What is ICF Coaching

ICF coaching is a professional coaching approach defined by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the world's largest professional coaching organization. It is built on the belief that clients are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole, and that the coach's role is not to advise or solve problems, but to help clients think more deeply, gain awareness, and choose their own actions.

The ICF defines coaching as:

"Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential."

What an ICF coach does

An ICF coach:

• Establishes trust and psychological safety.

• Agrees on what the client wants to achieve in the session.

• Listens deeply to what is said and unsaid.

• Asks powerful, open-ended questions.

• Helps the client uncover beliefs, assumptions, and patterns.

• Encourages new awareness and perspectives.

• Supports the client in identifying meaningful actions.

• Partners with the client rather than directing them.

What an ICF coach does not do

An ICF coach generally does not:

• Give advice or tell clients what to do.

• Mentor by sharing their own experience (unless that role has been explicitly agreed).

• Diagnose or treat mental health conditions.

• Consult by providing expert solutions.

• Train by teaching specific skills during a coaching session.

The 8 ICF Core Competencies

The ICF coaching framework is built around eight competencies:

1. Demonstrates Ethical Practice

2. Embodies a Coaching Mindset

3. Establishes and Maintains Agreements

4. Cultivates Trust and Safety

5. Maintains Presence

6. Listens Actively

7. Evokes Awareness

8. Facilitates Client Growth

Example

Client: "I'm overwhelmed and don't know whether to leave my job."

A non-ICF response might be:

"You should update your CV and start applying."

An ICF coaching response might be:

"What feels most important about this decision for you?"

"What's keeping you in your current role?"

"If fear weren't influencing your decision, what might you choose?"

"What new awareness are you leaving with today?"

The coach helps the client reach their own conclusions instead of providing answers.

Who uses ICF coaching?

ICF coaching is widely used for:

• Executive and leadership development

• Career transitions

• Performance improvement

• Business and entrepreneurship

• Team coaching

• Personal growth

• Work-life balance

• Communication and relationships

Why it is respected

ICF coaching is recognized globally because it emphasizes:

• Ethical practice

• Evidence-informed coaching

• Standardized competencies

• Credentialed coaches (ACC, PCC, and MCC)

• Ongoing professional development

The focus is on creating lasting change by increasing the client's awareness, responsibility, and ability to make choices that align with their goals and values.

What is COMENSA Coaching?

COMENSA coaching refers to professional coaching that aligns with the standards and ethical framework of Coaches and Mentors of South Africa (COMENSA), the primary professional body for coaches and mentors in South Africa.

COMENSA exists to promote high standards of coaching and mentoring, protect the public, and support the professional development of coaches. While it has its own competency framework and credentialing process, it shares many principles with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

What COMENSA coaching is

COMENSA coaching is a collaborative process in which the coach partners with a client to help them:

• Clarify goals.

• Increase self-awareness.

• Explore options.

• Make informed decisions.

• Take responsibility for actions.

• Achieve personal or professional growth.

Like ICF coaching, COMENSA coaching is generally based on the belief that clients are capable of finding their own solutions, with the coach facilitating insight rather than giving advice.

Core principles

A COMENSA coach is expected to:

• Act ethically and professionally.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Build trust and psychological safety.

• Contract clearly with clients and sponsors.

• Listen deeply and ask thought-provoking questions.

• Respect diversity and cultural context.

• Encourage accountability and sustainable change.

• Commit to ongoing professional development and supervision.

Credentialing

COMENSA offers a professional designation pathway that recognizes a coach's training, experience, competence, and commitment to ethical practice. Coaches progress through different credential levels as they gain experience and demonstrate their capability.

COMENSA vs. ICF

There is substantial overlap between the two organizations:

COMENSA

ICF

South African professional body

International professional body

Strong focus on the South African context and professional standards

Global coaching standards used in over 100 countries

Has its own competency framework and ethics

Uses the 8 ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics

Offers COMENSA credentials

Offers ACC, PCC, and MCC credentials

Recognized across South Africa

Recognized internationally

Which should you choose?

If you coach primarily in South Africa, COMENSA membership and credentialing can demonstrate local professional credibility. If you plan to work internationally or with multinational organizations, ICF credentials are often more widely recognized.

Many experienced coaches choose to belong to both COMENSA and ICF, benefiting from COMENSA's local professional network and ICF's global recognition while adhering to the ethical and competency standards of both organizations.

Level 1 , Level 2, Level 3 Coaching

Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 coaching -  these are terms used by the International Coaching Federation to describe coach education pathways, not different styles of coaching.

• Level 1 prepares coaches for the ACC (Associate Certified Coach) credential. It includes coach-specific training, mentor coaching, and performance evaluation.

• Level 2 prepares coaches for the PCC (Professional Certified Coach) credential. It involves more advanced coaching education, greater coaching experience, and a higher standard of demonstrated competence.

• Level 3 is designed for experienced PCC coaches working toward the MCC (Master Certified Coach) credential. It focuses on mastering advanced coaching competencies and demonstrating MCC-level performance.

Level123Coaching.co.za is a South African coaching, coach training, and leadership development business founded by Gavin Dick. It focuses on helping individuals become professional coaches, build coaching businesses, and develop coaching skills aligned with international standards.

Our main offerings include:

• Coach training aligned with both the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Coaches and Mentors of South Africa (COMENSA) competency frameworks.

• A 30-day coaching business programme that teaches new coaches how to find and sign their first paying clients through outreach, offer creation, sales conversations, and accountability.

• A 60-hour certification preparation programme designed to help coaches become ready to pursue ICF or COMENSA credentials through live practice, mentor feedback, and coaching assessments.

• Coaching programmes for professionals to improve emotional regulation, resilience, confidence, and decision-making under pressure.

Our proprietary methodology called the CORE9 PRESENCE SYSTEM,  is a structured coaching methodology aligned with nine international coaching competencies and designed to promote deep awareness, accountability, and sustainable behavioural change.

Our vision is to become an affordable provider of ICF- and COMENSA-aligned coach training, offering:

• Level 1 (Associate) coach training

• Level 2 (Professional) coach training

• Small-group learning with coaching practice and feedback

• Online short courses, including an ICF Core Competencies course.

In addition to coach training, the organisation provides:

• Executive and leadership coaching

• Team coaching

• Communication workshops

• Emotional intelligence and resilience training

• Workplace wellness and personal development programmes.

Overall, Level123Coaching.co.za  is both a coach training academy and a professional coaching practice, with an emphasis on practical coaching competence, ethical practice, and preparing coaches for internationally recognised credentialing pathways.