English 
Nederlands Coaching as a profession
Our passion for coaching means striving for the highest standard
As a relatively new field experiencing rapid growth, coaching brings unique challenges
The ICF is the world's largest and most recognized nonprofit organization of professionally trained coaches with more than 41,000 members in 145 territories. Representing executive coaches, life coaches, leadership coaches, relationship coaches, career coaches and more, ICF's mission is to promote coaching so that it becomes an integral part of a thriving society.
ICF stands for the standard in coaching
Today, ICF is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession. We do this by setting high professional standards, providing independent certification, and building a network of certified This is what we do by setting high professional standards, providing independent certification, and building a network of certified.
ICF is the only globally recognized, independent certification body for coaches. Certification is awarded to professionally trained coaches who meet the requirements for training, experience, a thorough understanding of ICF's core competencies and ethical guidelines. Achieving certification within ICF signifies that the coach has demonstrated commitment, integrity, understanding, coaching skills and dedication to their clients.
ICF accredits also training programs that provide coach-specific training. Accredited training programs must undergo a rigorous review process and demonstrate that the curriculum is consistent with ICF's core competencies and ethical guidelines.
Today, ICF is specifically recognized by professional coaches around the world for its work in:
- Developing core competencies for professional coaching
- Establish professional code and standards of ethics
- Provide an internationally recognized certification program
- Establishing guidelines by accrediting coach-specific training programs
- Provide ongoing training through world-class events, Community of Practice (CPs)
Ethics
ICF is a leader in the development and definition and philosophy of coaching and has established ethical guidelines for all members. Through the ethical guidelines, an audit process for ethical conduct, an established program grievance process, and an Independent Review Board (ICB), ICF sets high standards for professional coaching standards. At the same time, clients/clients have a place to file ethical complaints about ICF members, ICF certificate holders, or ICF-accredited training programs.
Our trademark
As the world's largest trade association for professionally trained coaches, the ICF brand creates immediate credibility.
ICF ensures that member coaches meet requirements and established standards, follow guidelines and continue to develop their coaching skills.
ICF stands for the fact that as a client/client, you expect professional, quality-assured coaching that follows clear ethical guidelines.
ICF has clear guidelines for the use of the brand for members, training programs, certifications and accredited educational companies.
Brief history of ICF
When ICF was founded in 1995, the goal was to give credibility to an emerging profession and to give coaches a place to connect with each other. In the 25 years since, ICF has grown to become the world's largest organization of professionally trained coaches and the leading voice for the global coaching community.
In 2020, the International Coach Federation became the International Coaching Federation. This was not just a new name; it was a new way to serve coaches, clientele, our communities and the world as we pursue our vision of coaching as an integral part of a thriving society.
ICF Chapters are local communities of ICF members. The ICF Netherlands Chapter brings our global organization to life at the national and local level. We build, support and maintain the integrity and standards of the coaching profession in the Netherlands.
All members of ICF Netherlands have completed coaching training accredited by ICF, are continually developing their skills, follow our ethical guidelines, and most members choose to safeguard their coaching through the certification system. ICF certifies professional coaches who have met training and experience requirements and demonstrate a thorough understanding of coaching skills and ethical guidelines.
About ICF Netherlands
We, ICF Netherlands, are the official Dutch Chapter of the International Coaching Federation. We offer our members a community that is supportive, opportunities for professional development, networking, and an enjoyable way to connect with coaches of all backgrounds and specialties.
We strive to be the best resource in the Netherlands for clients to find (internationally) certified coaches that match their expectations and needs.
Our members
Our members are professional coaches with their own coaching practices or active as in-house coaches, as well as business professionals who use coaching as a development and performance tool in their work.
Are you building with us?
Join us, learn from and with each other, and be part of the continued development of a wonderful profession.
Would you like to help build volunteer capacity in areas such as member engagement, programs & education, sales & sponsorship, finance & operations, and communications & marketing? Then send an email to: info@coachingfederation.nl.
Meet our board
President
Dian Lens, PCC
After completing my certification, now 10 years ago, I made a conscious decision to become a member of ICF Global. In my long corporate experience at Capgemini, I have seen that clients value ICF membership in the Netherlands and internationally. Six years ago I chose to go into business with my company Power2Bloom.
I coach professionals and executives and guide teams through a change or in their development. I am a doer, people say about me that I am empathetic, decisive and creative. I love to inspire and be inspired. I am addicted to going deeper and I like to learn a lot. So it is that after studying neuroscience I am now writing a book about consciousness and how to make neuroscience work for you.
What would the world look like if we embraced the idea that learning belongs? That's why a role on the board of ICF Netherlands fits for me at the moment. There is much to do and to learn. My motto is: I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become. And further... I have 2 grown up daughters, Sofie and Sarah and I am married to Onno.
I look forward to taking our fine coaching profession to the next level.
Secretary
Jetske van Heusden, PCC
Since 2014 I work as an independent coach and consultant for various national and international organizations in the field of executive coaching, performance coaching and personal coaching. Themes that often come up include (personal) leadership, career and work/life balance. Where I work with teams it is often about trust, communication and collaboration.
My first work experience was in the corporate world. Initially in a commercial role, also as an executive, but soon more towards the HRM and training corner as a mentor, professional trainer and internal coach. Thus for many years I have been a program manager for organizational, leadership and talent development. I also design these learning processes and provide training myself. This in an international context.
Through the Foundation for Corporate Education (FCE), Jetske attended the Curriculum Development course and the Training Administration course. In addition to these studies, Jetske took various courses in the field of coaching, leadership, management, training and organizational development. In addition to her certification as a Professional Certified Coach with the ICF, Jetske holds certifications as a Professional Co-Active Coach and NeuroTransformational Coach.
Treasurer
Maja Seggerman, PCC & ORSC
I am an Organization and Relationship Systems coach, holding certifications from both the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the Co-Active Training Institute.
In addition to being the founder of my Coaching & Consultancy business, I collaborate with individuals and companies, to be the change they desire. My approach is infused with energy, curiosity, playfulness, and empathy to unlock possibilities.
What brings me the most joy is:
- Transformation: Whether on a personal level or within a team.
- Problem-Solving: Through innovative ways of thinking.
With over 20 years of experience in advertising, particularly in the automotive, tech, and innovation sectors, I have successfully led diverse teams in international environments. My journey involves navigating complexities such as board memberships, mergers, negotiations, and overseeing global client portfolios. I hold dual nationality and have thrived in high-performance environments across three continents. I believe in embracing change and cultural differences, brings people closer together.
Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn to learn more about coaching, my journey, or how I can support you on your path.
Board member
Olivier Akkerman, PCC
Community Engagement
As a Life & Business Coach I guide individuals and teams in their search for new insights, which can both help and heal to stimulate inner growth, and achieving new goals.
After 25 years of several management and directorial functions (at Holland Casino, Sligro and Hanos among others) I went self-employed in 2014.
I found my true passion during my Coach Training at The MMS Institute. Apart from this I help people and teams find patterns and dynamics that might stand in the way of personal growth or business development as a professionally educated systemic coach at the Instituut voor Systemisch Werk (IVSW).
As the board member for Community Engagement I strive to better the image of our field as coaches by encouraging more involvement and cooperation between our members and other professionals.
I was born in '63 and am happily married to Ankie. We share a home in Bavel (NL) and have two kids: Maurits and Vera.
Board member
Chaya Mistry, PCC
Marketing & Communication, DEIB committee
A human leadership and communication coach, trainer and consultant, Chaya helps people to lead and communicate in a more human way for more and better human connection. With a background in Psychology and more than 20 years in PR, Internal communication and leadership coaching, she founded Humanly in 2019.
A global thought leader, a woman of colour, mother of two girls, British Asian Indian - migrant to The Netherlands - Belongs to the World.
As founder of Humanly, Chaya works with her associates, to support organizations that are ready to lead more Humanly. Humanly is a human leadership development consultancy where Chaya and her associates support leaders, teams and organisations to be more human from the inside out.
Chaya hosts a community The Human Leadership Collective which is a generous space to be a bit more human through monthly emails, calls and a live event.
