us from the judgment of ourselves, others, and situations that comes from “tunnel vision” or “black and white thinking”, and helps us open ourselves to growth and change. (G)
Self-actualization & Freedom
People have a natural desire, beginning at birth, to move in the direction of self-actualization—in other words, to live the best versions of themselves, and to do so with freedom. The coaching relationship and process are grounded in these values. The primary reason people seek coaching is to learn how to resolve blocks to living and working at their fullest potential. (E, F)
Curiosity
Curiosity is extremely important in personal growth and is highly valued and encouraged in the coaching process. Research shows that curiosity promotes openness to opportunity, and that therefore, curiosity is a precursor to learning, growth, intimacy, greater life satisfaction, and success. Clients should feel free to be curious, to ask questions, and to explore as they move along their journeys. (I, J))
Integrity & Commitment to Excellence
You will always get my very best as your coach. Interactions with clients are always conducted professionally and with respect. And, I value, and actively seek feedback from my clients so I can learn how to improve the services I offer. I am accountable to the codes of ethics of ICF and CRCC.
Nondiscrimination
All coaching services are provided without illegal discrimination, including with respect to age, race, gender orientation, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, religion, or disability. (A)
Confidentiality
All coaching conversations and written communications are confidential. Confidentiality builds rapport and trust in the coaching relationship and ensures clients have a safe environment in which to learn and grow. Exceptions to confidentiality occur only when clients grant permission for information to be exchanged or when release is required by law. (A)
A. Code of Ethics (ICF, n. d.); B. Sheel, Davis & Henderson (2013); C. Valcour (2016); D. Rogers & Kramer (!961); E. “Self-actualization” (n. d.); F. “Abraham Maslow” (2017); G. “Splitting (psychology)” (2017); H. Rehman (n. d.); I. Donovan (2002); J. Kashdan, Rose & Fincham (2004)
