The ICF describes making a referral as: ‘inviting a client to discuss referral, cocreating options, and empowering the client to take action by identifying resources or making an appointment. A referral to another helping professional is warranted when a client delves into an issue that goes beyond a coach’s competency level.’

• When there is immediate danger to the client or someone else – do not ignore any signs of concern you notice in your client’s behaviour (this can include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, changes in appearance, withdrawal from relationships or activities, sleep disturbances)
• When you feel that you aren’t able to help your client make progress
• When the work is outside of your coaching skillset
• If we see behaviours coming up for the client that they are unable to manage – particularly if the issue is interfering with their daily functioning (personal self-care)
• When a client is experiencing mental-health issues

You may decide that a referral is something to discuss with your client at any point in the coaching process. A client may raise an issue during a session that requires an immediate response/discussion. You might choose to terminate a session so that those immediate needs can be considered.

• It’s important to be direct and to talk about some of the things that we’ve noticed as a coach
• Set a positive tone, expressing your care and concern for their well-being
• ‘I’m curious, have you ever considered talking to a therapist about this?’
• ‘Coaching is not a substitute for therapy – which means I don’t work on past issues, instead we work together on where you are now and how to move forward. If I feel that other professional services are needed or that there is something that I feel ill-equipped to handle, I will discuss other options with you’.

Coaches and therapists share a number of skills. Therapists or counsellors also have specialised training and tools that can provide better support for clients in specific situations.

Whilst a large amount of this guide focusses on referrals outside of coaching, it is just as important to consider when referral to another coach is the right thing for your client.

• It can be helpful to include a description of the difference between coaching and counselling, and the potential for referrals (what, when, why etc.) during your contracting conversation
• Having a list of helping professionals and other resources on file can be useful
• Consider how your supervisor can support you to determine if a referral is appropriate
• Remember that a client has the right to privacy – they may not want to share information with you either before or after a referral discussion.