A coach believes that a client is trying to work on too many goals in too short a period of time Which approach reflects the best way to address this?
Correct Answer: A
ICF Competency 7 ("Evokes Awareness") and Competency 8 ("Facilitates Client Growth") encourage coaches to help clients assess feasibility and prioritize goals collaboratively, respecting client autonomy (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1). Let's assess: A . Invite the client to consider how realistic it is to achieve so many goals that quickly: This reflects Competency 7 by prompting reflection and Competency 8 by guiding toward sustainable progress, maintaining a client-led process. B . Suggest that the client work on the hardest goal until they have more time: This is directive (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.3) and assumes the coach's prioritization, not the client's. C . Help the client develop a plan to accomplish the goals within the timeframe: This ignores the coach's concern about feasibility, potentially setting the client up for failure, and skips awareness (Competency 7). D . Ask the client if they would consider focusing on the hardest goal during coaching: While less directive than B, it still narrows focus without first exploring realism, missing the broader awareness step. Option A is the best approach, aligning with ICF's emphasis on awareness and realistic goal-setting.
Question 2
If a coach believes that a client is at immediate risk for self-harm, what is the first step they should take?
Correct Answer: B
The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 4.3) permits breaching confidentiality "to prevent serious harm" when a client poses an immediate risk, such as self-harm. Coaching boundaries exclude mental health crises (ICF Definition of Coaching), requiring urgent action. Let's evaluate: A . Try counseling the client: Counseling exceeds coaching's scope (ICF Coaching Boundaries), and delays critical intervention in an emergency. B . Call emergency response services: This is the first step for immediate risk, aligning with ethical and legal obligations to prioritize safety (Section 4.3). C . Talk with the client's family about getting help: This breaches confidentiality without imminent danger justification and isn't the fastest response (Section 4). D . Discuss with a mental health professional: Consulting delays action; emergency services are needed first (Section 2.5). Option B is the first step, per ICF ethics and boundaries.
Question 3
Your session has a few minutes left, and the client has discovered some great new insights and has a good plan of action in place. To close the session in a partnering way, the worst response is:
Correct Answer: D
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation: Option D is the worst because it unilaterally dictates the closure (summarizing) without client input, violating Competency 2.2 (partnership) and Competency 8.2 (collaborative closure). It breaches Ethics Section 2.2 (avoiding imposition) and undermines the client's role in the process. Option A assumes content but isn't as rigid. Option B focuses on the coach but allows client response. Option C (best, see Question 25) empowers. D most severely disrupts the partnering dynamic.
Question 4
Your client has shared that he/she is experiencing a similar problem in different areas of his/her life, in the workplace and in their personal life. As you are discussing this with your client, you begin to think that there might be a pattern emerging. The best response is:
Correct Answer: A
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation: Option A aligns with ICF Core Competency 7, "Evokes Awareness" (7.2 - Helps the client gain clarity through exploration), by inviting the client to explore the pattern collaboratively without judgment or assumption. This reflects the ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2, "Responsibility to Professionalism" (2.2 - Avoiding imposing personal biases), and Competency 2.2, which emphasizes partnership. Option B assumes a solution, bypassing client autonomy (Competency 8.3). Option C judges the client, violating Competency 4.1 and Ethics Section 1.1 (non-judgmental stance). Option D shifts to a consulting role, contradicting the ICF Definition of Coaching, which focuses on facilitating client-led discovery, not providing answers. A is the best as it empowers the client to reflect and decide.
Question 5
Which action is most appropriate for a coach to take if a client reports suddenly withdrawing from all social activities, and having regular mood swings and trouble sleeping?
Correct Answer: A
The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 2.5) requires coaches to "refer clients to other professionals when appropriate," particularly when issues fall outside coaching's scope, such as mental health concerns (ICF Coaching Boundaries). Sudden social withdrawal, mood swings, and sleep issues suggest a potential clinical condition (e.g., depression), requiring therapy. Let's evaluate: A . Provide the client with a referral to therapy: This aligns with Section 2.5 and ICF boundaries, addressing mental health appropriately. B . Refer the client to a coach who specializes in these areas: Coaching doesn't treat mental health, regardless of specialization (ICF Definition of Coaching). C . Inform the client's family about these issues: This breaches confidentiality without imminent harm (Section 4.3) and isn't the coach's role. D . Use coaching techniques that address these specific issues: This exceeds coaching's scope, risking harm (Section 2.5). Option A is most appropriate, per ICF ethics and boundaries.
