Is Supervision or Mentoring Mandatory for ICF Coaches?

Woman Supervising Trainee

In a nutshell, yes. Read on for more information. For the nature of this blog post we are looking at both supervision and mentoring together. Although there are differences between the two this goes beyond the scope of this article. If you are an ICF Coach then Supervision or Mentoring is a mandatory requirement for your credential renewal. Apart from this accreditation requirement, it’s important to see supervision for what it is – a way to support you working ethically, help you address any challenges and also celebrate achievements.

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In a nutshell, yes. Read on for more information.

For the nature of this blog post we are looking at both supervision and mentoring together. Although there are differences between the two this goes beyond the scope of this article.

If you are an ICF Coach then Supervision or Mentoring is a mandatory requirement for your credential renewal. Apart from this accreditation requirement, it’s important to see supervision for what it is – a way to support you working ethically, help you address any challenges and also celebrate achievements. 

Are you looking to become a Professional Supervisor or Mentor?

Become offers bespoke mentoring programmes to help you develop your coaching skills. Our mentoring is available on a 1-1 basis or as a group. Get in touch if you’d like to find out more.

So what are some of the benefits of working with a supervisor? And why should you invest in one?

  • Supervision sessions can focus on anything that you wish. For example: exploration of your coaching practice, honing your coaching skills, tricky client situations and ethical dilemmas or work towards ICF Competency development for accreditation
 
  • Typically though there are 3 areas that coaches bring to supervision: 1. either seeking learning where they might require the mentor to share their experience, 2. seeking reassurance and feedback on their work, perhaps through recorded sessions and observations, and 3. seeking support if the coach is struggling with an ethical issue or an aspect of practice.
 
  • A supervisor supports you and your coaching practice in ways that include emotional support apart from providing information and guidance. 
 
  • Supervision helps coaches to notice what is happening within them as part of the coaching relationships they’re embarking on. Supervision also helps you spot the onset traits of burnout. It can be easy to miss these, as we work with clients, at times with sensitive content and perhaps becoming over involved. A mentor will be able to support you spot this tendency so that you can do something before it becomes an issue.
 
  • Supervision serves as CPD and encompasses an element of reflective practice. Through supervision coaches will become more aware of their attitude and beliefs, ensuring that these are not getting in the way (overtly or not) of the client. This can be risky as great coaches are able to understand and work not only within their values but also the ones that the client shares.
 
  • Supervision provides you with a space to confidentially discuss coaching sessions enabling you to obtain objective insight into your skills and behaviours.
 
  • You can do some Group Supervision Sessions that allow you to focus on your own questions whilst participating and engaging with other coaches

Are you looking to become a Professional Coach? Want to understand how to become an Accredited Coach? 

We have number of ICF Coach Training Certificates including our Diploma in Integrative Coaching

Become also offers bespoke mentoring programmes to help you develop your coaching skills. Our mentoring is available on a 1-1 basis or as a group. Get in touch if you’d like to find out more.

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