Support for Coaching Professionals - 10 Questions to Ask Your ICF Mentor Coach

Before selecting your ICF Mentor Coach, it’s important to explore their style, credentials, and fit. Below are ten thoughtful questions to ask—along with responses from Rachel Dungan, The Pharmacist Coach.

 

1. What is ICF Mentor Coaching and what are the roles and responsibilities of an ICF Mentor Coach?

Rachel’s Answer:
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines Mentor Coaching as “a collaborative, appreciative and dialogued process based on an observed or recorded coaching session to increase the coach’s capability in coaching, in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies.”

Mentor Coaching supports your development in applying ICF Core Competencies in real coaching sessions and is required for ICF credentialing.

👉 Read more about ICF Mentor Coach Duties and Responsibilities.

 

2. Is ICF-inspired Mentor Coaching of value even if I am not an ICF Member or seeking a credential?

Rachel’s Answer:
Yes. While required for credentialing, Mentor Coaching is also a powerful CPD tool for deepening coaching mastery. Coaches of all affiliations benefit from:

  • Practising self-observation through recordings

  • Receiving strengths-based developmental feedback

  • Developing their coaching voice and presence

 

3. What level of ICF Credential do you hold?

Rachel’s Answer:
I hold the highest ICF credential: Master Certified Coach (MCC). This qualifies me to mentor coaches pursuing or renewing their ACC, PCC, or MCC credentials.

 

4. Have you completed ICF Assessor training?

Rachel’s Answer:
Yes. I am trained as an ICF Assessor for PCC applications and fully understand how coaching sessions are evaluated against ICF standards.

 

5. What is your experience mentoring coaches at my level of experience and certification?

Rachel’s Answer:
I have mentored coaches at every stage of credentialing:

  • ACC mentees since 2018

  • PCC mentees since 2022

  • MCC mentees and peer coaching partners since 2023

I also mentor diploma-level coaches in university programmes and work extensively with healthcare and leadership coaches across sectors.

 

 

6. What is your mentoring style and how does it support my learning?

Rachel’s Answer:
My style is experimental, strengths-based, and anchored in mutual respect.

  • You bring a session recording and a developmental focus.

  • Together, we listen for strengths, stretches, and choice points.

  • Feedback aligns with ICF Core Competencies and PCC Markers.

  • We co-create next steps to strengthen your coaching identity.

Theoretical Foundations:

  • Adult learning theory

  • Growth mindset and positive psychology

  • Self-determination theory

  • Cognitive behavioural theory

  • Psychological safety and systemic awareness

What Clients Say:

“Rachel helped me find my voice as a coach—not mimic someone else.”
“Her style is warm, curious, and precise. I gained so much insight.”

 

7. How do you handle ethical or legal issues that arise in mentoring?

Rachel’s Answer:
I draw upon several codes of ethics to inform and guide ethical conversations, including:

These frameworks help us explore scope of practice, dual-role tensions, boundaries, and ethical decision-making with clarity.

 

 

8. What are the pros and cons of 1-to-1 and group mentor coaching — and which is best for me?

Rachel’s Answer:
Group Mentor Coaching

Pros:

  • Diverse feedback and peer learning

  • Shared growth through recordings

  • Connection and community

Cons:

  • Less scheduling flexibility

  • Fewer chances to receive individualised feedback each session

  • May not suit sensitive or personal recordings

1-to-1 Mentor Coaching

Pros:

  • Customised feedback and deep focus

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Meets the 3-hour ICF requirement for individual mentor coaching

Cons:

  • Higher financial investment

  • Less exposure to others’ coaching approaches

 

9. What are your CPD practices as an ICF Mentor Coach?

Rachel’s Answer:
I actively engage in professional development through:

  • ICF Ethics Community of Practice

  • Reciprocal mentor coaching exchanges

  • Monthly recorded session reviews

  • Supervision and CPD across coaching, healthcare, and adult education

These support my ongoing growth in feedback delivery, presence, and ethical maturity.

 

 

10. How does mentor coaching with you work in practice?

Rachel’s Answer:
How It Works:

  • You submit a coaching session recording and transcript

  • I review it in advance using ICF performance criteria

  • Together, we identify strengths, stretches, and growth opportunities

  • You set a coaching competency focus for continued improvement

Format:

  • Sessions held on Zoom

  • Pre- and post-session reflection encouraged

  • A written mentoring agreement outlines logistics, expectations, and confidentiality

 

Ready to Move Forward with Confidence?

You’ve explored the questions. You’ve seen the approach.
If you’re ready to strengthen your coaching presence and take the next step toward your ICF credential or renewal, the ICF Mentor Coaching (1:1) series is here to support you.

✅ Tailored feedback
✅ Strategic guidance
✅ Practical preparation to help you thrive

👉 [Enrol in ICF Mentor Coaching with Rachel Today]

Or return to the full Coaching for Coaches & Leaders overview.