Course Overview

Protect your calling, your clients, and your coaching practice. Every coach faces ethical dilemmas and risk exposure—but those who are least prepared face the greatest consequences. This course equips you with the knowledge and frameworks to navigate complex situations with confidence, clarity, and Christ-centered wisdom.

You’ll master the ICF Code of Ethics and learn how to apply ethical principles in real coaching scenarios—from confidentiality breaches to dual relationships to contract disputes. Through case studies, group discussions, and practical application, you’ll develop your own Personal Ethics Statement and build a comprehensive risk management plan for your practice.

What makes this course different? Led by seasoned coaches who integrate biblical integrity with ICF professional standards, this isn’t just compliance training—it’s formation. You’ll examine how your faith informs ethical decision-making, how to establish trust that honors both clients and God, and how to build business systems that reflect kingdom values while protecting you legally.

By the end of 10 weeks, you’ll be equipped to handle the toughest situations coaches face: recognizing when clients need therapy instead of coaching, navigating conflicts of interest, establishing bulletproof contracts, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in every client interaction.

Ethical Practice and Risk Management in Coaching course with textbook by Michael Marx

  • Course Length: 10 weeks

  • Weekly Commitment: 1 hour live class + 2-4 hours preparation/implementation

  • Format: Live via Zoom

  • Prerequisites: The Essentials of Coaching or equivalent foundational coach education

  • Price: Starting at $182/month

  • Course Length: 10 weeks

  • Weekly Commitment: 1 hour live class + 2-4 hours preparation/implementation

  • Format: Live via Zoom

  • Prerequisites: The Essentials of Coaching or equivalent foundational coach education

  • Price: Starting at $182/month

Is This Course Right for You?

This course serves coaches at all levels who want to build their practice on a foundation of integrity, protect themselves from liability, and navigate ethical challenges with wisdom and confidence.

New & Aspiring Coaches

You’re launching your practice and want to establish ethical systems from day one. Learn how to create solid coaching agreements, avoid common pitfalls, and build a reputation for trustworthiness and professionalism that attracts ideal clients.

Experienced Coaches Seeking Protection

You’ve been coaching for a while and recognize gaps in your business systems or have faced uncomfortable ethical situations. Gain clarity on risk management, liability protection, insurance needs, and how to handle complex client scenarios with confidence.

Pursuing CPLC Certification and/or Level 2 Certificate

This course is required for the CPLC Certification and Level 2 Certificate. You’ll gain the 10 education hours needed while building expertise in ethics that will serve you throughout your coaching career and ICF credentialing journey.

Your Certification & Credentialing Journey

Whether you’re pursuing CPLC certification or ICF credentialing, understanding where this course fits ensures you’re building your training path strategically and efficiently.

CPLC

CPLC Certification

REQUIRED

ICF Level 1

Level 1 Certificate

NOT REQUIRED

ICF Level 2

Level 2 Certificate

REQUIRED

Good news: This course has no prerequisites and can be taken at any point in your training. While it appears as the fourth course in the typical CPLC/Level 2 sequence, many students take it earlier or later based on their schedule and learning needs.

What You’ll Accomplish in This Course

This isn’t theory – it’s preparation for the real situations you’ll face as a professional coach. You’ll leave with practical tools, personal clarity, and professional confidence.

  • Master the ICF Code of Ethics and apply it confidently to real coaching situations.

  • Create your Personal/Professional Ethics Statement that reflects your values and guides your decision-making.

  • Develop a comprehensive risk management plan including contracts, insurance, and business systems.

  • Recognize the critical distinctions between coaching and therapy and know when to refer clients.

  • Navigate dual relationships and conflicts of interest with wisdom and clear boundaries.

  • Establish bulletproof coaching agreements that protect both you and your clients legally.

  • Build trust through professionalism, confidentiality, and competence in every client interaction.

  • Handle ethical dilemmas using a proven decision-making framework rooted in biblical integrity and professional standards.

Course Breakdown

This 10-week journey takes you from ethical foundations to advanced risk management, equipping you to handle any situation with wisdom, integrity, and professional excellence.

Weeks 1-3: Ethical Foundations

Establish your moral compass for coaching. Explore the roots of the coaching profession, examine the ICF Code of Ethics, understand how faith shapes ethical practice, and discover how your brain makes ethical decisions. You’ll build the foundation for all future decision-making as a coach.

Weeks 4-5: Building Trust & Managing Relationships

Learn how to develop and maintain client trust through professionalism, confidentiality, and competence. Navigate the complex terrain of dual relationships, cultural differences, and conflicts of interest with confidence and clarity.

Weeks 6-7: Legal Protection & Business Systems

Master the legal and business essentials that protect your practice. Create solid coaching agreements, understand contract law basics, establish ethical business practices, and build systems for cash flow, insurance, taxes, and advertising that reduce your risk exposure.

Weeks 8-9: Risk Readiness & Ethical Training

Sharpen your ability to recognize when clients need therapy instead of coaching, handle non-coachable clients, and establish ongoing accountability for ethical practice. Develop strategies for continuing education and create your personal ethics action plan.

Week 10: Integration & Future Vision

Finalize and present your Personal/Professional Ethics Statement. Envision your future as an ethical coach who upholds the integrity of the profession and extends kingdom impact through coaching grounded in biblical values and professional excellence.

Required Course Materials

This course uses a comprehensive textbook specifically designed for Christian coaches navigating ethics and risk management in their practice.

NOTE: Information for the textbook(s) for this course will be available by December.

Upcoming Courses

All courses meet live via Zoom for 10 weekly sessions (1 hour each). A recordings is available for up to one week if you miss a class, and you’ll benefit from rich discussion with fellow Christian coaches navigating similar challenges.

February 2026

DAY: Tuesdays
TIME: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Eastern
DATES: February 17 – April 28, 2026*
INSTRUCTORS: Helen Mitchell, ACC

*NOTE: Class will NOT meet on 3/3.

May 2026

DAY: Mondays
TIME: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern
DATES: May 4 – July 13, 2026*
INSTRUCTORS: Jordan Mercedes, MCC

*NOTE: Class will NOT meet on 5/25.

September 2026

DAY: Mondays
TIME: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Eastern
DATES: September 21 – November 23, 2026
INSTRUCTORS: Jordan Mercedes, MCC

Tuition & Payment Plans

We’ve designed flexible payment options to make this essential training accessible while you build your coaching practice.

Full Payment

$500 / full pay

NO monthly payments

2 Payments

$265 / monthly

$530 total investment

3 Payments

$182 / monthly

$545 total investment

All payment plans include a $15 monthly service charge.