I realized something about coaching that makes me feel conflicted.Coaching is completely different from other services I could offer.Like consulting. Based on my experience I could help people moving abroad, I would share my story, what worked, what didn't. Help with what needs to be done - the visa process, administrative steps, my experience with the transition. I would be offering my expertise and roadmap.When I started coaching, clients often wanted me specifically because of my Switzerland-to-NYC-to-Hawaii story. They wanted to know what I did, how I made that leap. I had to learn to create boundaries and share with the client that this moment was theirs, not mine. I would offer to meet for a coffee call if they wanted to chat about my experience separately with joy.
When someone sits across from me and shares their deepest fears, their limiting beliefs, the stories they tell themselves about why they're not enough - I'm not sharing my experience or giving them my roadmap. I'm holding space for them to find their own answers.That responsibility feels sacred to me.But here's my conflict: I believe coaching should have ethical standards and regulation, yet I'm surrounded by amazing people doing coaching work without certification. I respect them, but I also see people using the "coach" label to manipulate vulnerable clients or create dependency instead of empowerment.The ethics matter because when someone trusts you with their vulnerability, you're helping them examine the core of who they think they are. Get that wrong - by making them dependent on your answers or pushing your agenda - and you could damage their willingness to be vulnerable again, their trust in themselves, their belief that change is possible.Maybe that's why I care so much about training and boundaries. Coaching isn't regulated, but we're dealing with deeply personal matters. Just because we aren't therapists doesn't mean we shouldn't be held responsible and accountable for what clients are sharing with us.When someone opens their heart to you about their fears and dreams, you better know how to hold it ethically.What makes you feel safe enough to be vulnerable with someone?
