“The goal of coaching is to hold the space for people to think about how they think so they can free themselves from the limits of their stories.”
What Coaching Is & What it Isn’t
Coaching is a learning and developmental model rooted in curiosity, reflection, insight and intentional action. As Patrick Williams and Diane S. Menendez describe, it places “an emphasis on creating awareness so that clients can choose outcomes that promote their growth and development while attaining what they believe are the qualities of a fulfilling life.” Rather than giving direction, it helps individuals take the lead in navigating their life path.
It’s important to understand how coaching differs from consulting and therapy. A consultant assesses a situation, identifies issues or opportunities for improvement and provides recommendations or solutions based on their specialised knowledge. A therapist addresses emotional or psychological challenges, helps people process past experiences and establish coping strategies to foster overall well-being. In both modalities, the professional is the expert and assumes a directive capacity.
Coaching, by contrast, is an equal partnership grounded in the belief that you are creative, resourceful and whole. In this approach, the coach is not the expert—you are. The coach’s role is to facilitate your self-directed evolution, supporting you to deepen self-awareness, clarify your values and reconnect with what matters most. The work is future-focused, with the coach serving as a thinking partner as you explore possibilities, define your priorities and determine meaningful ways forward using your own insights.
International Coaching Federation (ICF)
What is the ICF and Why is it so Important?
The ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession with integrity, ethical practice and a steadfast commitment to professional excellence. As a world-renowned leader, it sets global standards, grants independent accreditation for coach training programs, awards internationally recognised credentials and champions evidence-based research that strengthens the growth and credibility of coaching worldwide.
Shaping Global Coaching Standards
Code of Ethics
The ICF Code of Ethics sets the standard for ethical conduct. It provides clear guidelines for integrity, confidentiality, professionalism and respect in the coach-client relationship, ensuring that coaching is delivered with trust, accountability, and client-centered care. All ICF-credentialed coaches are required to abide by the Code.
Professional Credentials
Coaches who hold ICF credentials have met rigorous education and experience requirements. They demonstrate coaching excellence, are dedicated to supporting client growth and uphold the highest professional standards.
The ICF provides a wealth of resources and professional development opportunities that strengthen both individual coaches and the coaching profession. Through global research, international learning events and Communities of Practice, coaches gain evidence-based insights to stay informed, adapt to industry trends and enhance the impact of their work with clients.
Advancing Coaching
The ICF Core Competencies are the guiding principles of the coaching experience. They define the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to provide client-centered, results-focused coaching and are regularly reviewed and refined to ensure they reflect current practices, helping professionals stay at the forefront of the evolving profession.
Core COmpetencies
ICF-accredited education programs complete an in-depth evaluation to ensure their curriculum incorporates the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics. This process assures that their programs meet the highest calibre of ethical practice, competence and professional development.
Education Accreditation
“Since 1998, the ICF Core Competencies have set the standard for professional coaching, defining the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful impact. First developed by eight coaching pioneers, these competencies continue to lay the groundwork for effective coaching practices worldwide.”
The Invitation
If you're ready to be witnessed and celebrated as you are, not judged or ‘fixed’, then you're in the right place.
You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. You simply need to be willing to engage with your inner wisdom.
This journey invites you to rediscover yourself, to feel re-energized by what you uncover and be uplifted by the joy of new ventures that align with who you want to be.
If you’re curious, I invite you to reach out to start the conversation.
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people that have come alive.”