Setting Boundaries with Coaching Clients: Scripts for Difficult Conversations

Professional boundaries protect both you and your clients. But for many coaches, setting boundaries feels uncomfortable—even when it's clearly necessary.

Here are scripts for the boundary conversations you'll need to have.

Common Boundaries Coaches Need to Set

Session Time Boundaries

When clients consistently run over, show up late, or expect you to be available outside sessions.

Scope of Practice Boundaries

When clients ask for advice that falls outside your competence or credentials.

Personal Boundaries

When clients ask personal questions or attempt to blur the professional relationship.

Communication Boundaries

When clients expect immediate responses to texts/emails or contact you outside agreed channels.

Scripts for Time Boundaries

When sessions consistently run over

"I've noticed our sessions often go past the scheduled time. I want to make sure I'm giving you my full attention within our time together, and that means being mindful about when we end. Let's set a 5-minute warning so we can wrap up properly. Does that work for you?"

When a client arrives late

"I want to honor our full time together, and I also have commitments after our session. When you arrive late, we'll still need to end on time. I wanted to be upfront about that so you can plan accordingly."

When a client expects you to be available 24/7

"I really value our work together, and I also need to maintain boundaries around my availability. I respond to messages during business hours, usually within 24-48 hours. For urgent needs between sessions, here's what I'd suggest..."

Scripts for Scope of Practice Boundaries

When asked for medical advice

"That's a great question, and it's outside my scope as a coach. A doctor or registered dietitian would be the right person to answer that. What I can help with is exploring how you want to approach that conversation with them."

When mental health issues arise

"What you're describing sounds really significant. I want to make sure you get the right support. Have you considered talking to a therapist or counselor about this? I'm here for the coaching piece, and I think you deserve specialized support for this aspect too."

When clients want you to create meal plans

"Creating specific meal plans is actually outside what I'm credentialed to do. What I can help with is exploring your relationship with food, building sustainable habits, and working through the mindset pieces. For meal planning, a registered dietitian would be ideal."

Scripts for Personal Boundaries

When clients ask intrusive personal questions

"I appreciate your curiosity! I keep our sessions focused on you though—that's where my attention is most useful. Is there something specific about your own situation that question connects to?"

When clients want to be friends

"I'm glad we have a good rapport—that matters for our work together. At the same time, I maintain professional boundaries with my clients because it actually helps me serve you better. I hope you understand."

When clients give you gifts

"That's so thoughtful of you. I have a policy of not accepting gifts from clients, but I really appreciate the sentiment behind it. The best gift you can give me is continuing to do the work we're doing together."

The Mindset for Boundary Setting

Boundaries aren't about being rigid or unkind. They're about:

• •Creating a container where great work can happen
• •Modeling healthy boundaries for your clients
• •Protecting your energy so you can show up fully
• •Maintaining the professional relationship that serves them

When you set boundaries with warmth and clarity, most clients respect them—and respect you more for having them.

Practicing Difficult Conversations

Boundary conversations feel awkward at first. The words can feel clunky. Your voice might shake. That's normal.

The more you practice these conversations—ideally before you need them for real—the more natural they become.