2012 ICF Global Coaching Study Reveals True Size of a Growing Industry

LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Newly published research on professional coaching shows coaching is growing globally. Information just released from the 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study commissioned by the International Coach Federation (ICF) shows an estimated 47,500 professional coaches worldwide.

The newly released figure -- the most accurate estimation of the total number of coaches in the world -- is a significant increase over the results of the 2007 ICF Global Coaching Study, which estimated 30,000 professional coaches worldwide.

"The study shows that people everywhere are turning to professional coaching for the positive difference it can make in their lives and communities," said ICF President and Master Certified Coach Janet M. Harvey. "ICF is committed to ensuring that consumers of coaching get the quality of coaching they deserve."

Corresponding to professional coaching's growth, study results show that during the last 12 months coaches have seen a significant rise in the number of clients they service. According to responses, nearly 60 percent of coaches said they had experienced an increase in clients. Data also shows increases in the amount of coaching sessions being given and in the annual income received from coaching services.

In addition, more than three out of four coaches reported that they expect the increases in clients and annual revenue to continue in the coming year. Roughly 62 percent of coaches also expect their number of coaching sessions to increase.

"Amidst the current global financial crisis, coaches everywhere are still seeing an increase in clients and coaching generated income," explained Harvey. "What is also especially encouraging, results show that these current trends are expected to rise even more."

Over 12,000 coaches representing 117 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America participated in the study commissioned by ICF and conducted independently by the International Survey Unit of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2011.

To learn more about the 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study, please visit http://www.coachfederation.org/coachingstudy2012.

The 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study complements ICF's previous industry research efforts, including the ICF Global Coaching Awareness Study (2010), which demonstrated worldwide interest in professional coaching; the ICF Global Coaching Client Study (2009), which studied individuals throughout 64 countries who had experienced professional coaching and the results they achieved from it; and the ICF Global Coaching Study (2007), which created a global baseline picture of the profession.

The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 19,000 members in more than 100 countries worldwide. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring, or training. ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.coachfederation.org.

ICF HEADQUARTERS CONTACT:
Sam Elliott, +1.859.219.3550
[email protected]

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE International Coach Federation