Daria Huck, ACC’s Post

You have probably seen me posting about ICF and the credential and the webinar I ran recently. In my next few posts I'll be answering some common questions about it, starting with.... 𝗙𝗔𝗤: 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝘾𝙁 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡? ✳️T𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗖𝗙 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 is a professional certification that indicates you have met specific standards and requirements designed to develop and refine your coaching skills. ✳️ ICF-credentialed coaches are professionals who have met stringent education and experience requirements and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the coaching competencies that set the standard in the profession. Additionally, they adhere to strict ethical guidelines as part of ICF’s mission to protect and serve coaching consumers. I think of the ICF credentialling process as a way of standardising coaching skills because it reflects high standards based on a set of core values and competencies and provides a reliable, measurable and provable way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise as a professional a coach. ⚠️ Coaching is still a largely unregulated profession where, for example, you can become a qualified life coach by doing a $7 course on Facebook and anyone can call themselves a coach. ✳️ Earning an 𝗜𝗖𝗙 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 provides you with instant credibility and increased visibility to prospective clients. ✳️ It shows your clients and peers that you are committed to the coaching industry and to developing yourself as a coaching professional. And holding a credential – especially an 𝗜𝗖𝗙 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹– is extremely important to today’s coaching clients. ❕ The 2022 Global Consumer Awareness Study found that  𝟖𝟓% 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙧 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙨 𝙖 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 or 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 If you have questions or want to find out more about how it can help you as a coach then let's have a conversation! Click on the link in the comments to book a call and I'll answer any questions you have. #coach #coaching #icf #icfcoach #icfcredential #icfcoaching

What does it look like to become a coach and build a coaching practice? These are two different things. There are so many pieces to this puzzle. How do you build a coaching business if you don't have the wherewithal or know what it really means to be a coach? You go to a doctor because they have specific training (different types for different things), and you will have a preference for the kind of doctor, accountant, lawyer, or professional you seek. So, coaching is not different. There is rigorous training, and there are ethics and standards that ICF coaches who are trained in coaching adhere to. Thank goodness for that; otherwise, we would have a lot of people (and there still are many people who are not receiving the value they hoped in coaching) with their coach. If a coach isn’t trained professionally (in ethics, standards, and methodology), it can be a vast pool of who knows what. Whatever is left over in your fridge, mix it all in a pot and see what you get. Versus coming through a process to become an effective coach and having the foundations, then moving on to how I start my practice. And how do I build a thriving business? Coaching is an investment of resources, whether you are BEcoming a coach or investing in a coach. Discernment is required. There are proven strategies, systems and strengths (including intuition) that work. So wouldn't you want to know what they are so you can hit the ground running and not have to figure it all out yourself? I was inspired by a question I read on Threads asking, “What business coaching school should I attend to become a coach?” These are two very different things. There is still a lot of unknown about the coaching profession. Where are you in the process of becoming a coach or growing a thriving practice? DM to learn more about our Academy and how we take you from A to Z, from BEcoming a coach to building a thriving practice. ATTENTION GRADS: Learn about our limited-time, exclusive group mentor coaching offer and upgrade your coach training certificate to our new Level I accreditation! #coachtraining #coaching #coachingbusiness #ICFCertification #MentorCoaching #mentorcoach

As we approach a new year, are you ready to take your coaching career to the next level, but find yourself questioning where to start? Many aspiring coaches, like you, face similar hurdles when stepping into the world of professional coaching. You don’t have to go through this journey alone! At Coach Advancement, we understand the unique challenges new coaches encounter, and that’s why our ICF-Accredited Level 1 Coach Diploma Programme, is designed to give you the skills, confidence, and structure to succeed. You'll learn the science underpinning coaching and then go beyond to mastering the art of coaching. With the Science & Art of Coaching, you will: + Boost Your Confidence: No more second-guessing yourself in client sessions. Our programme will equip you with proven tools and techniques, ensuring you approach each session with clarity and conviction. + Learn to Navigate Ethics and Boundaries: Gain a deep understanding of coaching ethics, boundaries, and professional standards through the ICF Core Competencies. You'll be able to confidently handle sensitive situations while maintaining a professional and ethical practice. + Refine Your Listening and Questioning Skills: Effective coaching is about guiding your clients to discover their own solutions. We’ll help you master active listening and powerful questioning, the foundations of transformative coaching. Register now and save £500! Use code L1SP25500 at checkout to claim your Early Bird Discount. Discount is also applicable to our interest-free monthly payment plans. https://lnkd.in/eHsfxgKZ #coachingeducation #level1 #coachingcareer #coachtraining #coachadvancement #aspirationtoreailty

For anyone thinking of training as a coach … Who needs Black Friday when you can avail of an early bird offer! Coach Advancement by Tracy Sinclair is one of two amazing coach training organisations I have the pleasure of working with, both offering high quality and accredited coach training. #coaching #CoachTraining

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

🌟 Unlock Your Potential: Key Skills and Qualifications Required to Become a Coach! Embarking on a journey to become a professional coach is both exciting and transformative. Whether you're looking to guide individuals to personal breakthroughs, enhance team performance, or create a coaching culture within an organisation, understanding the essential skills and qualifications is your first step. 🔑 Core Skills for Aspiring Coaches: Focused Attention: Being fully present and attentive to the coachee. Nancy Kline says, “The quality of your attention, determines the quality of the other person’s thinking”. Transformative Listening: Master the art of truly hearing what your clients are saying and feeling, beyond their words. Speaking with Intent: Develop the ability to articulate insights, questions, and feedback with impact. Emotional Intelligence: Cultivate the sensitivity to understand and manage your own emotions and your coachee's. 📚 Recommended Qualifications: Coaching Certifications: Invest in accredited programmes; like our Advanced Certificate in Coaching Practice, an AC (Association for Coaching) Accredited programme,  to deepen your skills and knowledge, be part of an active coaching community, and validate your expertise and credibility. Gain Experience: Build on the foundations of your coach training with practical coaching experience to build a solid practise. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest coaching methods and tools through reading relevant books and articles, workshops, seminars, and online courses. Kick-start your coaching career with these skills and qualifications to be on a path to making a real difference. Ready to leap? Discover more insights and resources to help you succeed in the coaching world. Ready to get started on your journey into coach training? Comment “INTERESTED” in the comment #becomeacoach #coachingjourney #unlockpotential #careerIncoaching

For coaches, the commitment to guiding others is paralleled by an equally important journey – our own continuous growth and learning. This perpetual journey is not just a professional obligation; it's a core part of our identity as coaches. It shapes how we relate to our clients, how we evolve our methods, and how we understand the ever-changing landscape of human potential. In the dynamic world of coaching, standing still is not an option. Each client interaction, each success or challenge, and each piece of feedback is an opportunity to learn and grow. This growth is multifaceted – it involves enhancing our skills, expanding our knowledge, and deepening our self-awareness. Our development as coaches is fueled by a relentless curiosity and a willingness to explore new perspectives. It requires us to be students of life, constantly seeking insights from various disciplines, experiences, and philosophies. This ongoing education enriches our coaching practice, allowing us to offer more diverse and nuanced guidance. Self-awareness is another critical aspect of our journey. Reflecting on our own experiences, biases, and growth areas allows us to coach with greater authenticity and empathy. It also helps us to maintain the emotional resilience and clarity needed to effectively support our clients. Moreover, the landscape of coaching itself is ever-evolving. Staying abreast of new theories, techniques, and tools is essential to remain relevant and effective. This involves engaging with the coaching community, participating in professional development opportunities, and continuously refining our own coaching models and methodologies. Yet, perhaps the most profound learning comes from our clients themselves. Each individual we coach holds a mirror to our practice, reflecting both our strengths and areas for improvement. By embracing this feedback and using it as a catalyst for personal and professional development, we not only become better coaches but also contribute to the collective growth of the coaching field. In this unending journey of growth and learning, let us remember: as coaches, we are both guides and travelers. Our commitment to personal development is not just a professional duty; it's a testament to the transformative power of lifelong learning. #LifelongLearning #CoachingDevelopment #JourneyOfGrowth #CoachingExcellence #CoachCertificationInstitute

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

For coaches, the commitment to guiding others is paralleled by an equally important journey – our own continuous growth and learning. This perpetual journey is not just a professional obligation; it's a core part of our identity as coaches. It shapes how we relate to our clients, how we evolve our methods, and how we understand the ever-changing landscape of human potential. In the dynamic world of coaching, standing still is not an option. Each client interaction, each success or challenge, and each piece of feedback is an opportunity to learn and grow. This growth is multifaceted – it involves enhancing our skills, expanding our knowledge, and deepening our self-awareness. Our development as coaches is fueled by a relentless curiosity and a willingness to explore new perspectives. It requires us to be students of life, constantly seeking insights from various disciplines, experiences, and philosophies. This ongoing education enriches our coaching practice, allowing us to offer more diverse and nuanced guidance. Self-awareness is another critical aspect of our journey. Reflecting on our own experiences, biases, and growth areas allows us to coach with greater authenticity and empathy. It also helps us to maintain the emotional resilience and clarity needed to effectively support our clients. Moreover, the landscape of coaching itself is ever-evolving. Staying abreast of new theories, techniques, and tools is essential to remain relevant and effective. This involves engaging with the coaching community, participating in professional development opportunities, and continuously refining our own coaching models and methodologies. Yet, perhaps the most profound learning comes from our clients themselves. Each individual we coach holds a mirror to our practice, reflecting both our strengths and areas for improvement. By embracing this feedback and using it as a catalyst for personal and professional development, we not only become better coaches but also contribute to the collective growth of the coaching field. In this unending journey of growth and learning, let us remember: as coaches, we are both guides and travelers. Our commitment to personal development is not just a professional duty; it's a testament to the transformative power of lifelong learning. #LifelongLearning #CoachingDevelopment #JourneyOfGrowth #CoachingExcellence #CoachCertificationInstitute