How can we promote coaching standards in a wild west world of untrained coaches?
I watched ‘Escaping Twin Flames”, a documentary on Netflix recently. It was sad and terrifying to learn of the psychological abuse of vulnerable young adults and middle-aged women alike.
I sincerely hope the young adults and families affected by these manipulative cults get through this tough time and overcome the trauma caused.
This documentary highlights how coaching, something that is so powerful that should only be done with the best of intentions, can be used to manipulate, control, and brainwash, and can end up being terribly damaging.
In fact, what these so-called 'coaches' are doing is not true coaching, and really shouldn’t be called coaching at all. Mind control or mind manipulation might be better terms for what they are actually doing.
What I heard from the survivors is that their coaches had a strong agenda that included directives from the leaders of the cult. They told them what to do and gave them actions that the clients did not want to do. Shame was used to manipulate, and the coaches were judgemental and disrespectful to the point of being hurtful and cruel.
None of this is coaching as per the standards set by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
In fact, coaches applying for their credentials with the ICF would not be successful with their application if they demonstrate any of the following:
· Coach does not attend to the client’s agenda
· Coach is overly directive
· Coach prescribes actions for the client
· Coach offers suggestions without seeking permission from the client
· Coach judges or demonstrates disrespect to the client
It’s stories like this that make me wish the coaching industry was regulated. I encourage clients to do their due diligence when choosing a coach and to ensure they choose someone who has experience and a great reputation, and importantly is certified and in good standing with a reputable coach training organisation and governing body like the ICF.
I support the growing number of coaches who go through rigorous training and have standards to meet to gain certification and credentials, and hope we can move the needle and reduce the harm and damage being done by untrained and uncertified, so-called ‘coaches’.
What do you think? If anyone can call themselves a coach, how can we deter maverick manipulators disguised as coaches?
