Which is the most important indicator for a coach to consider when deciding whether to...

ICF Coaching Boundaries exclude mental health treatment, and the ICF Code of Ethics (Section 2.5) requires referral when issues exceed coaching’s scope. The key indicator is the impact on daily functioning, suggesting a clinical need. Let’s analyze:

A. How much the client’s symptoms interfere with their daily functioning: Significant interference indicates a mental health issue (e.g., depression), warranting therapy (ICF Coaching Boundaries).

B. Whether the client lacks direction and purpose in their life: This is coachable (Competency 8), not inherently a therapy issue.

C. The extent to which self-limiting beliefs may be holding the client back: This is within coaching’s scope (Competency 7), not requiring referral.

D. Whether the client feels stuck and unable to make further progress: Feeling stuck is coachable unless linked to mental health symptoms (Competency 8).

Option A is the most important indicator, per ICF boundaries.