FAQs

Coaching in all forms (life, executive, leadership, relationship, confidence etc) is at its core a partnership whose sole purpose is to evoke your growth and transformation.

"Partnering with clients in a thought provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential .” - ICF

Coaching is a structured, reflective conversation that supports people to think clearly, access their own insight, and take responsibility for change.

In contrast to advice-giving or consulting, no direct solutions are provided by the coach. In fact, we largely stay away from presenting symptoms / topic to focus on the root cause patterns that are going on inside the person. By exploring the client and raising the client's awareness of their internal processes, new states and possibilities open up for them. When these insights are solidified through consistent action, the client is transformed.

We also "coach the whole person". The coaching process not only engages the client's internal processes at the cognitive level (conscious, rational mind), but also explores the subconscious, the body, emotions, and nervous system states. This is of particular value to the intelligent high-achievers that have historically only used their conscious mind, as well as those who haven't seen lasting results with traditional cognitive-based processes.

Coaching is a relationship and process like no other. Imagine a relationship where the total focus is on you and what you want in your life. On what will help you achieve it. Imagine a partnership with someone who will tell you the absolute truth, for no other reason than for your success.

CCI focuses on practice-based, in-person learning and the development of real coaching capability. We emphasise:

• coaching presence, not scripts
• experiential learning, not lectures
• assessment through demonstrated competence
• depth and responsibility, not quick certification

Our programs are designed for people who want to learn coaching properly.

In addition, our trainer is the most experienced coach in the country, meaning you can learn from a subject matter expert, not from a professional trainer that doesn't have real coaching experience.

No.

Foundations and the Certified Associate Coach (CAC) program are designed for people without prior coaching experience.

CCTC is intended for coaches who already have a strong foundation and professional readiness.

Foundations is for people who want to:

• experience coaching directly
• develop core listening and questioning skills
• explore coaching as a professional pathway
• strengthen how they lead and work with others

It is suitable for professionals, leaders, facilitators, and those simply curious about coaching.

Yes.

Foundations is Module 1 of the Certified Associate Coach (CAC) certification. It may also be taken as a stand-alone program. Not everyone who takes Foundations continues into CAC.

No.

Foundations is an entry point to further training, not a commitment. Participants may decide whether or not to apply for CAC after completing it.

CAC (Certified Associate Coach) is CCI’s first-level professional coaching certification.

It recognises that a graduate has demonstrated the core competencies required to practise coaching responsibly and independently at an associate level.

No.

CAC is a professional certification, not a short course or introductory badge. While it is the first certification in CCI’s pathway, it requires:

• completion of multiple in-person modules
• 20 hours of real life coaching
• observed coaching
• oral assessment aligned with ICF ACC performance markers

You must complete Foundations (Module 1) first. After that, we generally recommend following the pathway in sequence, but we do allow some flexibility in exceptional circumstances. Please reach out to our team to discuss.

CAC certification is awarded through:

• observed coaching sessions
• structured feedback
• an oral assessment

Certification is based on demonstrated competence, not attendance alone.

CAC is an internal CCI certification.

Strong CAC graduates may be supported to pursue ICF ACC separately if they wish. This process involves additional requirements and external fees set by the ICF.

CCTC is CCI’s second-level professional coaching certification.

It is designed for coaches who want to deepen their practice and work with greater complexity, identity, and transformation.

CCTC is for coaches who:

• already have a solid foundation in coaching
• want to expand their range and depth
• are actively practicing or want to become professional level coaches

Admission to CCTC is by application.

Currently, our main programs are in English. We also offer Khmer-language options for organisational partners.

You can apply through the Apply page on our website.

Applications help ensure readiness and fit. Applying does not guarantee enrolment.

You’re welcome to book a pathway call.

These conversations are designed to help clarify fit and next steps. They are not sales calls.

Payment details and options are shared after acceptance. Fees are structured to align with program progression.

Programs are delivered in person in Phnom Penh. Specific venue details are shared with accepted participants.

Yes.

CCI works with organisations to deliver coaching training for teams and leadership cohorts. Please contact us to discuss organisational options.

Therapy, psychiatry and coaching are all developing disciplines, as we learn more about the human condition and how we can better support our clients (or "patients" - as psychiatrists would call them) to meet their goals. Definitions will also differ depending on which country you are in and its relevant regulations. The below distinction is provided as a starting point for further exploration.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are trained to diagnose and treat mental disorders. In most jurisdictions, they are the only professional that can prescribe medication. Whilst some may be trained in counselling, this is not their main focus and many refer to a counsellor or therapist as part of the treatment program.

Therapists (some who may also be psychologists - requiring varying levels of degrees in psychology) are closer in nature to coaching than psychiatry. However, they also generally focus on the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, just without the use of medication. Many of the fundamental techniques and approaches overlap with those used in coaching.

Coaching does not diagnose or treat mental illnesses. Rather, coaching is focused on the continual evolution and transformation of the client, and the unlocking of the client's potential. This might mean looking at some "trauma" and unhelpful patterns of behaviour, but we do not consider them through the lens of mental disorders.

Although we distinguish ourselves from mental health professionals, coaching can be therapeutic and clients do report increased sense of wellbeing and mental health. In addition, there are specialist coaches trained in working with trauma and neuro-atypical (e.g. ADHD / OCD) clients.

One distinction that is often made is that coaching doesn't spend the majority of its time in the past, preferring rather to address the issues in the present. Therapy generally allows for a lot more room in spending time exploring the past. Coaching generally is considered to have much more "forward motion".

One the major differences that we see at Cambodia Coaching Institute, is that we coaches partner with our clients in the overall coaching relationship and in every session - "What do I want to explore together in this session? What would make this time together useful / beneficial / successful? How can we partner together to achieve this?" This kind of partnership approach is one that is distinctly unique to coaching that sets us apart.

The coach does not tightly control where the conversation goes in order to achieve a certain outcome. Neither does the coach allow the client to pull the coach here and there with the client's stories. There needs to be a clear and strong partnered agenda in the session, so that when one of us goes off track, the other can bring us back on it.

In addition to the guidance provided above, please consider the availability of alternative services in your local country / area.

Please refer to a therapist if:

1. You suspect that mental disorders might be present, please see a therapist. Depending on what they suspect might be going on, they may present a treatment plan themselves or refer onto additional help from a psychiatrist, especially if medication is a required intervention.
   
2. If you want to try a particular treatment modality that is generally carried out by therapists - e.g. EMDR or CBT
   
3. If you want to spend a lot of time talking about your past and feel it would be beneficial to your healing and growth

You may decide to meet a coach instead (or in addition to) if:

1. You want to take decisive steps forward and you generally operate within a window of functioning, despite daily fluctuations
   
2. You want to complement your therapy work with a different focus and energy
   
3. You feel equipped to enter into an equal partnership with a coach to explore yourself (mind, body, soul) and transform your life and impact

NOTE: If you are contemplating self-harm, please seek immediate help from an available mental health professional who can advise on appropriate next steps.

Note: While coaching often involves reflection and personal insight, CCI programs are professional training, not therapy or therapeutic substitutes.