Coaching Eligibility and Safeguarding Policy

This document outlines who I can and cannot work with in a one-to-one coaching capacity. It ensures safety, ethical boundaries, and clarity for potential clients. Please read carefully before reaching out for support.

1. Who I Can Work With

I offer coaching support to individuals who:

Are over the age of 18
Are not physically dependent on alcohol
Are motivated to make meaningful changes to their drinking behaviours
Are not currently dependent on any other substance
Do not have unmanaged or acute mental health needs
Are engaging voluntarily, not under pressure from a family member, partner, or employer

My approach supports individuals who are exploring their relationship with alcohol, particularly those experiencing problematic binge drinking or whose drinking is having a negative impact on their life. Coaching is goal-focused, forward-facing, and centred on increasing personal responsibility, insight, and resilience.

2. Who I Cannot Work With

To ensure appropriate safeguarding and ethical practice, I do not offer coaching to individuals who fall into the categories below:

a. Individuals Physically Dependent on Alcohol

If you are physically dependent on alcohol (e.g. experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, hallucinations, or seizures when you stop drinking), it is essential that you seek medical support for a safe detox. Coaching is not suitable at this stage of recovery.

Please contact your local GP or medical service for support. In Spain, contact your local health centre (Centro de Salud) or emergency medical services via 112 if you are in withdrawal or in crisis.

b. Individuals Dependent on Other Substances

I do not offer coaching for those who are dependent on substances other than alcohol (e.g. cocaine, heroin, benzodiazepines, cannabis). These issues require specialist clinical support and/or multidisciplinary input.

c. Individuals Under the Age of 18

I only work with adults aged 18 and over. If you are under 18 and need help, please speak to a parent, teacher, or GP. In Spain, you can also call 116 111 for confidential support for young people.

d. Individuals with Co-occurring or Unmanaged Mental Health Conditions

I am not a counsellor or therapist and therefore do not provide support for individuals experiencing mental health issues that require clinical care. This includes, but is not limited to:

Major depressive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Psychosis
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviours

Recovery coaching is not a substitute for therapy, psychiatric input, or crisis intervention. If you are struggling with any of the above, I strongly recommend seeking help from a qualified mental health professional, GP, or local mental health service.

If you are in crisis or need immediate support in Spain:

Call 112 (free from any phone) for emergency medical, police, or fire assistance
Samaritans in Spain (English-speaking emotional support):
📞 900 525 100 | 🌐 www.samaritansinspain.com
Linea 024 (Spain’s national suicide prevention line – Spanish-speaking only):
📞 024

e. Individuals Who Are Not Willing to Engage in the Process

Coaching requires willingness, honesty, and a desire to make change. I do not work with individuals who have been "sent" to coaching by a partner, parent, employer, or other family member without their full consent or engagement. The person seeking support must want to attend and be ready to do the work involved.

f. Dual Coaching Boundaries within Families

If I am already working with a family member, I cannot also provide one-to-one coaching for another member of the same family. This is to protect confidentiality, maintain therapeutic boundaries, and avoid potential conflicts of interest. I will always signpost or refer where possible.

3. Referrals and Signposting

If your needs fall outside the scope of coaching, I can help direct you to other appropriate services. For clients based in Spain, I aim to signpost to local, English-speaking or bilingual resources. For remote clients, I can refer based on your location and needs.

4. Support for Family Members and Carers

If you are affected by someone else’s drinking, there are resources available to help you. Supporting a loved one through substance use can be emotionally exhausting and isolating. You deserve care too.

🫂 Helpful Resources for Families & Carers

Al-Anon Family Groups
Support for anyone affected by another person’s drinking.
🌐 www.al-anonuk.org.uk
🌐 www.al-anon.org – for international and Spanish meetings
Families Anonymous (FA)
A 12-step fellowship for the families and friends of those with drug or alcohol dependence.
🌐 www.famanon.org.uk
SMART Recovery – Family & Friends Programme
Tools and meetings designed to help loved ones support someone with addictive behaviours in a healthy, non-enabling way.
🌐 www.smartrecovery.org/family
Samaritans in Spain – for emotional support for carers or those in distress.
🌐 www.samaritansinspain.com
📞 900 525 100

5. If You’re Not Sure

If you're unsure whether coaching is right for you, you’re welcome to get in touch via the contact form for a free 45 minute phone consultation. This is an opportunity to explore whether we’re a good fit.

I will always be honest about whether I am the right person to support you and will recommend other services if needed.

My Ethical Statement

My work is grounded in compassion, integrity, and a deep respect for the individuals I support. While I am not a licensed therapist, I bring both professional training and lived experience to my practice, offering structured, trauma-informed coaching to individuals seeking to change their relationship with alcohol or navigate the impact of a loved one’s drinking.

I am committed to working ethically and transparently. The following principles guide my practice:

1. Do No Harm

I do not work with individuals who are physically dependent on alcohol or drugs. Where there is risk of harm or a need for medical intervention, I will signpost to appropriate professional services.
I do not offer medical advice. Clients are encouraged to consult with a healthcare professional if there is any uncertainty about dependency or withdrawal risks.

2. Coaching Scope

Coaching is not a replacement for therapy, detox, or crisis intervention.
When situations fall outside the scope of coaching — such as active addiction requiring clinical input, mental health crises, or safeguarding concerns — I will pause coaching and assist with signposting to appropriate services.

3. Client Autonomy

I view each client as the expert in their own life. My role is to offer guidance, ask thoughtful questions, and create space for reflection and discovery.
I do not provide directives; instead, I support clients to explore sustainable, self-led change that aligns with their values and goals.

4. Confidentiality

Client confidentiality is of utmost importance. Information shared with me remains private, unless there is a serious risk of harm to the client or others, in which case I will follow appropriate safeguarding procedures and, wherever possible, discuss this with the client beforehand.
I store notes securely and in accordance with data protection regulations.

5. Boundaries and Integrity

I work within my scope of practice and will always be honest about what I can and cannot offer. If I believe a client would benefit from additional or alternative support, I will help them explore those options.
I maintain clear professional boundaries to ensure a safe and supportive space for clients.

6. Transparency and Honesty

I am transparent about my training, background, and approach. I will never claim expertise I do not have.
I welcome questions about my methods, and I actively encourage feedback as part of a collaborative coaching relationship.

7. Ongoing Development

I am committed to learning and growing in my work. I regularly reflect on my practice and seek out continuing professional development to ensure I offer the best possible support to my clients.