Associate Certified Coach (ACC Exam) Questions and Answers
Which reflects an ethical violation that would fall under a coach's responsibilities related to practice and performance?
Options:
Providing coaching to some clients and consultation to others
freaking confidentiality when a client is threatening to harm themselves
Meeting with a sponsor to discuss their role in the coaching process
Failing to alert involved parties when there is a conflict of interest
Answer:
DExplanation:
The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 2, "Responsibility to Practice and Performance") includes obligations to maintain professional integrity, such as disclosing conflicts of interest (Section 3.2: "I will disclose to my clients any conflict of interest"). Failing to do so violates this responsibility. Let’s evaluate:
A. Providing coaching to some clients and consultation to others: This is permissible if roles are clear and agreed upon (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1.2), not an ethical violation.
B. Breaking confidentiality when a client is threatening to harm themselves: This is allowed under Section 4.3 ("to prevent serious harm"), not a violation.
C. Meeting with a sponsor to discuss their role in the coaching process: This is ethical if disclosed in the agreement (Section 1.2), not a violation.
D. Failing to alert involved parties when there is a conflict of interest: This breaches Section 3.2, undermining the coach’s responsibility to practice with transparency and integrity.
Option D reflects an ethical violation under "Responsibility to Practice and Performance."
A sponsor hires a coach to work with a director. The director asks the coach to provide coaching to address a personal issue under a separate contract. What should the coach do as an ethical responsibility?
Options:
Clarify the implications of both contracts to avoid possible conflicts of interest
Accept to deliver the same type of coaching between the two contracts
Ensure that the sponsor does not pay for the director's personal coaching
Decline the request for the personal coaching contract due to the limits of confidentiality
Answer:
AExplanation:
The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 1.2) requires coaches to "clarify roles and responsibilities" in multi-party agreements, and Section 3.2 mandates disclosing conflicts of interest. Dual contracts (sponsor and personal) risk overlapping interests or confidentiality issues (Section 4). Let’s assess:
A. Clarify the implications of both contracts to avoid possible conflicts of interest: This ensures transparency and alignment (Competency 3), addressing potential conflicts ethically.
B. Accept to deliver the same type of coaching between the two contracts: This ignores potential conflicts or confidentiality breaches between sponsor and personal goals.
C. Ensure that the sponsor does not pay for the director’s personal coaching: Payment source is secondary; the ethical issue is role clarity and conflicts, not just funding.
D. Decline the request for the personal coaching contract due to the limits of confidentiality: Declining isn’t required if boundaries are clear; ICF allows multiple roles with disclosure (Section 1.2).
Option A fulfills the coach’s ethical responsibility, per ICF standards.
Which coaching approach most likely fosters an environment of trust and safety?
Options:
Helping the client learn to prioritize goals that the coach considers as successful
Exploring multiple perspectives about a client’s issue
Thinking ahead to anticipate what problems the client is likely to experience
Evaluating the coach's own performance based on whether or not the client meets their goals
Answer:
BExplanation:
ICF Competency 5 ("Cultivates Trust and Safety") involves creating an environment where clients feel supported and respected, often through open exploration (Competency 7: "Evokes Awareness"). Let’s assess:
A. Helping the client learn to prioritize goals that the coach considers as successful: This is coach-driven, undermining trust and autonomy (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1).
B. Exploring multiple perspectives about a client’s issue: This fosters safety by valuing the client’s input and broadening understanding (Competency 5), building trust.
C. Thinking ahead to anticipate what problems the client is likely to experience: This shifts focus to the coach’s agenda, not trust-building (Competency 2).
D. Evaluating the coach’s own performance based on whether or not the client meets their goals: This prioritizes coach outcomes over client safety (Section 1).
Option B most fosters trust and safety, per ICF’s competency framework.
If a coach believes that a client is at immediate risk for self-harm, what is the first step they should take?
Options:
Try counseling the client
Call emergency response services
Talk with the client's family about getting help
Discuss with a mental health professional
Answer:
BExplanation:
The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 4.3) permits breaching confidentiality "to prevent serious harm" when a client poses an immediate risk, such as self-harm. Coaching boundaries exclude mental health crises (ICF Definition of Coaching), requiring urgent action. Let’s evaluate:
A. Try counseling the client: Counseling exceeds coaching’s scope (ICF Coaching Boundaries), and delays critical intervention in an emergency.
B. Call emergency response services: This is the first step for immediate risk, aligning with ethical and legal obligations to prioritize safety (Section 4.3).
C. Talk with the client’s family about getting help: This breaches confidentiality without imminent danger justification and isn’t the fastest response (Section 4).
D. Discuss with a mental health professional: Consulting delays action; emergency services are needed first (Section 2.5).
Option B is the first step, per ICF ethics and boundaries.
Which best describes the coaching approach?
Options:
Coaches choose the direction of the session in advance based on what worked with previous clients
Coaches strive to stay ahead of the conversation by thinking and analyzing different options
Coaches let clients both drive the coaching and make choices about the tools used during it
Coaches measure their performance by how well the client meets a set of objectives.
Answer:
CExplanation:
The ICF Definition of Coaching emphasizes a "partnership" where clients are the experts in their lives, and coaches facilitate rather than direct (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1). Competency 3 ("Establishes and Maintains Agreements") and Competency 8 highlight client autonomy in shaping the process. Let’s review:
A. Coaches choose the direction of the session in advance based on what worked with previous clients: This is coach-driven, contradicting ICF’s client-led approach.
B. Coaches strive to stay ahead of the conversation by thinking and analyzing different options: This focuses on the coach’s agenda, not the client’s (Competency 2).
C. Coaches let clients both drive the coaching and make choices about the tools used during it: This reflects ICF’s emphasis on client autonomy and partnership (Competency 5, Competency 7).
D. Coaches measure their performance by how well the client meets a set of objectives: This shifts focus to coach outcomes, not client-driven growth (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1).
Option C best describes the coaching approach, per ICF standards.
In which situation should a coach recommend that a client speak with a therapist?
Options:
The coach feels like their guidance has not been helping the client's professional development
The coach notices the client often seems distracted during sessions
The client says their frequent and intense mood swings are disrupting their life
The client explains that they have been feeling nervous about an upcoming change at work
Answer:
CExplanation:
The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 2.5) mandates referral when client needs fall outside coaching’s scope, such as mental health conditions (ICF Coaching Boundaries). Mood swings disrupting life suggest a clinical issue. Let’s review:
A. The coach feels like their guidance has not been helping the client’s professional development: This may require coaching adjustments, not therapy (Competency 8).
B. The coach notices the client often seems distracted during sessions: Distraction alone doesn’t indicate therapy unless tied to mental health (Competency 6).
C. The client says their frequent and intense mood swings are disrupting their life: This suggests a potential disorder (e.g., bipolar), requiring therapeutic intervention (Section 2.5).
D. The client explains that they have been feeling nervous about an upcoming change at work: Situational nervousness is coachable (Competency 7), not requiring therapy.
Option C justifies a therapy recommendation, per ICF ethics and boundaries.
Which is a key element of ICPs Evokes Awareness competency?
Options:
Support the client by showing empathy
Agree with the client on their overall goals.
Share observations to create new learning for the client
Acknowledge what is hard for the client
Answer:
CExplanation:
ICF Competency 7 ("Evokes Awareness") involves "providing observations, asking questions, and challenging the client to increase awareness and insight." Sharing observations is a key element to spark new learning. Let’s evaluate:
A. Support the client by showing empathy: This aligns with Competency 5 ("Cultivates Trust and Safety"), not evoking awareness.
B. Agree with the client on their overall goals: This fits Competency 3 ("Establishes Agreements"), not Competency 7.
C. Share observations to create new learning for the client: This directly reflects Competency 7’s focus on offering perspectives to enhance client insight.
D. Acknowledge what is hard for the client: This supports empathy (Competency 5), not the proactive awareness-evoking of Competency 7.
Option C is a key element of "Evokes Awareness," per ICF’s competency definition.
Which of the following examples best reflects a conflict of interest?
Options:
Receiving payment from a client's employer for coaching the client because the employer may try to influence the coach
Accepting professional recognition instead of payment because the recognition is greatly valued by the coach
Providing individual coaching to a married couple because they may discuss each other's sessions
Coaching a peer while competing with them for the same work because that may interfere with the coach's objectivity
Answer:
DExplanation:
The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 3.1) defines a conflict of interest as "a situation in which a coach has a private or personal interest sufficient to appear to influence the objective exercise of their professional duties." Objectivity and impartiality are critical to maintaining trust and integrity in the coaching relationship (ICF Competency 2: "Embodies a Coaching Mindset"). Let’s evaluate the options:
A. Receiving payment from a client's employer for coaching the client because the employer may try to influence the coach: While this could raise concerns about influence, it’s not inherently a conflict unless the coach’s objectivity is compromised (e.g., prioritizing the employer’s agenda over the client’s). ICF allows third-party payment if disclosed and agreed upon (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1.2).
B. Accepting professional recognition instead of payment because the recognition is greatly valued by the coach: This is a personal preference, not a conflict, as it doesn’t inherently affect the coach’s ability to serve the client objectively.
C. Providing individual coaching to a married couple because they may discuss each other’s sessions: This involves confidentiality risks (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4), but it’s not a conflict of interest unless the coach has a personal stake in their relationship. ICF permits this if boundaries are clear and agreed upon.
D. Coaching a peer while competing with them for the same work because that may interfere with the coach’s objectivity: This is a clear conflict of interest. Competing with the client creates a personal interest (e.g., career advancement) that could bias the coach’s actions, undermining ICF’s requirement for impartiality (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 3.2: "I will disclose any conflict of interest").
Option D best reflects a conflict of interest, as it directly threatens the coach’s objectivity, a cornerstone of ICF ethics.
Nearing the end of a session, your client is still not quite sure what to do about a specific situation. You have the feeling that a similar experience that you have had in the past might be useful for the client. The best response is:
Options:
Tell the client that you have had a similar experience and you know exactly what they should do.
Ask the client if you can tell them a story, and then ask them to share what is relevant in the story.
Share your story and list the possible options your client can try.
Share with the client that you have had a similar experience and enquire if the client would like to hear and see if anything in there may or may not be useful.
Answer:
DExplanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
Option D adheres to Competency 7.11, "Shares observations, insights, and feelings without attachment," by offering the experience as an option while preserving client autonomy (Competency 8.3). It aligns with Ethics Section 2.2 (non-imposition) and the ICF Definition of Coaching (facilitating, not directing).
Option A is directive, violating Competency 2.2. Option B seeks permission but assumes relevance. Option C shares without consent and suggests solutions, bypassing partnership. D best respects the client’s choice and process.
The client asks you to call them every day to make sure they do their homework. The worst response is:
Options:
Reject that demand—you are not the client’s nanny.
Call them—you are a service provider after all.
Tell the client that this will cost extra.
Help the client think about ways he/she could remind him/herself.
Answer:
CExplanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
Option C is the worst because it shifts the coaching relationship into a transactional exchange, undermining Competency 2.2 (partnership) and Ethics Section 2.1 (maintaining professional boundaries). It fails to address autonomy (Competency 8.3) or facilitate growth, contradicting the ICF Definition of Coaching.
Option A is blunt but sets a boundary. Option B risks dependency but meets the request. Option D (best, see Question 15) empowers the client. C most severely misaligns with coaching principles.
Your client is a very creative person who thinks in pictures and learns visually. You, as a coach, are not naturally visual. In order to encourage and facilitate your client’s learning, the best response is:
Options:
Tell your client that you are not able to work with them, as you are not a visual and creative person, therefore not a good coaching match.
Bring a whiteboard into the coaching session where you and the client can use the space to draw pictures, connections, or add any visual aids that might encourage your client’s learning.
Let your client know that to solve problems it is more important to be rational and to approach the problem from a more sensible point of view.
Ask the client about what they know about their preferred learning style and enquire whether using a whiteboard would be a good idea.
Answer:
DExplanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
The ICF Core Competency 4, "Cultivates Trust and Safety," emphasizes adapting to the client’s needs to create a supportive environment (ICF Core Competencies, 4.1). Additionally, Competency 6, "Listens Actively," requires coaches to be attuned to the client’s way of processing information (6.2). Option Daligns with these principles by demonstrating curiosity and partnership. Asking the client about their preferred learning style respects their autonomy and ensures the coach does not assume what works best, which is a key aspect of the ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4, "Responsibility to Practice and Performance" (4.1 – Adapting to client needs).
Option A violates the ethical principle of non-discrimination and fails to adapt to the client’s needs, potentially undermining trust. Option B assumes the whiteboard is the solution without client input, which does not fully partner with the client (Competency 2.2 – Partnership). Option C dismisses the client’s visual learning style, contradicting Competency 7, "Evokes Awareness," which encourages leveraging the client’s strengths (7.1). Thus, D is the best response as it fosters collaboration and tailors the approach to the client’s preferences.
Which is the best time for a coach to help a client develop an action plan'
Options:
When the coach has several options to share
During the assessment of the client's current goal progress
Once the goal-setting process is complete
Answer:
CExplanation:
The ICF coaching process emphasizes a structured approach where goal-setting precedes action planning. ICF Competency 8 ("Facilitates Client Growth") involves "partnering with the client to transform learning and insight into action," which occurs after a clear goal is established (ICF Competency 3: "Establishes and Maintains Agreements"). Let’s analyze:
A. When the coach has several options to share: This implies the coach directs the plan, contradicting ICF’s client-led approach (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.3). Action planning follows client goals, not coach suggestions.
B. During the assessment of the client’s current goal progress: This assumes a goal exists and progress is being reviewed, which may occur later, not as the initial action plan development. The question implies the best starting point.
C. Once the goal-setting process is complete: This is the optimal time, as a defined goal (Competency 3) provides the foundation for an action plan (Competency 8), ensuring alignment with the client’s vision and readiness to act.
Option D aligns with ICF’s sequential process of setting goals before planning actions.
After your client has shared this pattern and has expressed a desire to change and come up with a plan to implement this change, the worst response is:
Options:
Ask the client exactly what they want to do and when.
Share with the client what you think the best next step would be.
Discuss the barriers that the client will face in trying to change.
Ask the client how they usually brainstorm or come up with new and fresh ideas.
Answer:
BExplanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
Option B is the worst because it imposes the coach’s opinion, undermining the client’s autonomy (Competency 8.3) and partnership (Competency 2.2). This breaches the ICF Definition of Coaching, which emphasizes client-led solutions, and Ethics Section 2.2 (avoiding bias).
Option A is premature but not inherently harmful. Option C shifts focus negatively, though it’s less directive. Option D (best, see Question 5) empowers the client. B most directly contradicts ICF principles by prioritizing the coach’s perspective over the client’s.
The client asks you to call them every day to make sure they do their homework. The best response is:
Options:
Reject that demand—you are not the client’s nanny.
Call them—you are a service provider after all.
Tell the client that this will cost extra.
Help the client think about ways he/she could remind him/herself.
Answer:
DExplanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
Option D aligns with Competency 8.3, "Supports client autonomy in the design of goals, actions, and methods of accountability," by empowering the client to create their own system, fostering independence per Ethics Section 1.1. It reflects partnership (Competency 2.2) and the ICF Definition of Coaching (client-led process).
Option A dismisses the request rudely, breaching Competency 4.1. Option B oversteps boundaries, risking dependency (Ethics Section 2.1). Option C turns it transactional, missing the coaching focus. D best supports long-term growth.
Which statement most accurately describes the benefits of coaching supervision?
Options:
Supervision helps coaches actively reflect on and seek guidance about their professional experiences
Supervision provides professional direction and ensures coaches follow applicable laws
Supervision provides instruction on the latest developments in the field and what other coaches are doing
Supervision helps coaches connect with and provide progress reports to their clients' managers
Answer:
AExplanation:
Coaching supervision, per ICF, supports professional development by providing a reflective space for coaches to enhance skills and address challenges (ICF Competency 2: "Embodies a Coaching Mindset"). It’s about growth, not oversight. Let’s assess:
A. Supervision helps coaches actively reflect on and seek guidance about their professional experiences: This aligns with ICF’s view of supervision as a reflective practice for improving competence and self-awareness (Competency 2).
B. Supervision provides professional direction and ensures coaches follow applicable laws: This suggests control, not the developmental focus of ICF supervision.
C. Supervision provides instruction on the latest developments in the field and what other coaches are doing: This is training, not supervision’s reflective purpose.
D. Supervision helps coaches connect with and provide progress reports to their clients’ managers: This misrepresents supervision, which is coach-focused, not client-reporting.
Option A most accurately describes supervision’s benefits, per ICF’s framework.
A client tells their coach that they are struggling to sleep and are having nightmares about a past event they experienced Which is the best action for the coach to take?
Options:
Continue coaching the client but recommend they see a mental health professional about these symptoms
Stop coaching until the client stops experiencing sleeping issues and nightmares from the past event
Modify the coaching agreement to address the client's struggles with the problems resulting from this past event
Contact a health provider for the client so the coach and health provider can collaborate on the client's case.
Answer:
AExplanation:
The ICF Coaching Boundaries distinguish coaching from therapy, stating that coaching does not address mental health conditions like trauma or sleep disorders. The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 2.5) requires coaches to "refer clients to other professionals when appropriate" if issues fall outside their scope. Let’s evaluate:
A. Continue coaching the client but recommend they see a mental health professional about these symptoms: This balances the coach’s role in supporting the client’s goals (ICF Competency 8) while adhering to ethical boundaries by referring out for nightmares and sleep issues, which suggest unresolved trauma (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.5).
B. Stop coaching until the client stops experiencing sleeping issues and nightmares: Ceasing coaching entirely isn’t required unless the client’s condition prevents engagement. ICF encourages maintaining the relationship within its scope (ICF Definition of Coaching).
C. Modify the coaching agreement to address the client’s struggles with the problems resulting from this past event: This crosses into therapy by addressing past trauma, violating ICF boundaries and Competency 3 ("Establishes and Maintains Agreements").
D. Contact a health provider for the client so the coach and health provider can collaborate: This breaches confidentiality (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4) unless the client explicitly consents, and collaboration exceeds coaching’s non-therapeutic role.
Option A is the best action, as it upholds ICF ethics and boundaries by continuing coaching within its scope while ensuring the client’s mental health needs are addressed professionally.
Which action is most appropriate for a coach to take if a client reports suddenly withdrawing from all social activities, and having regular mood swings and trouble sleeping?
Options:
Provide the client with a referral to therapy
Refer the client to a coach who specializes in these areas
Inform the client's family about these issues
Use coaching techniques thot address these specific issues
Answer:
AExplanation:
The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 2.5) requires coaches to "refer clients to other professionals when appropriate," particularly when issues fall outside coaching’s scope, such as mental health concerns (ICF Coaching Boundaries). Sudden social withdrawal, mood swings, and sleep issues suggest a potential clinical condition (e.g., depression), requiring therapy. Let’s evaluate:
A. Provide the client with a referral to therapy: This aligns with Section 2.5 and ICF boundaries, addressing mental health appropriately.
B. Refer the client to a coach who specializes in these areas: Coaching doesn’t treat mental health, regardless of specialization (ICF Definition of Coaching).
C. Inform the client’s family about these issues: This breaches confidentiality without imminent harm (Section 4.3) and isn’t the coach’s role.
D. Use coaching techniques that address these specific issues: This exceeds coaching’s scope, risking harm (Section 2.5).
Option A is most appropriate, per ICF ethics and boundaries.
A coach is approached by a company with a request to provide coaching services to an employee If the coach and potential client meet and determine they would like to work together, what is the next step?
Options:
Begin the coaching process
Draft a coaching agreement
Identify the company's goals
Develop an evaluation plan
Answer:
BExplanation:
ICF Competency 3 ("Establishes and Maintains Agreements") requires a formal agreement before coaching begins, outlining roles, responsibilities, and logistics (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1.1). This step follows mutual interest and precedes coaching. Let’s analyze:
A. Begin the coaching process: Starting without an agreement violates ICF ethics and competency standards.
B. Draft a coaching agreement: This is the next step, ensuring clarity and consent, especially with a third-party (company) involved (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1.2).
C. Identify the company’s goals: This may inform the process but follows agreement drafting, which focuses on the client’s goals (Competency 3).
D. Develop an evaluation plan: This occurs later, after goals are set (Competency 8).
Option B is the correct next step, per ICF’s agreement requirements.
At the end of the session, the client states that they are quite happy with their new awareness and are ready to leave. The worst response is:
Options:
Ask the client whether it might be helpful to explore some actions and accountability measures.
Are happy for the client and let them go.
Tell the client that a coaching session is not finished until they have an action plan.
Ask what they would like to work on next time.
Answer:
CExplanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
Option C is the worst because it imposes the coach’s agenda ("not finished until..."), undermining client autonomy (Competency 8.3) and partnership (Competency 2.2). It violates Ethics Section 2.2 (avoiding bias) and contradicts the ICF Definition of Coaching, which prioritizes client-driven outcomes over rigid structures.
Option A (best, see Question 13) invites collaboration. Option B lacks depth but respects the client. Option D shifts focus prematurely. C most severely disrupts the coaching dynamic.
Which situation presents the strongest case for referring the client to a different coach?
Options:
The client feels stuck due to post emotional issues
The client changes their goals after the first few sessions
The coach and client realize they have conflicting value systems.
The client struggles to understand the coaching agreement
Answer:
CExplanation:
ICF Competency 5 ("Cultivates Trust and Safety") requires a foundation of mutual respect and trust, which can be compromised by irreconcilable value conflicts. Referral may be appropriate if the coach cannot remain objective (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.5). Let’s analyze:
A. The client feels stuck due to past emotional issues: This may warrant referral to therapy, not another coach, if it’s outside coaching’s scope (ICF Coaching Boundaries).
B. The client changes their goals after the first few sessions: This is normal and manageable within coaching (Competency 3), not requiring referral.
C. The coach and client realize they have conflicting value systems: Significant value clashes can hinder trust and impartiality (Competency 2), making referral to another coach the strongest case.
D. The client struggles to understand the coaching agreement: This can be addressed through clarification (Competency 3), not referral.
Option C presents the strongest case for referral to another coach, per ICF standards.
A coach facilitates a client's growth by shifting the client's focus to the
Options:
current situation rather then the future outcome
individual self rather than the coaching topic or goal
behavior rather than the client's sense of self
problem rather than the opportunity to Build potential
Answer:
CExplanation:
ICF Competency 8 ("Facilitates Client Growth") involves "partnering with the client to transform learning and insight into action," often by focusing on observable behaviors that support goal achievement. Shifting focus to behavior aligns with coaching’s action-oriented nature while respecting the client’s autonomy (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1). Let’s evaluate:
A. Current situation rather than the future outcome: Coaching balances present awareness with future goals (Competency 7), not prioritizing one over the other.
B. Individual self rather than the coaching topic or goal: Focusing solely on "self" risks veering into therapy, while coaching targets specific goals (ICF Definition of Coaching).
C. Behavior rather than the client’s sense of self: This fosters growth by addressing actionable steps rather than identity, aligning with Competency 8 and coaching’s practical focus.
D. Problem rather than the opportunity to build potential: Coaching emphasizes potential and solutions (ICF Definition of Coaching), not dwelling on problems.
Option C best reflects how a coach facilitates growth, per ICF’s competency and ethical framework.
A client tells their coach that they can't stop thinking about harming themselves and shares specific information about when and how they are planning to do it Which action should the coach take first?
Options:
Tell the client to call a therapist
Contact the appropriate emergency response services
Schedule more frequent coaching sessions
Discuss the issue with the client's family
Answer:
BExplanation:
The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 4.3) allows breaches of confidentiality "when required by law or to prevent serious harm," and suicidal ideation with a specific plan constitutes an immediate risk. Coachingboundaries exclude handling mental health crises (ICF Definition of Coaching), requiring urgent action. Let’s assess:
A. Tell the client to call a therapist: This delays intervention in a crisis and shifts responsibility to the client, who may not act, contradicting the coach’s duty to prevent harm (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.5).
B. Contact the appropriate emergency response services: This is the first step when a client presents an imminent threat to themselves, aligning with ethical and legal obligations to prioritize safety (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4.3).
C. Schedule more frequent coaching sessions: This is inadequate for an emergency and exceeds coaching’s scope (ICF Coaching Boundaries).
D. Discuss the issue with the client’s family: This breaches confidentiality without consent unless harm is imminent and emergency services are unavailable, making it a secondary step (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4).
Option B is the first action, as it addresses the immediate danger per ICF ethics and boundaries.
Nearing the end of a session, your client is still not quite sure what to do about a specific situation. You have the feeling that a similar experience that you have had in the past might be useful for the client. The worst response is:
Options:
Tell the client that you have had a similar experience and you know exactly what they should do.
Ask the client if you can tell them a story, and then ask them to share what is relevant in the story.
Share your story and list the possible options your client can try.
Share with the client that you have had a similar experience and enquire if the client would like to hear and see if anything in there may or may not be useful.
Answer:
AExplanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
Option A is the worst as it imposes the coach’s solution, contradicting Competency 2.2 (partnership) and Competency 8.3 (client autonomy). It breaches Ethics Section 2.2 (avoiding bias) and the ICF Definition of Coaching by shifting to a directive stance.
Option B and C are less intrusive but still assume relevance. Option D (best, see Question 9) respects the client. A most severely undermines the coaching process by prioritizing the coach’s agenda.
