A health coach is obliged to disclose financial interests to clients. When should this be done?

Disclosing financial interests to clients during the initial coaching contract is critical for establishing trust and transparency in the coaching relationship. This timing ensures that clients are fully informed about any potential conflicts of interest from the beginning. It allows clients to make well-informed decisions about their engagement with the coach, understanding any financial relationships that could influence the coaching process.

Furthermore, addressing financial interests at the outset of the coaching relationship aligns with ethical practices within the coaching profession, ensuring that clients’ wellbeing is prioritized and any potential biases are clearly communicated. This foundational transparency helps to foster a professional relationship built on integrity, which is essential for effective coaching.

In contrast, discussing financial interests at other times, such as before taking any payment or after the first session, may not provide clients with the necessary context to understand the implications of those interests when making initial decisions about their coaching journey. Waiting until it feels appropriate can lead to ambiguity and could undermine trust, as clients might feel blindsided by financial disclosures if they are not made initially.