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2026 ICF Coaching Futures Report

Envisioning Coaching's Next Horizon

This report does not predict a single future. Instead, it explores multiple scenarios shaping access to coaching worldwide. Grounded in global insights, foresight methods, and creative storytelling, we invite you to imagine what coaching could become and how today’s actions influence what comes next.

The future is not fixed. Help shape it.

I have a feeling that

Mental health awareness and support both are increasing rapidly. However, mental health specialities are not as discreetly established as those of physical health.
Boundaries between therapy and coaching are often faded by clients as well as coaches. Since, coaching does not have practice specific educational, licensing or certicational requirements, it risks the speciality of the practice.
I feel coaching industry will benefit from regulations.

Reva BankaUnited States
I am noticing that

… there is a shift in how Organisations are embracing Coaching. There is more focus on coaching being embedded as a Leadership capability and huge impetus to creating more internal coaches towards enabling a transformative culture .

Priya RameshIndia
I wonder if

… people are becoming more aware of the need for courageous conversations. Many now seek coaching not just for goals but to navigate difficult discussions—at work, in relationships, and in personal growth. Avoidance is being replaced with a desire for clarity, assertiveness, and emotional intelligence. My hunch is that the future of coaching is equipping people to embrace tough conversations with confidence, making open dialogue a key driver of growth.

Vedika KhatwaniUnited Arab Emirates
I have a feeling that

AI will continue to develop rapidly and surpass human coaches in terms of coaching techniques in collaboration with human coaches. As a result, excellent coaching by AI coaches will become available at very low cost or even free of charge, and students, young people, people in conflict zones, and people living in poverty who have not been able to receive coaching, helping them carve out a richer life. AI coach will also support human coach to develop their unique strenghth.

Akihiko MoritaJapan
I wonder if

What if coaching sessions happened in the metaverse? Coaches could meet clients in virtual spaces like retreat centers or dream offices. Translation tools could even remove language barriers making global coaching communities a thing.

Sophia C.Canada

What’s your hunch about the future of coaching?

We want to hear from you! Tell us your hunch and explore others from around the world.

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Ecosystem-centered Coaching: Futures Thinking for Real-World Impact

In this 4-part series, discover how futures thinking can empower you to navigate the evolving role of coaching within interconnected ecosystems. Through our four-phase framework—Observe, Envision, Anticipate, Act— you will learn how to prepare for the future of ecosystem-centered practices, integrate AI and new technologies, and embrace ethical, holistic approaches that create real-world impact for you, your clients, and your communities.

Apply the futures thinking loop to coaching

Futures Thinking fosters a mindset that embraces change, encourages innovation, and empowers action toward desired futures.

Apply the futures thinking loop to coaching

Futures Thinking fosters a mindset that embraces change, encourages innovation, and empowers action toward desired futures.

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Dive into this month’s top trending articles on the future of coaching

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Discover free articles featuring key insights on the future of coaching and its impact in the realms of well-being, work, education, and planetary ecology from worldwide thought leaders.

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