About Us

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires a person to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership.

You might think of coaching like going on a road trip with a supportive passenger riding along with you. You are in control of the car and where it’s going – the same way you’re in control of your life, your destiny, your decisions, your future. As you drive, your coach accompanies you, assisting you on your journey to reach your destination.

When you partner with a coach, you are in the driver’s seat. Your coach provides support for accountability and self-awareness and helps you gain new perspectives. Coaches ask questions not to get an answer they desire, but to encourage you in meaningful exploration that can help you reach a new level of depth and performance.

Coaching is not the same thing as mentoring or therapy. A mentor provides subject matter expertise, wisdom and guidance based on their own experiences. Therapy deals with healing pain, trauma, dysfunction or conflict of some kind, typically with the goal of resolving difficulties that impair an individual’s emotional health and psychological functioning.

By contrast, coaching focuses on facilitating individuals or groups to draw upon their own experiences and capabilities to set and reach their own objectives. The coach is the expert in the coaching process, but you are the expert on your life journey.

1. ICF Professional Coaches
   This is the membership organization for trained, professional coach practitioners. This family organization most closely aligns with what was ICF before the transition. Learn more about ICF Professional Coaches.
2. ICF Credentials and Standards
   This is the body that oversees and manages the credentialing of individual coach practitioners. This family organization most closely aligns with what was the ICF Credentialing department. Learn more about ICF Credentials and Standards.
3. ICF Foundation|
   This is the nonprofit / philanthropic piece of the ICF ecosystem. This organization launched more than 15 years ago and will continue its work as an ICF family organization. Learn more about the ICF Foundation.
4. ICF Coaching in Organizations
   This family organization is specifically for businesses and organizations that use coaching. By expanding our influence in organizations, we will enhance the market for ICF-Credentialed coaches and lead the way in setting high standards for managers and leaders using coaching skills. Learn more about ICF Coaching in Organizations.
5. ICF Coaching Education
   This is the body that oversees and manages the accreditation and approval of coaching education providers. This family organization most closely aligns with what was the ICF Training Program Accreditation department. Learn more about ICF Coaching Education.

International Coaching Week (ICW) is a weeklong global celebration of the power and impact of professional coaching. Every day, individuals and organizations around the world seek coaching to help them explore their potential and reach their goals.

The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity, and leadership.

During this celebration, we encourage individuals and organizations all over the world to understand, explore, test, and discover the possibilities coaching provides. You are welcome to join a variety of ICW events, webinars, conferences, educational workshops, panel discussions, public coaching demonstrations, pro bono sessions, and many more activities organized by ICF chapters and members in their local communities.

ICW events are offered in a multitude of languages and time zones around the world. Plus, many of the events are free to attend! We hope you can join us!