What Mental Health Professionals want coaches to know?

In our recent Wellbeing Series Charity Becker IECL’s Head of Coaching and Leader Development, and Jackie Knight, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and Executive Coach, explored what mental health professionals wish coaches knew about supporting clients in today's complex mental health landscape.

Here are the key takeaways from the session:

The Mental Health Crisis and Misinformation

Mental health challenges, especially among younger generations, are more prominent than ever. While there’s increased awareness, the overwhelming flood of information both accurate and inaccurate, makes it difficult to navigate. Coaches need to stay informed, ensuring they understand that each individual’s mental health journey is unique.

Workplace Stress and Boundaries

The demands of life in general and in today’s workplaces - with their 24/7 communication and "always-on" culture - put immense pressure on individuals and this can be felt in coaching sessions. It is not the coach's role to encourage that conversation or promote wellbeing or other measures unless the client specifically brings that as a goal. The coach does need to manage their own mental health to be fully present and available to their client.

Role Clarity: Recognising the Line Between Coaching and Therapy

A key takeaway from Jackie Knight’s insights is the importance of role clarity. While coaching relationships can feel therapeutic, it’s essential to remember that coaching is not therapy. Coaches are not responsible for diagnosing or treating mental health issues. When mental health concerns arise, the right thing to do is suggest the client speak with a qualified mental health professional. In some cases, helping facilitate an introduction can be appropriate. Maintaining a focus on professional boundaries while showing kindness and respect is crucial for preventing harm and ensuring the coaching process remains safe and effective.

Mental Health First Aid and Safety

Knowing the basics of mental health first aid is important for coaches. While this doesn’t mean coaches should step into the role of mental health professionals, it’s helpful to understand how to offer initial support when needed. Mental health first aid is about safety, much like traditional first aid, and coaches shouldn't fear it—it's a tool to help manage emergency situations appropriately.

Coaches’ Own Mental Health

Coaches also need to protect their own mental wellbeing. Regular self-care—sleep, exercise, nutrition, and seeking support—helps prevent burnout. It’s essential to set clear emotional boundaries to avoid carrying the emotional weight of clients’ challenges outside of sessions. Prioritising self-reflection and identifying when you need support is just as important as guiding others.

The Role of Supervisors and Feedback

Coaching supervisors play a crucial role in supporting coaches’ growth. Through supervision, coaches can reflect on their work, recognise patterns, and continually develop their skills. Feedback is not just for clients—it’s also for coaches to learn from. Supervision plays a crucial role in the professional development of all coaches. It is essential to reflect on your work, learn from other experiences, and improve your skills.

IECL members have access to this important resource through our monthly Group Supervision providing Members/Alumni an opportunity to listen and learn from peers, share insights and gain feedback on their coaching. IECL also trains coaching supervisors to global professional standards to ensure there is a good supply of high-quality coaching supervisors available in the marketplace. Find out more about our comprehensive seven-week training Organisational Coach Supervisor Certification course.

Setting Permissions and Embracing Mistakes

Setting clear permissions or contracting at the start of the coaching relationship establishes expectations and boundaries. Coaches should create a safe space for both parties to make mistakes and learn from them. This process of rupture and repair can be where growth happens, and it models the importance of open feedback and continuous learning for the client as well.

Coaches can play a significant role in supporting their clients’ mental wellbeing, but it’s essential to stay within the boundaries of the coaching role. By continually educating themselves on mental health, setting clear boundaries, and asking thoughtful, insightful questions—both to clients and to themselves—coaches can foster long-term success while safeguarding their clients' and their own mental health.

Jackie’s Key Questions to ask yourself:

“Is this in service of the client (or myself)?”
“How am I being?”
“What am I noticing about myself?” (e.g. talking too much, feeling nervous, body sensations, giving too much advice, uncomfortable with silence etc.)
“What am I wanting?” (e.g. to be liked, to impress, to be admired)
“What am I avoiding?”
“What is this bringing up for me?”

Key Takeaways:

• Stay educated on mental health and avoid spreading misinformation.

• Understand the distinction between coaching and therapy—refer clients to mental health professionals when necessary.

• Prioritise self-care and reflection as a coach to maintain your own wellbeing.

• Set permissions/contracting early and embrace mistakes as learning opportunities for both coach and client.

Find out more about IECL’s Membership Supervision.