Trainings and Certifications While an abundance of educational programs for coaching exist, the most comprehensive and professional ones have been awarded the International Coach Federation’s stamp of approval by being classifi ed as Accredited Coach Train- ing Programs (ACTPs). These programs offer instruction in all the ICF’s “core coaching competencies,” a breadth of key skills and knowledge deemed crucial to competently practice the profession of coaching. The ICF offers three tiers of certifi cation for


coaches—Associate, Professional, and Master Certifi ed Coach—based on successful completion of an accredited training program as well as increasing levels of coaching experience.


Accredited Coach Training Programs also offer their


own certifi cations equivalent to the ICF’s Associate Cer- tifi ed Coach (ACC). These certifi cations go by various names, such as Certifi ed Life Coach, Certifi ed Wellness Coach, Certifi ed Business Coach, and so on, depending on the area of focus. The exact name of the certifi cation is less important than the quality of education and experience obtained. The ACTP classifi cation is the most trustworthy indicator of the caliber of a coach-training program.


Finding a Coach (and the Right Coach) Choosing to work with a certifi ed coach guarantees that the practitioner is using the term “coach” in the sense of the profession of coaching. It also guarantees that the prac- titioner has advanced training and a solid foundation of coaching-specifi c experience. Some therapists call them- selves coaches to avoid having to meet rigorous licensing requirements for psychotherapists that exist in many states. These people don’t necessarily have training in coaching, nor do they necessarily follow guidelines set by the ICF (or any other professional coaching organization) about what constitutes coaching. They may engage with clients in more directive and prescriptive ways than would be ac- ceptable for professionally trained coaches. It’s important to keep in mind that coaching and therapy are different professions that use different approaches and require dif-


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“Life coaching is a professional relation- ship that supports people in achieving extraordinary results in their lives.” —International Coach Federation


ferent types of education. However, it’s also important not to confuse a non-licensed therapist claiming to be a coach with a practitioner qualifi ed and credentialed to practice in both fi elds. The way to tell the difference is to inquire about training and certifi cation.


Membership in the International Coach Federation is another important criterion when seeking out a professional coach. ICF membership guarantees that the practitioner is governed by guidelines for professional practice and ethical conduct. Length of practice as a coach, as well as testimoni- als and success stories, are additional indicators of the level of a coach’s mastery. When seeking a coach, it’s important to fi nd one who specializes in the desired focus area. Life (personal) coaches work with a wide variety of topics and issues related to values, direction, life choices, and life balance. They may also (but not necessarily) have training and experience that qualify them to work in additional areas. Other profes- sional coaches may focus on a particular specialty, such as business coaching, career coaching, wellness coach- ing, relationship coaching, executive coaching, or spiritual coaching. In addition to general training in the profession of coaching, these coaches should have a background that qualifi es them to practice in their specialty area. If a particular coach’s specialty isn’t evident from their advertis- ing (such as “integrative coaching”) it’s wise to ask for more information about their approach, professional training, and experience. Finding a practitioner who intuitively feels like a good


match is of great value as well. No training, credential, or list of glowing testimonials takes the place of a strong sense of having found the right person to work with. And it’s


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