Coaching is a structured conversation that helps you think clearly, make conscious choices, and move forward with intention. It is not therapy, mentoring, or consulting. It is a partnership designed to help you access your own insight, strengths, and solutions.

A coach does not tell you who to be or what to do. A coach asks powerful questions, listens deeply, challenges gently, and supports you in turning reflection into action.

Being an ICF PCC certified coach means being accredited by the International Coaching Federation at the Professional Certified Coach level. This requires:

• Extensive coach-specific training

• Hundreds of hours of client coaching experience

• A rigorous assessment process

• Commitment to a strict code of ethics

• Ongoing professional development

In simple terms, it means you are working with someone who has been trained, assessed, and certified according to internationally recognised standards of quality and ethics.

Coaching is not reserved for crisis or for major life changes. It is valuable at any stage.

You might benefit from coaching if you:

• Feel stuck or uncertain

• Want to grow but are not sure how

• Are navigating change

• Are successful but want more alignment

• Want clarity before making a decision

• Simply feel ready for your next level

Coaching is deeply personal. It creates space to think without pressure, to explore without judgement, and to move forward with intention.

There is no minimum requirement to begin. The only real condition is openness. When you are willing to reflect honestly and engage in the process, coaching can add meaningful value, whether the topic feels big or small.

It depends.

Pure coaching is not about giving advice. It is based on the belief that your context, personality, and experience are unique. What worked for someone else may not work for you. Coaching respects that.

The core of coaching is helping you find your own clarity and solutions.

That said, if we agree to include guidance, frameworks, best practices, or educational input as part of our work, I can provide those. In some cases, practical input and structured knowledge are useful and welcome.

Everything depends on our agreement and on what serves you best. The process is transparent and tailored.

Sunstone also offers blended programs which include both training and one-on-one coaching.

The word “coach” is widely used today, sometimes loosely.

Technically, anyone can call themselves a coach. There is no universal legal protection of the title. However, professional coaching requires training, supervision, practice, and ethical commitment.

To ensure quality and protect clients, reputable coaches pursue certification through recognised bodies such as the International Coaching Federation or the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.

Certification means:

• Formal training in coaching methodology

• Supervised practice

• Assessment of coaching competence

• Commitment to ethical standards

• Continuous learning

If you are considering becoming a coach, pursuing accredited training is the most responsible and professional path.

Andreea Nicolescu is also an ICF accredited program facilitator at an accredited coaching school. Feel free to get in touch to find out more.

Credentials matter. Experience matters.

But connection matters just as much.

A good coach creates psychological safety. You feel heard. You feel respected. You feel thoughtfully challenged, not judged.

Chemistry is important. Coaching is a partnership, and trust is the foundation. If you cannot speak openly, the process will not go deep.

It is also helpful to know what style works for you. Some people prefer direct and challenging conversations. Others prefer a more reflective and spacious approach. Neither is better. What matters is alignment.

A good coach is not simply skilled. A good coach is skilled for you.