National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) Practice Test 2025 – Complete All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

The principle that emphasizes avoiding harm is centered around the idea of "do no harm." This principle is foundational in various helping professions, including health and wellness coaching. It promotes the ethical responsibility of coaches to ensure that their actions, decisions, and advice do not adversely affect their clients' health or wellbeing. By adhering to this principle, coaches create a safe environment in which clients can explore their challenges and goals without fear of experiencing negative consequences.

This concept aligns closely with the broader ethical standards within the coaching profession, where the focus is on supporting clients in a manner that fosters their personal growth and empowerment while minimizing any potential risk of harm. Coaches are encouraged to assess the impact of their interventions, ensuring that their guidance contributes positively to the client's journey rather than leading to unintended adverse effects.

Other options, while relevant to ethical coaching practices, do not specifically focus on the avoidance of harm. For example, "respect for human freedom and dignity" is vital for honoring clients' autonomy and individuality, "pros must outweigh the cons" involves a cost-benefit analysis that may not directly address harm, and "fairness" relates more to equity and justice in coaching relationships. Therefore, the principle of "do no harm" stands out as the clear guideline for priorit