What is (and what isn't) coaching 🤔?

Coaching is defined by the International Coaching Federation as "a thought-provoking, creative process that inspires them to maximise their professional potential". In recent years, coaching has become a valued practice in both personal and professional development, appreciated for its ability to elevate individuals’ performance. However, with this growing interest, there has also been some confusion about the true nature of coaching. It is important to clarify what coaching is, what it isn’t, and why understanding these distinctions is crucial. This post will explore the intricacies of coaching, as well as shed light on the significance of proper training and accreditation for coaches.

Understanding Coaching: The Basics

At its heart, coaching is a collaborative process between a coach and a client aimed at achieving specific personal and professional goals. It's a journey where individuals learn to harness their strengths and identify areas for improvement so they can reach their potential. Coaches use various techniques, grounded in psychology and other practices, to guide clients through this transformation.

For example, a coach may help a client set a goal to improve their public speaking skills. Instead of telling the client what to do, the coach may ask open-ended questions to encourage the client to explore their fears and aspirations. This approach not only empowers the client but also builds accountability and motivation.

Two core beliefs are critical to the practice of coaching and are central to my practice as a coach:

1. The client is whole - this means I believe the client has all the resources and capabilities within themselves to achieve their goals, and are not inherently broken or in need of fixing. This perspective shifts the coach's role from an expert providing solutions to a facilitator supporting the client's self-discovery and growth.

   
   

2. Clients are held with unconditional positive regard - this means i believe that every individual has inherent worth and potential for growth, regardless of their actions or behaviors. In practice, this means I accept and value a client without judgment, criticism, or evaluation. This supports a safe and trusting environment where my clients feel empowered to explore their challenges, develop self-acceptance, and move towards positive change.  

However, it's vital to recognise that coaching is not a universal remedy for every challenge. Knowing the limitations of coaching is just as crucial as understanding its benefits.

What Coaching Isn’t

1. Therapy: Coaching is not a substitute for therapy. While therapy often addresses psychological issues and emotional challenges, helping individuals heal from past traumas, coaching focuses on setting and reaching future goals. According to the American Psychological Association, therapy can involve techniques that assist in diagnosing mental health disorders, while coaching does not aim to treat these conditions.

   
   

2. Mentoring: Mentoring typically involves guidance from someone with more experience in a specific field. While a mentor shares knowledge and insights based on their experiences, coaching is about the client’s self-directed growth. For example, a mentor may guide a young professional through navigating corporate politics, while a coach encourages that same individual to figure out their own strategies for success.

   
   

3. Consulting: In consulting, experts provide their advice and solutions based on their knowledge of a specific industry. Coaches, on the other hand, facilitate their clients in discovering solutions that resonate with their personal experiences and goals. A consultant might give a business specific strategies to improve its operations, while a coach would help the business owner devise their own approach.

   
   

By understanding these distinctions, individuals can select the best support system for their unique growth needs.

The Synergy between Coaching, Mentoring, and Therapy

Although coaching, mentoring, and therapy may seem separate, they can enhance one another. For instance, someone dealing with anxiety may benefit from therapy to help manage their symptoms. Simultaneously, they might work with a coach to develop confidence and communication skills for their next career move. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, individuals who utilized a combination of these approaches reported significant improvements in both personal satisfaction and professional performance.

Recognizing that each methodology serves distinct functions allows individuals to make informed decisions about the type of support required during various stages of personal and professional growth.

The Importance of Coach Training and Accreditation

Proper training and accreditation are critical for effective coaching. Not all coaches have the training necessary to help clients positively. Research consistently shows that clients working with trained or certified coaches experience significantly higher goal attainment, improved performance, and greater well-being [Boyatzis et al. (2025), Erik de Haan (2023)]. This underscores the importance of seeking coaches who have received formal training.

Accredited programs, such as the triple-accredited Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School, which I am undertaking, ensure that coaches meet high training standards, blending practical experience with theoretical knowledge. This comprehensive training equips coaches with the tools they need to deliver transformations effectively.

Accreditation bodies, such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the Association for Coaching and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) ensure coaches commit to ethical practices and professional development, creating trust and confidence among clients.

Why I am working to become an Accredited Coach?

Many coaches chose to operate without accreditation, however, I believe accreditation to be a mark of quality and assurance for the client. For me as the coach, a great framework within which to continue to grow and develop, keeping my coaching practice thriving and fulfilling for me as well as my clients. Opting for a coach on an accreditation pathway dramatically enhances your coaching journey.

I am currently undertaking the triple-accredited Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School, and building hours towards my accreditation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Here’s why accreditation is significant:

• Quality Assurance: Accredited coaches complete extensive training and follow high coaching standards, bringing clients top-notch support.

  
  

• Ethical Practices: Accreditation reflects a commitment to ethical guidelines, ensuring that clients’ well-being is prioritized throughout the coaching process.

  
  

• Continuous Professional Development: Accredited coaches often pursue ongoing learning to stay updated with the latest coaching methodologies and strategies.

  
  

Investing in coaching with a properly trained and accredited coach can yield significant benefits in your personal and professional life.

A hand holds an open brass compass, guiding the way through a lush autumn forest with a winding path ahead.

Your Path Forward

Coaching is an effective method for enhancing personal and professional development, but understanding its nature and boundaries is key. By distinguishing coaching from mentoring and therapy, you can make smarter choices about your growth journey.

Additionally, recognising the importance of working with skilled and accredited coaches is vital. Training and accreditation from organizations like the ICF and institutions like Henley Business School help ensure you receive the support needed for impactful results.

As you reflect on your coaching journey, consider what you truly want to achieve. Embrace the opportunities for growth and change ahead. When you choose the right professional to guide you, you're on track to unlock your full potential!

Ready to explore if I'm the right coach for you? Book a free 30 minute chemistry call to explore your needs and how I can help.