In which situation should a coach recommend that a client speak with a therapist?

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 2.5) mandates referral when client needs fall outside coaching’s scope, such as mental health conditions (ICF Coaching Boundaries). Mood swings disrupting life suggest a clinical issue. Let’s review:

A. The coach feels like their guidance has not been helping the client’s professional development: This may require coaching adjustments, not therapy (Competency 8).

B. The coach notices the client often seems distracted during sessions: Distraction alone doesn’t indicate therapy unless tied to mental health (Competency 6).

C. The client says their frequent and intense mood swings are disrupting their life: This suggests a potential disorder (e.g., bipolar), requiring therapeutic intervention (Section 2.5).

D. The client explains that they have been feeling nervous about an upcoming change at work: Situational nervousness is coachable (Competency 7), not requiring therapy.

Option C justifies a therapy recommendation, per ICF ethics and boundaries.