Already completed the Dive Into a Coach Approach® Certification (50 hours)?
Level 4 supports your ICF credentialing journey.
You've earned your Coach Approach in Healthcare certification
- 6 hours of mentor coaching + 4 hours coaching education (DICA 3)
- 40 of the 60 required coaching education hours (DICA 1 + 2)
- Eligibility to join the ICF as a member
Level 4 is designed for DICA graduates ready to deepen their coaching mastery and pursue an ICF ACC credential via the Portfolio Path. You'll receive personalized feedback from an ICF assessor, review your score together in a 1:1 mentorship session, and close any final gaps with confidence.
"Level 4 supports you receiving personalized feedback from an ICF assessor and completing the key requirements for credentialing."
Dive Into a Coach Approach® Level 4 – ICF Readiness & Mentorship is designed for DICA graduates ready to deepen their coaching mastery and pursue an ICF ACC credential via the Portfolio Path.
Dive Into a Coach Approach® Level 4 – ICF Readiness & Mentorship is designed for DICA graduates ready to deepen their coaching mastery and pursue an ICF ACC credential via the Portfolio Path. DICA 4.0 supports you receiving personalized feedback from an ICF assessor and completing the key requirements for credentialing.
- Credential Preparation: Get expert guidance to navigate the ICF ACC application process
- Performance Evaluation: Submit a recorded coaching session for formal assessment by an ICF assessor using ACC-level markers
- Targeted Feedback: Receive your score and clear next steps—only if needed. If you're ready, we'll say so. No upsells.
- Study Tools: Access curated resources to build confidence and prepare for the ICF credentialing exam
- Included with DICA Grad Membership: Level 4 is part of your Grad Membership at no extra cost
- Healthcare professionals who have earned their Dive Into a Coach Approach® certification (i.e., completed DICA Levels 1, 2, and 3)
- Those preparing for ICF ACC credentialing via the Portfolio Path
- Practitioners ready to demonstrate coaching proficiency
- Health professionals seeking to lead or mentor others using a coach approach
- 1:1 performance evaluation and personalized written feedback with a formal ICF-aligned score
- 30-minute 1:1 mentorship session to review your feedback and clarify next steps
- Support to review your DICA ICF Credentialing Log — we'll help confirm that your coaching education, mentor hours, and client hours meet ACC requirements
- Access to the DICA 4.0 Learning Portal — includes study resources and ICF exam prep tips
- Apply ICF Core Competencies and ACC-level markers to demonstrate coaching proficiency in a recorded session with a real client.
- Evaluate personalized written feedback from an ICF assessor to identify strengths and growth areas, and integrate this into a development plan aligned with credentialing standards.
- Construct a complete ICF Portfolio Path application, including an accurate log of education and client hours, a transcribed coaching session, and all supporting documentation for ACC credentialing.
- Step 1: Submit Your Materials
A 20–35 minute coaching demo recording
Your updated ICF tracking spreadsheet (education + client hours) - Step 2: Receive a Transcript
We transcribe your session for clarity and accurate assessment. - Step 3: Assessment by an ICF Assessor
Your demo and transcript are scored using ICF ACC performance markers. - Step 4: Get Growth-Focused Feedback
You receive a comprehensive written evaluation aligned with ICF Core Competencies. - Step 5: Know Your Score + Meet 1:1
If needed, you'll receive specific next steps—such as targeted mentorship or completing remaining hours. - Step 6: 1:1 Mentorship Session
A 30-minute session to reflect on your score, ask questions, and clarify your path forward. - Step 7: Credential Review
We'll help confirm that your coaching log aligns with ICF ACC education and client hour requirements. - Step 8: Exam Preparation Support
Receive curated resources and practical tips to prepare for the ICF Credentialing Exam.
Discover the best options for earning your remaining 20 hours of coaching education.
From Function First Coaching™:
- Coaching Demo – Level 2 | 7 hours
- Energy Balance Blueprint | 11 hours
- Mindful & Embodiment Coaching | 4 hours
- Live Webinars & Workshops | 1.5 hours each (3–4 held annually — see Events Page)
From Other Sources:
- ICF Health & Wellness Community of Practice | 4 webinars per year, typically 1–1.5 hours each
Q1: How do I register for Level 4 – ICF Readiness & Mentorship?
To register, you must first complete your Dive Into a Coach Approach® Certification (50 hours), which includes:
- Level 1 – Core Fundamentals + Coaching Tools for Healthcare
- Level 2 – Relationship & Technical Mastery (2A and 2B)
- Level 3 – Live Implementation
Once your DICA certification is complete, you'll be personally invited to register for Level 4. If you're interested in being considered, you can also complete our Interest Form at the top of the page.
Q2: Can I use this training toward ICF credentialing?
Yes. Upon successful completion of DICA 4.0, you'll receive a certificate for 2 hours of continuing education which can be applied toward your ICF ACC credential.
Q3: What is the total time commitment?
The process takes approximately 2 hours, including time to submit your demo, receive written feedback, and attend your 30-minute mentorship session. Timing is flexible and based on your availability and that of the ICF assessor.
Choose the plan that works for you:
- Pay in full
- Or split into 4 equal payments
Need Employer Support?
Does your employer offer Professional Development funding? Submit this quick form and we'll send you a handout to help make the case—outlining the course value, accreditation, and relevance to your role.
Part of the DICA Grad Membership
Level 4 is included in your DICA Grad Membership — along with many additional benefits:
- Year-round access to all DICA course content (Levels 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0)
- Join live DICA courses as an observer or co-facilitator
- Free access to 3 live webinars annually
- One 1:1 session with Hélène or full ICF Evaluation & Mentorship process (i.e., Level 4)
Already a member? You're eligible! Submit Your Interest below.
About our Micro-Credentialing Journey
Course Format: Self-Paced | Course Length: 20-hours
Begin your journey with the foundational skills of the Dive Into a Coach Approach® model—designed specifically for healthcare professionals.
In this self-paced, 12-hour course, you'll explore the core techniques, framework, and mindset that support collaborative, client-centered care.
Next step: Complete the Coaching Tools for Healthcare bundle. This 8-hour follow-up includes four short courses that build on your foundational learning. You'll create personalized coaching tools for your setting—and receive direct feedback to strengthen your integration and confidence. This step is required to complete Level 1.
Want a printable version? Download the DICA Journey PDF to follow along at your own pace.
Learn More About Level 01Course Format: Live Training | Course Length: 20-hours
Strengthen your coaching through relationship awareness and skill refinement.
In this interactive course, you will explore your relational patterns using a personalized Relationship Intelligence (RQ) assessment and learn how these insights can deepen your coaching presence and strengthen your therapeutic and leadership relationships.
Through peer coaching, real-time feedback, and practical tools, you will refine techniques from Level 1, develop greater self-awareness, and build the relational agility and technical confidence needed for client-centered care.
Level 2 of the Dive Into a Coach Approach® journey builds directly on Level 1 and equips you to connect, attune, and partner with clients and colleagues while applying new coaching skills in meaningful, real-world scenarios.
Want a printable version? Download the DICA Journey PDF to follow along at your own pace.
Learn more about Level 02Course Format: Live Training | Course Length: 10-hours
Apply everything you've learned in a real coaching engagement—while being mentored every step of the way.
In this live training, you'll implement the full Dive Into a Coach Approach® methodology from beginning to end, using the complete suite of tools introduced in Levels 1 and 2. You'll coach a real client (secured through our Get Coached Program) and receive direct support and feedback to guide your growth.
This course fulfills mentorship hours required for ICF credentialing and prepares you for formal evaluation in Level 4.
Level 3 is your bridge from practice to professional coaching readiness.
Want a printable version? Download the DICA Journey PDF to follow along at your own pace.
Learn more about Level 03Course Format: Hybrid | Course Length: Variable (self-paced with live mentorship)
Get personalized guidance to prepare for ICF ACC credentialing.
Dive Into a Coach Approach® 4.0 is an optional, advanced add-on for those who have earned their Dive Into a Coach Approach® certification (Levels 1–3, 50 hours) and are pursuing ICF credentials.
You'll submit a coaching demo, receive written feedback from an ICF assessor, and meet 1:1 to review your score and identify next steps.
Want a printable version? Download the DICA Journey PDF to follow along at your own pace.
Learn more about Level 04Hellen Yang
Hellen Yang is a highly respected Master Certified Coach (MCC), Certified Coach Supervisor, and seasoned Mentor Coach who specializes in helping coaches deepen their presence and confidently pursue ICF credentials. With over 5,000 hours of coaching experience and a decade-long background in corporate finance, Hellen brings a unique combination of business acumen, calm clarity, and deeply grounded empathy.
She has supported professionals across sectors—including healthcare—to successfully earn their ACC, PCC, and MCC designations. As an active ICF Assessor and expert in both the Coaching Markers and Behavioral Anchored Rating Scales (BARS), Hellen offers precise, growth-focused feedback that helps coaches sharpen their skills and embody the ICF Core Competencies. Her mentorship balances high standards with warmth and encouragement.
Among her mentees is Hélène Thériault, founder of Function First Coaching, who credits Hellen's mentorship as instrumental in her own MCC journey. Hellen is passionate about supporting coaches to not only achieve their credentials—but to expand their impact, confidence, and long-term sustainability in the field.
Master Certified Coach | Certified Coach Supervisor | ICF Assessor & Mentor
Hélène Thériault
Hélène Thériault is a Master Certified Coach (MCC), Master of Adult Education (MAdEd), and faculty member in the Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia, where she teaches, supervises, and delivers the Coach Approach seminar to graduating therapists. She is also a certified Total SDI Facilitator and Leadership Circle Profile™ practitioner.
With over two decades of clinical experience, Hélène is the founder of Function First Coaching™ and the creator of the ICF-accredited Dive Into a Coach Approach® methodology. Her proprietary framework has trained and certified healthcare professionals around the world in coaching practices that are practical, holistic, and client-centered.
Hélène earned her MCC credential under the mentorship of Hellen Yang and brings deep appreciation for what it takes to reach the highest levels of coaching mastery. She was recognized as the 2023 ICF Emerging Coach Educator for her contributions to the profession.
Master Certified Coach | ICF Educator | Creator of Dive Into a Coach Approach®