A) Foundations of the Jungian Coaching Relationship
1. Respect for Autonomy
Jungian Coaching supports the client’s own process of growth and decision-making.
2. Commitment to Individuation
Jungian Coaching honours the lifelong process of individuation: the unfolding of the whole person (or/and the group), integrating both conscious and unconscious aspects of life.
3. Clear Agreements
Coach and client agree in advance on goals, session frequency, fees, and confidentiality.
4. Boundaries
The coaching relationship remains professional. Personal, financial, or sexual entanglements are strictly prohibited.
B) Confidentiality
1. All sessions are confidential.
2. Information may only be shared with the client’s explicit consent (e.g., anonymised material used in teaching or writing).
3. Exceptions: Disclosure is only allowed if required by law or if there is a clear and immediate risk of serious harm to the client or others.
4. Compliance with Legal requirements for the protection of client data is mandatory.
C) Professional Competence
1. Self Development
Coaches continue their own individuation process through personal analysis or Jungian coaching.
2. Supervision Requirement
Coaches commit to regular professional supervision and/or peer consultation to ensure reflective practice, ethical awareness, and accountability.
3. Scope of Practice
Jungian Coaching is not psychotherapy. Coaches will refer clients to analysts or mental health professionals when deeper psychological treatment is indicated.
4. Continuous Professional Development
Coaches maintain ongoing study of Jungian theory, coaching methods, reflection on practice and self-reflection to ensure professional competence.
D) Jungian Principles in Coaching
1. Thematic Analysis
Exploration of recurring patterns and constellated themes that influence the client’s experience.
2. Complexes
Recognition of emotionally charged groups of memories that unconsciously shape thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
3. Energy Principle
Attention to where psychic energy is invested, blocked, or seeking new expression, supporting direction, balance and vitality.
4. Symbols
Working with dreams, images, and symbolic expressions as pathways to insight and transformation. Interpretations are collaborative and tentative; the client is the final authority on meaning.
5. Field
Engaging in one to one relationships, groups and the wider field (including cross- cultural and transgenerational) with conscious awareness.
6. Content and Process Considerations
Analysis of the content and relational dimensions of the human analytic process.
E) Client Well-Being
1. The client’s well-being is paramount in all aspects of coaching.
2. Coaching must never exploit vulnerabilities.
3. Coaches act promptly if concerns arise regarding the client’s safety or welfare. Actions might include:
1. Seeking supervision
2. Referral to appropriate mental health and/or other professionals if necessary
3. Action under Principle B 4
F) Diversity and Inclusion
1. Jungian Coaching respects cultural, spiritual, gender, and individual differences.
2. Patterns and symbols are always considered within the client’s own cultural and personal framework.
G) Accountability
1. Coaches are accountable to clients, supervisors, peers, and the IAJCC.
2. Ethical concerns are addressed with openness, respect, and seriousness.
H) Complaint Procedure
1. Raising a Concern
Clients may raise ethical or professional concerns directly with the coach in writing or verbally.
2. Resolution with the Coach
The coach commits to hearing concerns openly, discussing them, and seeking resolution in good faith.
3. Escalation
If the matter cannot be resolved, it may be referred to the Ethics Committee of the IAJCC.
4. Response
All complaints will be acknowledged promptly and handled fairly, confidentially, and with respect for both parties.
5. Non-Retaliation
Raising a complaint will never result in retaliation or disadvantage for the client.
I) Assurance
1. Skills and Competencies
The coach attests to possessing the skills and competencies required for Jungian coaching as specified by the IAJCC and to working within the limits thereof.
2. Adherence to the IAJCC regulations
The coach commits to adherence to the IAJCC regulations governing professional standards. (LINK)
This Ethical Code is a shared agreement between the coach and IAJCC. It exists to protect the integrity of the coaching relationship and to support both coach and client in the collaborative journey of growth, meaning, and individuation.
Enforcement
Full acceptance and commitment to the Code of Ethics is a condition of membership of the IAJCC.
Client
The term ‘client’ may refer to an individual or a group receiving Jungian Coaching.
The Code of Ethics is approved by the IAJCC founders:
Dr John O’Brien Dip Analytical Psychology, CGJIZ
Dr Nada O’Brien Dip Analytical Psychology, CGIZ
Benjamin Grosser, EMC INSEAD