ICF Exam ICF-ACC 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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Deane

8 days 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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Mitsue

9 days 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

22 days ago

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

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Taryn

1 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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Lilli

10 days 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

13 days 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

20 days 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

1 months ago

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

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