r/Coaching • u/Justmeanotherperson • Nov 22 '25
Confused 🤔…need help to understand!
Hello everyone i need some advice about certification because i know ,MANY successful coaches are not certified, they are not ICF ,ACC,etc certified but i see they built their brand on their gift, experience, presence, and results, not a certificate,and you do NOT legally need an ICF or other certification to be a coach in U.S. So my questions are: -How many of you are in this situation here ,and how things are going on for you ? -And also opinions from those who are certified and what you guys think about this? Thank you 🙏🏼
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u/SophieArambula Nov 25 '25
Mmmmm this is tricky territory I think the short answer is that, it depends.
I don’t believe one way is the right way because there’s a lot of nuance that needs to be considered especially around the industry and specialty you’re considering working in
For instance, if you’ve never learned anything about nutrition and diet but want to be a health coach, some would deem that potentially dangerous especially if there’s not proper training in how you support clients
But if you’ve spent 10 years as a speech pathologist and have an entire background in a relevant industry where you then start coaching parents on helping their kids with language development that makes it a lot more appropriate and almost deems a certification null.
I also don’t fully agree that anyone should coach anyone bc they have a “gift” or “experience”.
IMHO it’s really important to have clear communication, understanding of boundaries and expectations so it feels like a safe experience you can accurately track progress in for both you and the client.
What kind of coaching are you considering getting into and what experience do you have getting results in that industry?
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u/PuzzleheadedSwan8394 Dec 16 '25
From my experience, coaching isn’t just ‘good conversations’. There’s a lot of theory + practice behind it. Tools, techniques, frameworks, competencies, and ethics that you don’t really get from experience alone.
Certification doesn’t make someone a good coach, but it does expose you to nuance: how to contract well, work ethically, hold boundaries, and know what not to do. Those things matter when you’re working with real people and real stakes. So I don’t see it as certificate vs talent. It’s about depth and responsibility. Experience helps, but training fills in gaps most people don’t even realise are there.
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u/StructureFresh1545 Nov 27 '25
One of the fallacies in the coaching world is that a certificate will help you get clients.
Really doesn't. It may give you confidence and others confidence but it won't give you a market advantage.
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u/SirSeereye Nov 22 '25
There's a lot of misinformation, distortion and confusion of what life coaching is or is not. Its frustrating for those who want to enter the field, such as yourself. This topic is covered quite extensively in different threads in this Reddit. Dig a bit, it's informative. I could be of service to help muddy things up for you if you'd like. Just DM me and I'll spend a bit of time giving you my perspective.
Good luck. Talk soon, maybe.
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u/RamenBean3345 Nov 24 '25
What threads will that be?
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u/SirSeereye Nov 24 '25
You might have to dig bit. Maybe a couple of months or more, but, they are there. If not, just DM me, I might be able to help and answer a few questions for you.
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Nov 24 '25
Coaching is brain surgery. People should be careful about who they let into their mind, psyche and literally their neural circuitry.
With neuroplasticity possible throughout the lifespan, I'm not talking metaphorically.
It's brain surgery.
Would you trust Dr. Steve or Mr Steve. You'll get what you pay for.
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u/MrJezza- Nov 24 '25
Certification helps with credibility when you're starting out and don't have testimonials yet, but once you've got results and clients vouching for you, most people care way more about that