Inclusivity in Life Coaching

Life coaching has grown rapidly in recent years, alongside global efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These two movements are deeply connected: coaching is about people, and every person holds multiple identities. Therefore, all coaching should inherently be inclusive.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) highlights this in its core competency “Demonstrates Ethical Practice”, stating that coaches must be sensitive to clients’ identity, environment, experiences, values, and beliefs. This makes inclusivity not optional, but central to ethical coaching.

Understanding Identity and Intersectionality in Coaching

Every client brings more than one identity into the coaching space. For example, someone may identify as Black, Queer, and working-class at the same time. These intersecting identities shape their experiences.

• Intersectionality, a concept introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw (1989), explains how overlapping social and political identities can lead to unique forms of discrimination or privilege.
• Identities can include: gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, religion, disability, appearance, and more.
• Coaches must move beyond single-identity “niches” and instead develop the ability to hold space for clients with multiple, intersecting identities.

Practical Steps to Create an Inclusive Coaching Practice

Building inclusivity is not abstract  there are concrete steps coaches can take to make their practice more equitable and accessible:

• Use inclusive language: Be mindful of words and phrases that reflect respect for all identities.
• Commit to self-study: Learn about diverse lived experiences without relying on clients or marginalized groups to educate you.
• Audit your knowledge gaps: Assess how well you understand the identities within your target market and create an action plan.
• Check accessibility: Review your website, materials, and coaching programs to ensure they are inclusive for people with different needs.
• Collaborate widely: Engage with coaches from diverse backgrounds and cultures to expand your perspective.
• Reflect regularly: Incorporate inclusivity questions into your coaching supervision or reflective practice.

Why DEI Strengthens Coaching

Integrating DEI practices does not dilute coaching — it strengthens it. By aligning with DEI principles, coaches:

• Stay compliant with global coaching standards.
• Create safer and more welcoming spaces for all clients.
• Address blind spots that might otherwise limit client growth.
• Model inclusivity as part of professional excellence.

In short: to be ethical, we must be a coach for all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does inclusivity in life coaching mean? Inclusivity means ensuring that all clients, regardless of their identities or backgrounds, feel respected, valued, and supported in the coaching process.

2. How can coaches practice inclusivity daily? Coaches can practice inclusivity by using respectful language, expanding their cultural awareness, reflecting on personal biases, and ensuring accessibility in their services.

3. Why is intersectionality important in coaching? Intersectionality highlights that clients have multiple identities that interact. Understanding this helps coaches avoid oversimplifying client experiences.

4. Do all life coaches need DEI training? While not mandatory, DEI knowledge significantly improves a coach’s ability to serve diverse clients ethically and effectively.

5. Can inclusivity make coaching more effective? Yes. Inclusive coaching fosters trust, deepens the coaching relationship, and ensures clients feel fully seen and supported.

Bio:

Tashan Nicholas worked as a Data Analyst before training to become a Coach with The Coaching Academy, after graduating he was featured as one of our Storytellers.  He now runs his own coaching company RELYTE with a mission to empower diverse individuals and communities to maximise their creativity and live their most authentic and effective lives.

If you are interested in finding out more about the topic of Inclusivity in Coaching it is one of the many topics that we discuss on our monthly Coaching Conversations webinars - you can book your place on our online coaching training event calendar, as well as view past Coaching Conversations on The Coaching Academy YouTube Channel.