CPQ™ Scope of Practice & Referral Standard
Rules for coaching boundaries, psychological knowledge, referral indicators and safety management
1. Scope Rule
Document basis: CPQ institutional files and diploma cards, Discover Your Professional Path in Coaching, Ethics of Coaching Law, and CPQ's published professional content. New numeric or procedural requirements not already fixed in the source materials are presented as proposed CPQ internal policy for external review, not as a claim of recognition or equivalence by another body.
A coach provides only what can be justified by education, competence, contract and local law. Psychological or behavioural education does not turn a coach into a physician, therapist or separately regulated practitioner.
2. Referral Indicators
- Imminent risk to self or others.
- Severe or persistent psychological symptoms impairing daily functioning.
- Clear disturbance in reality testing or thought.
- Harmful substance or behavioural dependence.
- Trauma, violence or abuse requiring specialist intervention.
- Physical symptoms or medication questions requiring a clinician.
- Specialist legal, investment or therapeutic matters beyond competence.
3. Referral Protocol
- Listen without diagnosing.
- Explain role limits in non-stigmatising language.
- Determine whether immediate safety risk is present.
- Recommend an appropriate category of specialist without claiming clinical assessment.
- Obtain specific consent before coordinating with another professional.
- Document only what is necessary.
- Decide with the client whether coaching can continue alongside specialist support or should pause/end.
4. Emergencies & Local Law
CPQ does not impose one universal disclosure rule because legal duties vary by jurisdiction. Practitioners must understand the rules where services are delivered, explain confidentiality limits in advance, and seek appropriate professional/legal consultation when safety and confidentiality conflict.