DISCLAIMER

As a coach, I care deeply about assisting and supporting people to create positive change in their lives. I do this by offering one to one coaching packages, mentorships, group courses and retreats. The information I offer on this website, my Journal, newsletter and group programmes are based on personal experiences over several decades of my self-development journey, as well as a wide variety of trainings, certifications, and qualifications I have completed and integrated into my current methods, which prospective clients are welcome to ask me about, and some of which are listed on the Meet Alexandra page. I am not a medical health practitioner and I do not conduct any medical or clinical work, make diagnoses or give any therapeutic advice. I offer my clients support in a coaching capacity to facilitate them in their self-healing and self-empowerment and I refer clients to a BACP or UKCP registered therapist where appropriate.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

I maintain several professional qualifications by submitting annual CPD written submissions and case studies, completing re-certification processes, and I am a member of several internationally recognised associations. I uphold the integrity of the coaching profession and attend to my own development through committing to a regular contemplative practice, participating in educational courses to deepen and enrich my level of expertise, by requesting and acting on the feedback of my clients regularly and by being engaged in an ongoing developmental relationship with a Jungian coach and a coaching supervisor.

CODES OF ETHICS

I abide by the Codes of Ethics of the International Coaching Federation, which can be viewed here: 

ICF Code of Ethics

And the Integral Development Coaches’ Association (see below):

Integral Development Coaches’ Association - Code of Ethics

Introduction
The bond between coach and client can be a powerful foundation for the mutual benefit and development of both parties. At the same time, the trust and openness central to the coaching relationship can be exploited consciously or unconsciously by coaches who often become very powerful people in the lives of their clients. As coaches we must always be on our guard to avoid any exploitation or harm we may bring to our clients, and it’s in that spirit that we wholeheartedly embrace and endorse this code of ethics.

The Code

In order to protect the safety and well-being of my clients as well as the integrity of my profession, I fully commit to the following code of ethics.

• I will only use my coaching relationships to further the intentions expressed in the coaching programme. Consequently, I will not initiate, encourage, invite, support, or engage in any sexual relationship of any form with my clients.

• I will facilitate my clients in making choices that support their well-being and intentions and will not influence them in any way to take actions that are contrary to their values, standards, or personal boundaries.

• I will maintain strict confidentiality in my coaching relationships and will only share the content of these relationships when requesting help, input or coaching from qualified people who agree to keep the information confidential.

• I will responsibly complete and disengage myself from any coaching relationship in which I find that I am not competent to serve my client or in which I am not upholding this code of ethics.

• I will actively seek the support of my peers in upholding my ethics, reviewing my work, and improving my competence as a coach.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, JUSTICE, AND BELONGING (DEIJB) POLICY

At The Shadow Coach, we celebrate and honour diversity. We are committed to creating safe, welcoming and affirming coaching environments for all clients, course participants and partners, one that promotes positivity and allows everyone to thrive. We believe that everyone deserves to be welcomed, valued, and treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identities.

We learn, develop our programmes and train others by drawing on many, varied resources, including the International Coaching Federation’s Guide for Coaching Education Providers, and we uphold the ICF Statement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice by placing these principles at the forefront of everything we do.

OUR PRINCIPLES:

  • Diversity:
    We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, experiences, and identities of our clients. We recognise that differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, socioeconomic status, learning styles, depth of processing and other characteristics significantly enrich our work and contribute to a more inclusive environment. 

  • Equity:
    We are committed to ensuring that all clients have equal access to our services and resources. We strive to identify, address and limit barriers that may prevent individuals from accessing our support, by for example, creating a range of offerings spanning different formats, price points and learning styles. 

  • Inclusion:
    We create an environment where all clients feel welcome, respected, and valued. We actively listen to our clients’ voices, provide accommodations as needed, and create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their experiences. 

  • Belonging:
    We aim to foster a sense of safety and belonging among our clients, where they feel like they are part of a supportive community. We weave our Principles for Belonging into all our group courses and circles, supporting clients to develop a kind, compassionate and understanding way of being towards themselves and others, that enables authentic connection, trust, and vulnerability to be built.

OUR COMMITMENTS:

  • Non-Discrimination:
    We will not discriminate against any client based on any protected characteristic (under the Equality Act 2010), including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, neurodiversity, or socioeconomic status. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. In relation to hiring, partnership or training and development opportunities, we base our decisions on the individual’s capability, attitude, and potential for the role.

  • Respectful Communication:
    We will communicate with our clients in a respectful and mindful manner, actively listening to their concerns and acknowledging their experiences with empathy and genuine care.

  • Ongoing Education:
    We are committed to ongoing learning and development related to DEIJB. We will continue to educate ourselves on best practices for creating a supportive environment for everyone. We work with ICF frameworks and an accredited coaching alumni community for our continued professional development in this area.

  • Action:
    This is an active policy that will be monitored and reviewed regularly and amended in line with feedback from clients and partners. We recognise that we are all always growing, learning, and evolving and so our commitments will too.

If you have any questions about our DEIJB policy, please do not hesitate to reach out.