ICF-ACC Exam - Topic 2 Question 9 Discussion

Actual exam question for ICF's ICF-ACC exam

Question #: 9
Topic #: 2

Nearing the end of a session, your client is still not quite sure what to do about a specific situation. You have the feeling that a similar experience that you have had in the past might be useful for the client. The worst response is:

ATell the client that you have had a similar experience and you know exactly what they should do.

BAsk the client if you can tell them a story, and then ask them to share what is relevant in the story.

CShare your story and list the possible options your client can try.

DShare with the client that you have had a similar experience and enquire if the client would like to hear and see if anything in there may or may not be useful.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: A

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option A is the worst as it imposes the coach's solution, contradicting Competency 2.2 (partnership) and Competency 8.3 (client autonomy). It breaches Ethics Section 2.2 (avoiding bias) and the ICF Definition of Coaching by shifting to a directive stance.

Option B and C are less intrusive but still assume relevance. Option D (best, see Question 9) respects the client. A most severely undermines the coaching process by prioritizing the coach's agenda.

by Peter at Jun 13, 2025, 08:14 PM

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Pilar

2 months ago

B seems like a better approach, more collaborative.

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Bobbye

2 months ago

Totally agree, it sounds too pushy!

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Hobert

3 months ago

I’m not sure, sometimes sharing your story can help clarify things.

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Justine

3 months ago

Wait, is it really that bad to share your experience?

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Denny

3 months ago

I think option A is definitely the worst.

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Jessenia

3 months ago

D seems like a better approach, but I wonder if it could still come off as self-centered if not done carefully.

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Jaime

4 months ago

I feel like C could also be problematic since it might overwhelm the client with options instead of helping them reflect.

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Brendan

4 months ago

I'm not really sure, but I remember practicing a question where sharing too much personal experience was discouraged. Maybe that's why A is bad?

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Annita

4 months ago

I think the worst response might be A, because it sounds too authoritative and could dismiss the client's feelings.

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Kanisha

4 months ago

I think the answer is D. Sharing your experience but then asking the client if they'd like to hear it and see if anything is useful is the best approach. We don't want to force our own solution on them.

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Doug

4 months ago

Okay, I've got this! The worst response is A - telling the client you know exactly what they should do. We want to avoid being too prescriptive and instead help the client arrive at their own solution.

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Shawnee

5 months ago

Hmm, I'm a bit confused on this one. I'm not sure if I should share my own experience or just ask the client more questions. I'll have to think it through carefully.

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Laurel

5 months ago

This seems like a tricky one. I'm not entirely sure, but I think the key is to avoid being too directive and instead try to guide the client to their own insights.

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Hyman

7 months ago

I'm with Deane on this one. D is the clear winner - it's all about empowering the client, not just dumping your own experiences on them.

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Gabriele

7 months ago

Haha, A is just the counselor equivalent of 'Let me tell you how to live your life.' Hard pass on that one!

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Joni

5 months ago

C) Share your story and list the possible options your client can try.

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Pamela

5 months ago

D) Share with the client that you have had a similar experience and enquire if the client would like to hear and see if anything in there may or may not be useful.

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Kristine

6 months ago

B) Ask the client if you can tell them a story, and then ask them to share what is relevant in the story.

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Freeman

7 months ago

B seems like a good idea, but C just throws too much at the client. Keep it simple and give them the space to connect the dots themselves.

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Daniel

6 months ago

D) Share with the client that you have had a similar experience and enquire if the client would like to hear and see if anything in there may or may not be useful.

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Carey

7 months ago

B) Ask the client if you can tell them a story, and then ask them to share what is relevant in the story.

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Deane

8 months ago

Ooh, D is the way to go! Gotta give the client the choice to hear your story or not. No one likes being force-fed advice, ya know?

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Justine

7 months ago

Client: Sure, I'd like to hear your story.

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Viva

7 months ago

Therapist: I've had a similar experience, would you like to hear about it?

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Glenn

7 months ago

Client: I'm not sure what to do about this situation.

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Mitsue

8 months ago

I think option D) is the best approach. It shows empathy and allows the client to decide if they want to hear your story.

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Frank

8 months ago

I agree with Mable. It's important to involve the client in the decision-making process.

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Taryn

8 months ago

Ugh, option A is just a big no-no. As a counselor, we should never impose our own experiences on clients. That's just a recipe for disaster.

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Bulah

7 months ago

D) Share with the client that you have had a similar experience and enquire if the client would like to hear and see if anything in there may or may not be useful.

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Lilli

8 months ago

B) Ask the client if you can tell them a story, and then ask them to share what is relevant in the story.

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Maryln

8 months ago

D) Share with the client that you have had a similar experience and enquire if the client would like to hear and see if anything in there may or may not be useful.

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Jess

8 months ago

B) Ask the client if you can tell them a story, and then ask them to share what is relevant in the story.

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Mable

8 months ago

I think the worst response is A) Tell the client that you know exactly what they should do.

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