Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Transpersonal Archaeolopsychology is a unique combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS) techniques and principles, and ancestral, transpersonal, psychospiritual practices. As a coach specializing in these ways, as the core of my practice, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and care. This Code of Ethics reflects my dedication to providing a safe, empowering, and client-centered coaching experience. While I am not a licensed therapist, I adhere to ethical principles that align with both the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the IFS Institute, ensuring that my work remains grounded in respect, accountability, and compassion.

Core Values

The following core values guide every aspect of my coaching practice:

1. Integrity

I commit to honesty, fairness, and transparency in all interactions. My personal value system and professional value system are one and the same. My actions reflect consistency between my words and behavior, ensuring that I remain trustworthy and dependable.

2. Respect

I honor the dignity, autonomy, and unique experiences of every individual. I value diversity in all its forms—cultural, social, personal—and approach each client with genuine curiosity and nonjudgmental acceptance.

3. Confidentiality

I prioritize the privacy of my clients by protecting their personal information. Confidentiality is maintained unless explicit consent is provided or disclosure is required by law to prevent harm.

4. Accountability

I take full responsibility for my actions, decisions, and their impact on others. I am committed to ongoing self-reflection, professional development, and adherence to ethical standards.

5. Compassion

I approach every client interaction with empathy and care, recognizing the inherent worth of each individual and their capacity for growth and transformation through self-discovery.

Ethical Principles

The following principles outline how I embody these values in practice:

1. Client-Centered Practice

I recognize that clients are the ultimate experts on their own lives and internal systems. My role is to empower them to connect with their inner wisdom and achieve their goals through a collaborative coaching relationship.

I respect each client’s autonomy by honoring their values, beliefs, and decisions without imposing my own perspectives or agenda.

I maintain a partnership-oriented approach where clients actively define the scope and direction of our work together.

2. Professional Competence

I commit to continuous learning through training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), coaching methodologies, supervision, consultation, and self-reflection to ensure that my skills remain current and effective.

I practice exclusively as a coach—not as a therapist—and make it clear that my services are not a substitute for therapy or medical treatment.

If a client’s needs fall outside the scope of coaching (e.g., severe trauma or mental health conditions requiring therapeutic intervention), I will refer them to an appropriate licensed professional while continuing to support their growth within the boundaries of coaching.

3. Safety and Well-Being

I create a safe environment for clients by maintaining clear boundaries and fostering trust throughout our work together.

While IFS coaching often involves exploring challenging emotions or past experiences, I ensure that sessions remain within the client’s window of tolerance for emotional safety.

If safety concerns arise (e.g., imminent harm to self or others), I will take appropriate action in alignment with ethical guidelines while respecting confidentiality wherever possible.

4. Cultural Sensitivity

I acknowledge the impact of cultural identities—including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, and more—on a client’s experiences and internal system dynamics.

I strive to create an inclusive space where all clients feel seen, heard, and valued.

I actively work to identify and challenge any biases within myself that could affect my ability to serve clients equitably.

Standards of Conduct

The following standards outline specific behaviors that uphold these principles:

1. Honesty and Transparency

Before entering into a professional relationship, I provide clear agreements regarding roles, responsibilities, fees, scheduling policies, confidentiality terms, session structure (including how we use the IFS framework), and any other relevant details.

If research or specific methodologies are referenced in our work together (e.g., Internal Family Systems or other coaching frameworks), I explain them accurately without exaggeration or distortion.

If conflicts of interest arise—for example, if dual relationships exist—I disclose them immediately and take steps to resolve them ethically.

2. Respect for Boundaries

I maintain professional boundaries at all times to avoid dual relationships or any exploitation of power dynamics.

Romantic or sexual relationships with current clients are strictly prohibited under this code.

Outside of sessions, I avoid engaging in activities that could compromise the professional nature of our relationship.

 3. Confidentiality

All information shared during sessions is treated as confidential unless:

The client provides explicit written consent for disclosure;

Disclosure is required by law (e.g., in cases involving imminent harm or abuse); or

Consultation with a supervisor or peer is necessary for professional development (in such cases, identifying details are omitted).

Recordkeeping is handled securely to protect client privacy.

4. Commitment to Growth

As an IFS coach who believes in "leading from Self," I engage in ongoing personal development practices—including working with my own parts through therapy or coaching—to ensure that my internal dynamics do not interfere with client care.

Feedback from clients is welcomed as an opportunity for growth; when mistakes occur, I take corrective action promptly.

IFS-Specific Commitments

As an Internal Family Systems practitioner operating within a coaching framework:

1. IFS Principles in Practice:

Sessions are grounded in the core principles of Internal Family Systems: curiosity, compassion, calmness, clarity, courage, creativity, confidence, and connectedness ("the 8 C's").

My goal is to help clients build relationships with their parts while accessing Self-energy as the foundation for healing and transformation.

2. Non-pathologizing Approach:

All parts are welcomed without judgment; no part is seen as "bad" or "wrong." Instead, each part is understood as having a positive intention—even if its strategies may no longer serve the client effectively.

3. Empowering Clients:

Clients are supported in becoming their own primary healers by learning how to access Self-energy independently over time.

4. IFS Coaching vs Therapy:

While my work draws heavily on the principles of Internal Family Systems therapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, it remains firmly rooted within a coaching context rather than therapeutic treatment.

Pledge

As an IFS-informed coach:

I pledge to uphold the highest standards of integrity in every interaction while honoring the transformative power of Self-energy within each individual.* *Through fostering trust via transparency; maintaining confidentiality with care; honoring diversity with cultural humility; leading from Self; and continually refining my skills—I strive to create a safe space where meaningful growth can flourish.*

This Code of Ethics reflects my unwavering commitment to empowering individuals on their journey toward greater self-awareness, healing from within their internal systems, and achieving their full potential through compassionate coaching practices rooted in the wisdom of Internal Family Systems.