Colmer Recovery
Code of Ethics
As a Certified Recovery Coach and a member of Recovery Coaches Canada, I hold myself to a clear set of ethical principles in every coaching relationship. This page sets out exactly what you can expect from me — and what you have every right to ask of any recovery coach you're considering. It reflects the standards recognized across the recovery coaching profession in Canada, including the national ethics framework maintained by Recovery Coaches Canada, which you can read in full at rccanada.org/ethics.
1. Integrity
I will act with honesty, authenticity, transparency, and humility in every interaction. My words, actions, and decisions will be consistent with the values I profess. When I make mistakes, I will acknowledge them, learn from them, and remain accountable.
2. Respect
I will honour the dignity, autonomy, lived experience, beliefs, culture, identity, and recovery pathway of every person. I will meet each client with unconditional positive regard, recognizing that they are the expert in their own life.
3. Client Self-Determination
I will never direct another person's recovery or impose my own beliefs, experiences, or agenda. My role is to ask thoughtful questions, listen deeply, encourage self-discovery, and support clients as they build a recovery that reflects their own values and goals.
4. Confidentiality
I will protect the privacy and confidentiality of every client and safeguard the information entrusted to me. I will only disclose confidential information when required by law, when there is an imminent risk of serious harm, or with the client's informed consent.
5. Professional Competence
I recognize that learning never ends. I will continually seek education, supervision, mentorship, feedback, and professional development to improve my knowledge, skills, and effectiveness. When a client's needs exceed my scope of practice, I will make appropriate referrals without hesitation.
6. Professional Boundaries
I will establish and maintain clear, healthy, and ethical boundaries. I will avoid dual relationships, favoritism, exploitation, or any circumstance that could impair my professional judgment or compromise the trust placed in me.
7. Informed Consent
Before coaching begins, I will ensure clients understand the nature of recovery coaching, my role, the limits of confidentiality, my scope of practice, their rights, and their responsibility for making informed decisions throughout their recovery journey.
8. Equity and Inclusion
I will provide coaching free from discrimination, prejudice, or bias. Every client will be treated with fairness, dignity, compassion, and respect regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, or recovery pathway.
9. Conflict of Interest
I will place the well-being of my clients above personal, financial, or professional interests. Whenever a potential conflict of interest exists, I will disclose it openly and take appropriate steps to protect the client's best interests.
10. Client Welfare
The safety, well-being, and empowerment of every client will remain my highest priority. I will encourage accountability without shame, perseverance without perfectionism, and hope without false promises. I will advocate for my clients while respecting their right to make their own decisions.
11. Professional Responsibility
I will uphold the standards of Recovery Coaching in Canada, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and conduct myself in a manner that strengthens public confidence in the profession. I will contribute to the growth of recovery coaching by supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, accepting constructive feedback, and continuously examining my own character and practice.
These principles guide my practice from our very first conversation through every session that follows. If you ever have a question about how one of them applies to your situation, I'd rather you ask than wonder.
Troy Colmer
Founder & Certified Recovery Coach
Colmer Recovery