Cath Daley ICF MCC Leadership Coach, Coach Mentor’s Post

Please, do not call yourself a coach after a 2-week online course. Do not offer your ‘coaching services’ to 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 after completing a $7 course. You’ll most probably leave them disappointed and potentially 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻. Ads like this and those who take it are exactly what’s destroying the coaching industry and why organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) exist—those that professionally train coaches while maintaining strict ethical practices. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "$𝟳 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵" 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻 (𝗜𝗖𝗙-)𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵? Let’s just say, there are more than a few .😉 👇 For example, it took me 𝟮 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟯-𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺—and thousands of dollars to become a professionally trained ICF-accredited executive coach. Because real coaching education and accreditation means: ✅ Rigorous academic training and real experience—not a 7-day or $7 shortcut. ✅ A deep commitment to ethics, confidentiality, and the integrity of the coaching process. ✅ Clear boundaries between coaching, therapy, and consulting (yes, these are different). ✅ Full respect for the client’s individuality—personality, culture, identity, and context matter. ✅ A safe, supportive space to tap into your resourcefulness and creativity. ✅ An ongoing dedication to personal and professional development. So please please please, 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝘀, for those who are finally making their first steps towards growth and transformation—PLEASE DO NOT BECOME A $7 ‘CERTIFIED’ COACH. Thank you.  𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙮, 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨. #ExecutiveCoaching #RealImpact #InternationalCoachingFederation #ICF #ProfessionalCoaches #CoachTraining

If in a coaching conversation you have noticed emotions arising, emerging physical sensations, or thoughts/styles of thought, stimulated by what your client has said, or how they have said it, then you are experiencing countertransference. Ignored, these experiences will impact your engagement with your client negatively. This could take the form of perpetuating unhelpful dynamics within the client, between practitioner and client, and between client and their environment. Countertransference is often stigmatised in coaching, because it's a 'psychological' concept. Unavoidably, every interaction between people involves psychological phenomena. 'Demonstrates Ethical Practice' and 'Embodies a Coaching Mindset' are mandates for coaches to at least understand the presence of what is happening implicitly (psychologically) in the coaching relationship and if the content is best suited to coaching or other modalities. 'Evokes Awareness' offers a number of options for the coach to notice and actively respond to these phenomena, in a coaching way. If you are interested in deepening your work with your clients, using yourself as an instrument of insight and growth in the coaching relationship, 'ICF Core Competencies- A Relational Exploration’ is a supportive and developmental space to explore and develop. Learn how a relational approach empowers practitioners to use all the competencies with depth and meaning. Foundation level- 11 May & 13 May 11h00 SAST | 09h00 UTC Advanced level- 18 May & 20 May 11h00 SAST | 09h00 UTC *Advanced level requires attendance of Foundation level event. Visit page 'Word of Mouth Coach' events section for more details. https://lnkd.in/dktxXmEf - Registration required in advance. Click on the event link to register through Zoom. - Cost: the webinar is priced on a self-select fee model. Minimum recommended price USD $35. Details for invoicing will captured in registration. - Participants will gain most value if they have completed ICF accredited coach training. - ICF CCEs: 1.5 hours of supervision Core Competency CCEs Visit the events section on page "Word of Mouth Coach" for more details. DM me if you would like to learn more before registering. #ICF #ICFCCE #CCE #corecompetencies #ACC #PCC #mentorcoaching #coachsupervision #reflectivepractice

Why Certification Matters in the Coaching Industry Right now, anyone can call themselves a coach—regardless of training. The reality is, there are people out there calling themselves coaches who aren’t actually coaching—they’re doing something else entirely. This is why I believe in certification. It’s why I took the time to ensure the NatureProcess Coach Training was accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). I couldn’t, in good conscience, train people to become coaches and risk: 1️⃣ Inadequate Skill Levels: Coaches need strong foundational skills to guide their clients effectively. 2️⃣ Vulnerability to Regulation: As the industry evolves, certification ensures you’re prepared if/when coaching becomes regulated. 3️⃣ Damaging Perceptions: Poor coaching practices harm not only clients but also the reputation of coaching itself—especially coaching with and as nature. In my 15 years as a professional coach, I’ve worked with many coaches—some with training, others without. The difference in the quality of coaching is undeniable. So much so that I’d never work again with a coach who hasn’t undergone training with a reputable provider or isn’t committed to developing themselves professionally. In fact, my current coach is an MCC (Master Certified Coach), holding the highest ICF credential. Why? Because I want to experience coaching at the highest assessed level possible. Certification isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about building trust, credibility, and a commitment to excellence. When you invest in a certified coaching program, you’re not just learning tools—you’re joining a movement that values integrity, professionalism, and the transformative power of coaching. #ICFAccredited #NatureCoaching #CoachingWithNature #CoachTraining Image: A hand writing 'My Plan' in an open notebook on a rustic wooden surface

🛑 The Truth About False Coaching Accreditations: How to Spot the Real Deal 🛑 In today’s coaching world, it’s easier than ever for people to call themselves "accredited" or "certified" without actually earning those credentials. I’ve seen many claim to be accredited by reputable organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF), simply adding "ICF" to their titles. But here’s the catch: if they don’t have the official badge, their claims might not be real. 📢Why True Certification & Accreditation Matter: Coaches with genuine certifications from bodies like the ICF or the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) have undergone rigorous training and are held to the highest ethical standards. This means clients can trust they’re receiving professional, well-rounded support. Here’s how to protect yourself: 👇 Look for certification or accreditation badges on their profiles, such as on LinkedIn. Verify their credentials through official directories like the ICF’s website. Don’t hesitate to ask the coach about their qualifications—you have the right to know! 🔸The Impact on Us, the Coaches: For those of us who’ve dedicated years to earning these certifications and accreditations, it’s tough to see unqualified individuals mislead clients. False claims tarnish the reputation of the coaching industry, and they also undermine the value of hard-earned credentials. You deserve a coach who is truly qualified to guide you. Make sure you’re choosing wisely! #CertifiedCoach #ICF #AccreditedCoach #CoachingEthics #LifeCoaching #ProfessionalCoaching #CoachingStandards

Did you know…a 2022 survey indicated that 83% of coaching clients say it’s “important” or “very important” that their coach holds a certification or credential. So…how do you find a coach with an International Coaching Federation credential? Great question! To help you with your research, ICF has developed the Credentialed Coach Finder a free and searchable directory with listings for thousands of qualified, ICF-credentialed coaches worldwide.  Check out the link below for access. Coaching can be a transformational experience. It’s important to find a true professional, exercising due diligence in your search to ensure the coach you select is appropriately educated and adheres to the highest ethical standards. Oh…and don’t forget…if you are a ICF credentialed coach, be sure to update your profile. Let people know more about who you are and who you would love to work with. #ICFproud #professionalcoaching #coaching #coachingethics #icfcoaches

Open discussions are essential for progress, as they foster clarity and understanding. It was wonderful to see fellow coaches gaining valuable insights from the Coaching Credential Q&A sessions this week. My goal is to provide support in areas where I have experienced gaps in my own personal and professional journey. Some of the top questions we explored included: 🤔 Is investing time and energy in obtaining a coaching credential worthwhile? Consider your long-term professional goals when making this decision. The application process itself can be a powerful learning experience that enhances your coaching skills. 🤔 Does the choice of a coaching organization for credentialing matter?  Any recognised coaching credential can be valuable as a professional coach. Think about your client base—whether they are individuals or organisations, the sectors they represent, and the geographical regions you serve. We compared the application processes and investments required by different coaching organisations, and I shared my journey to earning the ICF ACC badge. Remember, everyone’s path is unique, and you are not alone in this process. The key is to keep moving forward, taking action at your own pace. Obtaining a credential is just one step in a much larger coaching journey. Whether or not you pursue a credential, it is beneficial to maintain a log of your coaching hours to track your progress. Thank you to Michelle Scicluna, Katharine Reid, Mehryar Hamid, Dr. Janet Harrison and Dr Kim Ah-Moye for a truly engaging discussion. If you'd like to discuss coaching credentials at any time, I'm here to help 😊 #CoachCredential #ProfessionalCoach #CoachingCommunity

It's International Coaching Week! 🎉 Professional Coaching is an often misunderstood and misrepresented profession. So every day this week, I'm reposting an article which will answer your most burning questions! 🔥 What does it mean that a coach is "certified"? "What's "credentialed", then -- or is that the same thing? How does a coach obtain a certification or credential? Or is it all a bunch of marketing BS? Terminology, and the coach credentialing process, is confusing not just for the public -- many coaches are confused, too! As a Mentor Coach, I see it all the time, and have struggled myself to understand. 🤓 In this fourth installment article in my "All About Coaching" series, I clarify definitions, demystify the credentialing process, and offer plenty of helpful links and a reference tool. 🙌 Want to learn more, or explore coaching -- or mentor coaching -- with me? Comment or send a message! 💜 https://buff.ly/3ZlAwjs . . . #coachsusana #wordswisdomwellness #wisdomtip #saneandhumane #traumainformedcoach #traumainformedcoaching #leadershipcoach #leadershipcoachingforwomen #BIPOCcoaching #InternationalCoachingWeek #ExperienceCoaching #CoachingWeek #ProfessionalCoaching #ProfessionalCoach #CoachingCommunity #ICFCoach #AllAboutCoaching #coachtraining #coacheducation #coachingcredential #coachingstandards #InternationalCoachingFederation #AllAboutCoaching #MentorCoach #MentorCoaching #ICFMentorCoach #coachingarticles

🌟 **Why Partnering with an ICF-Credentialed Coach Is a Game-Changer** 🌟 In a world where the professional landscape is constantly evolving, finding the right coach can be the *transformative* step you need. Enter the International Coaching Federation (ICF) – the gold standard in coaching excellence. Here’s why choosing an ICF coach makes all the difference: **1. Uncompromising Ethics** ICF coaches adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, ensuring integrity and transparency in every interaction. You can trust that your growth is supported in a safe, professional environment. **2. Proven Frameworks for Success** ICF coaches use research-backed frameworks that drive real, sustainable change. Decades of research have refined these methods, ensuring you benefit from what truly works. **3. Lifelong Learning** ICF coaches are committed to continuous improvement. Their rigorous credentialing process includes ongoing professional development, so you’re always getting the latest and best guidance. **4. A Global Network, Tailored Solutions** With access to a global community, ICF coaches bring diverse perspectives and innovative solutions, perfectly tailored to your unique challenges. Choosing an ICF coach isn’t just about effective coaching – it’s about partnering with someone who is dedicated to supporting your journey with the highest standards of excellence. 🌍🤝 #ICF #CoachingExcellence #ProfessionalDevelopment #EthicalLeadership Curious about how coaching can unlock your potential? Let’s connect! 🚀

Professional coaching paves path for long- term transformational changes in personal and professional journeys.

Why do you want to train with an ICF-accredited coach training program? Courses that take on the process to become ICF accredited have to meet a very rigorous standard, it is not done overnight and takes a great deal of time. The ICF is considered the gold standard in coaching education and is the most recognized coaching credential in the world. ⁠ ⁠ If you're wanting to work as a Trauma-Informed Coach, especially with organizations, they will most likely require that you either have an ICF credential or have taken an ICF accredited program. 🎓️⁠ ⁠ ---------⁠ ⁠ Shared from: coachfederation.org ⁠ 85% of coaching clients say it’s important or very important that their coach holds a certification or credential. Earning an ICF Credential provides you with instant credibility and increased visibility to prospective clients.⁠ ⁠ ICF offers three credentials, corresponding with the quantity of education and experience required to earn it. The credentials are:⁠ ⁠ -Associate Certified Coach (ACC) – Completed 60 hours of coach specific education and 100 hours of client coaching experience⁠ ⁠ -Professional Certified Coach (PCC) – Completed 125 hours of coach specific education and 500 hours of client coaching experience⁠ ⁠ -Master Certified Coach (MCC) – Hold or have held a PCC Credential, completed 200 hours of coach specific education and 2,500 hours of client coaching experience⁠ ⁠ #Coaching #ICF #Accreditation