ICF-ACC Exam Dumps - Associate Certified Coach (ACC Exam)

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 4.3) permits breaching confidentiality "to prevent serious harm" when a client poses an immediate risk, such as self-harm. Coaching boundaries exclude mental health crises (ICF Definition of Coaching), requiring urgent action. Let’s evaluate:

A. Try counseling the client: Counseling exceeds coaching’s scope (ICF Coaching Boundaries), and delays critical intervention in an emergency.

B. Call emergency response services: This is the first step for immediate risk, aligning with ethical and legal obligations to prioritize safety (Section 4.3).

C. Talk with the client’s family about getting help: This breaches confidentiality without imminent danger justification and isn’t the fastest response (Section 4).

D. Discuss with a mental health professional: Consulting delays action; emergency services are needed first (Section 2.5).

Option B is the first step, per ICF ethics and boundaries.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option A is the worst because it assumes responsibility for the client’s progress, undermining autonomy (Competency 8.3) and breaching Ethics Section 2.1 (professional boundaries). It contradicts the ICF Definition of Coaching by fostering dependency.

Option B is narrow but not harmful. Option C suggests without partnering. Option D (best, see Question 19) empowers. A most severely misaligns with coaching principles.

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 2.5) requires coaches to "refer clients to other professionals when appropriate," such as when mental health concerns arise outside coaching’s scope (ICF Coaching Boundaries). If there’s no immediate danger, the coach continues within their role while suggesting support. The options provided seem misaligned, so I’ll interpret based on ICF standards:

A. Call emergency services as a precaution: This is unnecessary without immediate danger (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4.3), overstepping the situation described.

B. Consult with a therapist to discuss the client’s behavior: This breaches confidentiality without client consent (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4) and exceeds the coach’s role.

C. Share the concerns with the client’s closest family member: This also breaches confidentiality unless harm is imminent (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4.3), making it incorrect here.

D. Recommend that the client end coaching to focus on their mental health: Ending coaching isn’t required; the coach can continue within scope while referring out (ICF Definition of Coaching).

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 3.1) defines a conflict of interest as a situation where a coach’s personal interest could influence their professional objectivity. Financial gain tied to recommendations is a clear example (Section 3.2 requires disclosure). Let’s analyze:

A. Offering a business card to a former classmate who may benefit from coaching: This is marketing, not a conflict unless personal gain overrides client needs, which isn’t implied.

B. Recommending a psychological assessment that will result in financial gain for a former colleague: This benefits a third party, not the coach directly, so it’s less clearly a conflict under ICF’s definition.

C. Advising a client to purchase a training program for which the coach will receive financial compensation: This directly ties the coach’s financial interest to their advice, creating a potential conflict (Section 3.1).

D. Suggesting that a client take a learning course developed by a respected psychologist: Without personal gain, this is a neutral recommendation, not a conflict.

Option C most clearly represents a conflict of interest, per ICF ethics.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option D aligns with Competency 8.2, "Partners to design goals, actions, and accountability measures," by collaboratively assessing support needs, fostering autonomy (Competency 8.3) and adhering to Ethics Section 1.1 (client-driven process).

Option A oversteps boundaries (Ethics Section 2.1). Option B assumes external support without exploration. Option C imposes a metaphor and directive, missing partnership (Competency 2.2). D best ensures the client’s plan is robust.