There’s no doubt about it - I’m a MUCH better coach now than before I started the program, and especially before I did the supervision bit. The factual content of the courses (I chose MentorCoach) was important, but more important was bumping into other coaches, pairing up for homework with them, and hearing their coaching styles. I learned techniques and attitudes that made me a better coach.

Now, about the supervision that James thinks is just a “buzz word.” I had a pretty high opinion of my coaching until I started listening to my supervision tapes with a critical ear, and having an MCC (Anne Durand) critique them. I found that I had developed a lot of bad habits, and especially that I was too interested in having my clients like to be an effective coach. I used the course to replace those habits with better ones, and I still go back every so often for a tuneup.

The certification doesn’t seem to matter much to my individual clients, but companies definitely do care about certification. As I started adding executive coaching to my practice, I ran into many companies who simply wouldn’t talk to coaches who are not ICF certified - I mean, I couldn’t get to the first interview. As it is, I can’t wait to get to the PCC level because that will open still more doors that are closed to ACC level coaches.

Also, I wanted some tangible way to separate myself as a professional coach from the army of crystal-gazing, aura-reading, New Age retreads who decided to call themselves “coaches” when the name “psychic” went out of style. Please forgive me if I seem bigoted, but I do resent the New Age healers who offer instant transformation by understanding the powers of the universe; because they are poisoning the well for those of us who are trying to practice coaching from a well grounded basis in psychology.

And finally, I’m convinced that eventually coaching will be licensed just like psychotherapy, and possibly by the same boards. (I know that this is controvertial, and probably applies only in the US, but I do believe it is coming. Perhaps I’ll start a new thread on this topic.) Since I don’t have a therapy license, and don’t particularly want to train for or practice therapy, I want to have my accreditation in place to be “grandfathered” into licensure when this legislation goes into effect.

So, those are my reasons for earning accreditation. It was rather expensive and it took over two years, but for me it was worth it.

At the risk of advertising, we have just linked up with a University to launch an MA in Coaching by action learning which gives credits for all those years of experience, short courses etc and which leads to a Masters by building on that experience.

We can all grow and develop, however great we are and actually I want to distinguish myself from those who playing ‘amateur psychiatrist’. That’s why I want qualifications and accreditation.

In terms of accreditation - right now, I think it is up to each individual coach to decide if it adds value to their practice or clients. Until there is one definitive accreditation body, I am going to wait but if clients start to ask for one specific accreditation then of course I’ll do the process.