Is Your Coach Actually a Coach?
Jun 20, 2025
What You Need to Know Before You Hire One
Ahhhh, yes. I’m so glad you’re here. I feel passionately about coaching, and honestly, the time is long overdue for a real conversation.
Let’s talk about something most people don’t realize: coaching is an unregulated industry.
That means anyone can call themselves a coach, with zero training, no ethical code, and no oversight. It can feel like the Wild West out there. And while some folks do meaningful work without formal credentials, others can cause harm simply because they don’t know what they don’t know.
How to Find a Trained and Trusted Coach
The best place to start? Look for a coach who has received formal training that’s been accredited by a third-party organization.
Just like anyone can say they’re a coach, anyone can build a training program and start handing out certificates. So, third-party accreditation matters; it’s how you know the program meets professional, evidence-based standards.
Two of the most trusted accrediting bodies in coaching are
- The International Coaching Federation (ICF)
- The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)
If your coach, or the program that trained them, is certified by one of these bodies, that’s a great sign they’ve done the work, know the tools, and follow a strict code of ethics.
My Coaching Credentials
I’m certified by the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches (IAPRC), which is recognized by both ICF and NBHWC. I’m also affiliated with SheRecovers, an incredible organization that collaborates with established coach training institutions to offer joint certifications.
Here’s what you should know:
- The IAPRC is part of the Net Institute, which has been training coaches for over 30 years across 38+ countries
- The program evolves with the industry; it updates its standards to meet the latest from ICF and NBHWC
- Certified coaches (like me!) agree to a professional code of ethics; untrained coaches don’t.
What Coaching Is and What It’s Not
Let’s clear up some confusion. Coaching is not:
- Advice-giving
- Peer support
- Sponsorship
- Therapy or clinical guidance
Coaching is a professional relationship built on evidence-based methods, structured systems, and a strengths-based, forward-moving approach.
My training included:
- The latest brain science and neuroscience around addiction and behavior change
- A joyful, strengths-based recovery model
- Supervised practice sessions before I ever took on a client
And the results speak for themselves; my clients’ wins and testimonials tell a powerful story.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re a content creator, aspiring coach, or someone curious about the coaching world, here are a few blogs you’ll love:
- Why Content Creators and Coaching Is a Different Game
- I Left the 9–5 Grind to Become a Part-Time 6-Figure Coach from Home
Let’s Collaborate or Chat
Whether you want to dive deeper into the world of coaching, explore a partnership, or just ask a few questions, I’m here for it.
- Interested in becoming a certified coach?
- Want to work with a trusted, trained professional?
- Hosting a podcast, live event, or looking for a guest expert?
Let’s connect.
