Resource Library

Welcome to the Above Coaching Student Resource Library, your go-to hub for all the essential tools, guides, and materials to support your coaching journey. This comprehensive library is designed to enhance your learning experience by providing easy access to a wealth of resources tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking templates, books, podcasts, or video tutorials, our curated collection will help you deepen your understanding, refine your coaching skills, and stay aligned with ICF Core Competencies. Dive in, explore, and make the most of the rich content available to you as you progress through your certification program. Your growth as a coach starts here.

Student Tools for Success

Access to the ICF Core Competencies.

Keep track of your coaching hours, training hours and mentor hours all in one place.

Understand the core values and ethical principals that are the foundation of our coaching standards.

Practice Coaching

Delivering Peer Feedback

Receiving Peer Feedback

Pre-Session Rituals

In-Session Tips

Post-Session Rituals

Pre-Session Obstacles

In-Session Obstacles

Post-Session Obstacles

Practice Coaching

Sharpen Your Coaching Skills Through Hands-On Practice

Prepare for Your First Practice Coaching Session

Documenting + Recording + Confidentiality

Sample Coaching Agreement

Building Blocks: Intentions + Reflection + Awareness

Feedback serves as a vital mechanism for professional and personal development within the coaching industry. It provides both the giver and receiver with invaluable insights into performance, behaviors, and outcomes, facilitating a deeper understanding of one's professional practice. Effective feedback goes beyond simple evaluation; it helps clarify expectations, adjust methodologies, and set new goals, all tailored to foster growth and effectiveness. Additionally, it strengthens the coaching relationship by promoting open communication, trust, and mutual respect. When feedback is given and received in a spirit of genuine support and collaboration, it can transform coaching interactions into opportunities for learning and connection, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and satisfaction of both coach and client.

Be Specific and Objective

Using objective language to describe specific behaviors or actions helps prevent the recipient from feeling attacked and keeps the discussion focused on observable actions rather than perceived intentions.

Focus on Improvement

Constructive feedback should emphasize future development opportunities rather than past errors to foster a positive atmosphere and encourage ongoing learning.

Encouraging Dialogue

Effective feedback should be a collaborative discussion that encourages dialogue, making the receiver feel valued and involved in their growth process.

Feedback serves as a vital mechanism for professional and personal development within the coaching industry. It provides both the giver and receiver with invaluable insights into performance, behaviors, and outcomes, facilitating a deeper understanding of one's professional practice. Effective feedback goes beyond simple evaluation; it helps clarify expectations, adjust methodologies, and set new goals, all tailored to foster growth and effectiveness. Additionally, it strengthens the coaching relationship by promoting open communication, trust, and mutual respect. When feedback is given and received in a spirit of genuine support and collaboration, it can transform coaching interactions into opportunities for learning and connection, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and satisfaction of both coach and client.

Listen Actively and Openly

Approach feedback with an open mind and focus fully on the speaker to foster greater understanding and appreciation.

Ask Questions for Clarity

If any part of the feedback is unclear, ask for specific examples or clarification to avoid misunderstandings and gain clear direction on how to improve.

Reflect and Plan

After receiving feedback, reflect on the discussion and create a concrete action plan with specific goals, additional resources, or practice of new skills.

Preparation extends beyond organizing the session's content; it involves mental and emotional readiness, which is crucial for being fully present and engaged during the session. Adequate preparation allows the coach to remain flexible and responsive, adapting to the client's needs in real-time and fostering a dynamic and effective coaching process. This readiness not only supports the specific goals of the session but also enhances the overall relationship between coach and client by establishing a foundation of reliability and thoroughness.

Review Client Information

Review notes from previous sessions, client intake forms, and any correspondence to tailor the session to the client's current situation and progress, ensuring the most relevant issues are addressed.

Mental Preparation

Engage in activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or a short walk to clear your mind, reduce anxiety, and maintain a calm, focused demeanor receptive to client needs.

Physical Preparation

Ensure your coaching environment is conducive to privacy and free from distractions. Organize your space to promote a professional and welcoming atmosphere that enhances communication and interaction.

Preparation extends beyond organizing the session's content; it involves mental and emotional readiness, which is crucial for being fully present and engaged during the session. Adequate preparation allows the coach to remain flexible and responsive, adapting to the client's needs in real-time and fostering a dynamic and effective coaching process. This readiness not only supports the specific goals of the session but also enhances the overall relationship between coach and client by establishing a foundation of reliability and thoroughness.

Active Listening

Focus fully on the client's words, body language, and emotional cues to thoroughly understand their perspective and respond more effectively.

Adaptive Questioning

Use open-ended questions to encourage deeper exploration of issues and adapt questioning techniques based on the conversation's flow to maintain productive and insightful discussions.

Note-Taking

Develop a note-taking method that supports the coaching process, captures essential insights and action items, and ensures continuity and follow-up in future sessions without detracting from the interaction.

Preparation extends beyond organizing the session's content; it involves mental and emotional readiness, which is crucial for being fully present and engaged during the session. Adequate preparation allows the coach to remain flexible and responsive, adapting to the client's needs in real-time and fostering a dynamic and effective coaching process. This readiness not only supports the specific goals of the session but also enhances the overall relationship between coach and client by establishing a foundation of reliability and thoroughness.

Self-Evaluation

Immediately after each session, reflect on its effectiveness, assessing both strengths and areas for improvement. This reflection helps in continuously refining coaching techniques and approaches.

Client Feedback

Solicit feedback from clients to gain their perspective on the session. This feedback is invaluable for adjusting methods and improving the coaching experience.

Relaxation

Engage in a post-session ritual to decompress and mentally transition out of the coaching role. Activities like journaling or physical exercise can aid in this process, ensuring personal well-being and readiness for future sessions.

Grounding Rituals

Tip: Dedicate 10–15 minutes before each session for self-reflection or mindfulness exercises.

Preparation and Intentions

Practical Application: Before each session, write down 1-2 key objectives that align with the client's goals and ICF core competencies like maintaining presence and active listening.

Managing Emotions

Techniques: Practice Emotional Intelligence by self-regulating through mindfulness and writing to help manage personal emotions that may affect the session.

Stay Present and Focused

Tip: Practice reflective inquiry by repeating back key points to the client and asking follow-up questions to keep engagement strong.

Handling Client Resistance

Techniques: Reframe client statements to help them see challenges in new ways and foster exploration, as highlighted by ICF Core Competency 8: Facilitating Client Growth.

Managing Time

Tip: Announce a brief time-check midway through the session to ensure all goals are on track to be covered.

Reflection

Practical Application: Use a reflective journal to record insights from each session, noting where ICF Core Competencies were demonstrated and areas for growth.

Self-Care Practices

Tip: Schedule a 10-minute break between sessions to recharge and reset your energy before meeting with your next client.

Receiving Feedback

Practical Application: Participate in peer coaching circles or group supervision sessions to receive feedback and maintain alignment with ICF standards.