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ICF-ACC Exam - Topic 2 Question 9 Discussion

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:
A) Tell the client that you have had a similar experience and you know exactly what they should do.
B) Ask the client if you can tell them a story, and then ask them to share what is relevant in the story.
C) Share your story and list the possible options your client can try.
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.

ICF-ACC Exam - Topic 2 Question 9 Discussion

Actual exam question for ICF's ICF-ACC exam
Question #: 9
Topic #: 2
[All ICF-ACC Questions]

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:

Show Suggested Answer Hide 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
7 months ago
B seems like a better approach, more collaborative.
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Bobbye
7 months ago
Totally agree, it sounds too pushy!
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Hobert
7 months ago
I’m not sure, sometimes sharing your story can help clarify things.
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Justine
7 months ago
Wait, is it really that bad to share your experience?
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Denny
8 months ago
I think option A is definitely the worst.
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Jessenia
8 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
8 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
8 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
9 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
9 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
9 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
9 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
9 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
11 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
12 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
10 months ago
C) Share your story and list the possible options your client can try.
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Pamela
10 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
11 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
12 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
11 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
11 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
1 year 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
11 months ago
Client: Sure, I'd like to hear your story.
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Viva
11 months ago
Therapist: I've had a similar experience, would you like to hear about it?
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Glenn
11 months ago
Client: I'm not sure what to do about this situation.
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Mitsue
1 year 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
1 year ago
I agree with Mable. It's important to involve the client in the decision-making process.
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Taryn
1 year 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
12 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
1 year 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
1 year 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
1 year 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 year ago
I think the worst response is A) Tell the client that you know exactly what they should do.
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