Mixed Deck — All CPC Topics Flashcards

What does 'rupture and repair' mean in the context of coaching relationships and client relationship coaching?

Answer: The inevitable moments of disconnection in any relationship and the process of restoring trust and connection afterward

Research shows that relationships are strengthened not by avoiding conflict but by successfully repairing ruptures; coaches model this and help clients develop repair skills.

A coach who specializes in career transitions begins working with a client struggling with clinical depression. The coach should:

Answer: Recognize the clinical nature of the issue, discuss it openly, and refer to a mental health professional while determining if coaching can continue in parallel

Depression is a clinical condition outside coaching scope; the ethical response is referral and a scope discussion, not diagnosis or treatment.

Why is feedback important in coaching sessions?

Answer: It supports learning and growth

Feedback in coaching is a constructive tool used to provide clients with objective observations and insights about their actions, progress, and areas for development. It is crucial for supporting learning, reinforcing positive behaviors, and guiding clients toward achieving their goals. This process fosters continuous growth and self-awareness.

What is the 'inner critic' and how do coaches work with it?

Answer: The internal voice that judges, criticizes, and undermines self-confidence, which coaches help clients recognize and manage

The inner critic is an internal narrative that often reflects internalized past criticism; coaches help clients externalize, examine, and reduce its power.

In the context of coaching, what is 'learned helplessness'?

Answer: A conditioned belief that one's actions cannot influence outcomes, often blocking goal pursuit

Learned helplessness, identified by Seligman, occurs when people believe their efforts won't matter; coaches work to restore clients' sense of agency.

What is a 'retainer' model in a coaching business?

Answer: A recurring monthly fee that grants clients a set number of sessions or ongoing access

A retainer model provides predictable recurring revenue for the coach and consistent access for the client over an agreed-upon period.

Which business structure is most commonly chosen by solo life coaches starting their practice in the US?

Answer: Sole Proprietorship or Single-Member LLC

Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs offer simplicity and liability protection, making them popular choices for solo coaching practices.

How should a coach act if they feel unqualified to assist a client?

Answer: Refer to a more qualified professional

If a coach feels unqualified to assist a client, the ethical and responsible action is to refer them to a more qualified professional. This demonstrates integrity and prioritizes the client's best interests over the coach's desire to retain a client. Attempting to coach outside one's area of expertise could lead to ineffective support or even harm to the client.

When setting coaching fees, which factor is LEAST relevant?

Answer: The color scheme of your coaching website

Fee-setting should be informed by market rates, your credentials, and client demographics—not by superficial branding elements like website colors.

What is the 'negativity bias' and how does it relate to coaching?

Answer: The brain's tendency to weigh negative experiences more heavily than positive ones, which coaching can help counterbalance

The negativity bias is an evolutionary tendency to focus more on threats and failures; coaches help clients recognize and rebalance this tendency.

The practice of mindfulness is incorporated into holistic life coaching primarily because it:

Answer: Increases present-moment awareness supporting change across life dimensions

Mindfulness enhances present-moment awareness, which supports clients in noticing patterns and making intentional changes across physical, emotional, and mental dimensions.

What is 'informational interviewing' and how might a career coach use it as a client tool?

Answer: A structured conversation with someone in a target field to gain insight and build professional connections

Informational interviews help clients explore career paths, build networks, and gather insider knowledge before making formal applications or major transitions.

What is 'social awareness' as an EQ competency and how do coaches help clients develop it?

Answer: The ability to accurately perceive, understand, and empathize with others' emotions and organizational dynamics

Social awareness—including empathy, organizational awareness, and service orientation—helps clients read situations and people accurately, improving relational effectiveness.

What is the main purpose of active listening in coaching?

Answer: To understand the client deeply

Active listening in coaching involves fully concentrating on what the client is saying, both verbally and nonverbally, to grasp their message, feelings, and underlying meaning. Its main purpose is to build a deep understanding of the client's perspective, challenges, and goals. This deep understanding is essential for providing effective guidance and support.

What is the PRIMARY risk of setting only outcome goals (e.g., 'lose 20 lbs') without process goals?

Answer: The client has no clear behaviors to execute and may feel helpless when progress stalls

Outcome goals without process goals leave clients without actionable steps, making it hard to course-correct when results are delayed.

How should a life coach approach a client experiencing burnout?

Answer: Explore contributing factors, assess severity, and collaboratively design recovery and sustainable work strategies while monitoring for clinical signs requiring referral

Coaches can help clients identify burnout causes, reclaim boundaries, and rebuild sustainable routines, while remaining alert to signs that clinical intervention may be needed.

What is 'appreciative inquiry' in the context of coaching?

Answer: A strength-focused approach that explores what is working well to generate positive change

Appreciative inquiry shifts the focus from problems to strengths and possibilities, helping clients envision and build toward an ideal future.

A client in a coaching session says, 'I know what to do, I just don't do it.' This 'knowing-doing gap' is BEST addressed by exploring:

Answer: The emotional, identity, or environmental barriers preventing action

The knowing-doing gap is rarely an information problem; it typically reflects emotional blocks, conflicting identity, or environmental cues that inhibit action.

What is a key benefit of nonverbal communication in coaching?

Answer: They build rapport and trust

Nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, posture, and gestures, plays a significant role in conveying empathy, attentiveness, and respect. When a coach effectively uses and interprets nonverbal cues, it helps build a strong rapport and trust with the client. This creates a safe and open environment, essential for effective coaching.

In coaching, 'bottom-lining' is used when the coach:

Answer: Interrupts respectfully to ask the client to get to the core point

Bottom-lining invites a client who is rambling to cut to the essence of what they are trying to say.