ICF-ACC Exam - Topic 2 Question 12 Discussion

Actual exam question for ICF's ICF-ACC exam

Question #: 12
Topic #: 2

After your client has shared this pattern and has expressed a desire to change and come up with a plan to implement this change, the worst response is:

AAsk the client exactly what they want to do and when.

BShare with the client what you think the best next step would be.

CDiscuss the barriers that the client will face in trying to change.

DAsk the client how they usually brainstorm or come up with new and fresh ideas.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: B

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option B is the worst because it imposes the coach's opinion, undermining the client's autonomy (Competency 8.3) and partnership (Competency 2.2). This breaches the ICF Definition of Coaching, which emphasizes client-led solutions, and Ethics Section 2.2 (avoiding bias).

Option A is premature but not inherently harmful. Option C shifts focus negatively, though it's less directive. Option D (best, see Question 5) empowers the client. B most directly contradicts ICF principles by prioritizing the coach's perspective over the client's.

by Mayra at Aug 02, 2025, 12:19 AM

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Novella

5 months ago

Option A seems like a good start, honestly.

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Jerlene

5 months ago

I’m surprised that asking about brainstorming is considered bad.

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Carla

5 months ago

Wait, isn't discussing barriers important too?

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Lettie

5 months ago

Totally agree, asking them what they want is better!

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Kent

6 months ago

I think option B is definitely the worst response.

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Gracia

6 months ago

I recall a practice question where we emphasized asking clients about their thought processes. So, option D seems like a good way to engage them.

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Elina

7 months ago

I think discussing barriers is important, but I wonder if it could be overwhelming for the client. Could that make option C a bad choice?

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Lynelle

7 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I feel like sharing my own ideas with the client could come off as dismissive. Maybe option B is the worst?

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Avery

7 months ago

I remember we talked about the importance of letting clients lead the conversation, so I think option A might not be the best approach.

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Ruth

7 months ago

Ah, I see what they're getting at. The worst response would be to tell the client exactly what to do, so I'm going to go with option A.

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Troy

7 months ago

The key here is to avoid being prescriptive and instead focus on empowering the client to come up with their own plan. I think option D is the way to go.

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Devon

7 months ago

Hmm, I'm a bit unsure about this one. I'll need to carefully read through the options and think about the best approach to support the client's desired change.

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Tawanna

8 months ago

This question seems straightforward, but I want to make sure I understand the context correctly before answering.

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Tony

8 months ago

C) Discussing barriers? That's like bringing a wet blanket to a campfire. We should be fanning the flames of creativity, not dousing them!

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Eric

8 months ago

I believe the best response is B) Share with the client what you think the best next step would be, as it shows guidance and support.

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Gerri

8 months ago

Hmm, I'd say the worst response is A) Ask the client exactly what they want to do and when. That's way too specific and could come across as pushy. Give them some space to figure it out!

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Cornell

5 months ago

Exactly! We should guide, not dictate.

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Janessa

5 months ago

Yes, it’s important to let them explore their thoughts.

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Shawna

6 months ago

I agree, A feels too demanding.

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Darci

6 months ago

B could also be problematic. It might not align with their needs.

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Abel

9 months ago

I agree with Evelynn, because it doesn't show empathy towards the client's feelings and thoughts.

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Evelynn

9 months ago

I think the worst response is A) Ask the client exactly what they want to do and when.

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Golda

10 months ago

Definitely not C. That's just going to make the client feel defeated before they even start. We should be focusing on solutions, not problems!

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Reta

10 months ago

I think the worst response is C) Discuss the barriers that the client will face in trying to change. That just seems like it would be discouraging and not very helpful.

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