A Reflection on My Coaching Journey with the AC
As a Fellow of the Association for Coaching (AC) since last year, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the immense value this community brings to my professional growth. Over the past 10 years as a member, I’ve forged numerous connections, attended a variety of events, face to face and online, and more recently become involved with those new to the coaching profession.
I also recognise the significant contributions of other coaching bodies such as the ICF, AOEC, and many others, all of which play a crucial role in supporting the coaching profession. The collective efforts of these organisations create strong and supportive communities that I believe significantly benefits coaches worldwide.
Since the start of 2025, I’ve had the opportunity to work with coachees who are neurodiverse, including those diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. While these engagements have been rewarding and stretching, they’ve also brought me some new challenges. There have been times when I’ve felt out of my depth and unqualified to support my clients effectively and so I turned to the AC for help.
Help Online
Since the start of 2025, I’ve had the opportunity to work with coachees who are neurodiverse, including those diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. While these engagements have been rewarding and stretching, they’ve also brought me some new challenges. There have been times when I’ve felt out of my depth and unqualified to support my clients effectively and so I turned to the AC for help.
This week, I attended an online café event where Fellow members could catch up and discuss our journeys and any concerns at hand. It was there that I connected again with Jo Brophy, Cara Hooper MAC BA (Hons), and Gill How, BSc, MBA. We shared our experiences and had a thought-provoking discussion on a few things, including neurodiversity, which left me feeling far more informed and confident in my approach.
Later, I attended the first of a three sessions in the Coaching Neurodivergent Minds webinar series, presented by Gillian Higgin. This deep dive into strategies for success and empowerment for neurodivergent clients was invaluable. And I’m really looking forward to the next two sessions in the weeks ahead.
I am incredibly grateful for the AC’s unwavering support, its invaluable resources, and the ongoing accreditation that has been a cornerstone of my professional development – thank you!
I also find the AC Values Wheel particularly helpful, as it encourages reflection on core principles that guide my practice—values such as integrity, respect, and collaboration, which are vital in any coaching relationship.
The AC community has continually pushed me to grow and adapt, and I’m confident that it will remain an integral part of my journey as a coach.
If you are looking for a place to grow your own coaching practice, then I believe you can’t find a better place to start than with the Association for Coaching.
How has the support of your coaching community helped you overcome challenges in your practice?
