Help

[bonnielin]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the forum. I joined because I would like to find my way to becoming a life coach. And like step 6 in her fabulous book "Take Time for You Life" I am looking to connect with people of like mind. I admire Cheryl Richardson. I want to coach people to finding their best life just like her!

I have been a sports coach since I was 12 years old. So.....I've had many, many years of wonderful experience. Coaching is my calling! I want to learn how to turn my passion and gift into a career.

What training did you pursue? I live in Central Canada. Is there specific course to take? What credential's do you have?

Any advise and direction would be greatly appreciated.

[creneek]

I have researched Coach Training as well. Legally, all that is needed to coach is your desire to do so. If you are already in a postion that allows you to provide some type(your niche) of life coaching, transition what you already do for "free" into a home based business.

There is an organization, ICF, that provides a standard of excellence for those who feel coaching is there calling. The training and ICF accredidation are NOT mandatory to BEGIN coaching; however, I feel it gives you additional crediability when trying to create a people based business.

There is a whole lot of confusing information out there about career coaching and training. Here are some tips to help you find your way:

*Locate your local Coaching Networking Group (for Coaches). Here in Houston, TX it is open to visitors who are interested in coaching. I don't know if every city has a local chapter or if it is open to non-coaches. However, this has been a really good resource for me because I have been able to use experienced coaches with various niches as mentors.

*Attend an informational session in person or via phone. Several of the schools offer them weekly. Your purpose is to gain a better understanding of Coaching and the accredidations that come with.

*Don't become overly consumed with trying to find training. As long as the school is ICF accredidate, the fundamentals will be the same. However, each school may offer a different twist (extra curriculm) to distinguish themselves from another school such as a small focus on sports or religion, i.e. But remember your basics for ICF accredidation WILL BE THE SAME.

*Deciding on a training program
-Are classes local; or, will there be monthly travel? Take into consideration that your tuition typically does not include air, food, or hotel.
-What is your learning style? Face to Face, online, or a combo of both!
-What are your finances?
a.) Do you have the resources to pay the entire tuition- $2000 and up?
b.) Does this tuition (especially if it is on the lower end) include ALL training and
all study materials? If you do decide you want to finish training with
a certification, does your tuition include all required coursework hours,
personal coaching sessions (you as the client), and certification exam fees?
- If money and/or travel expenses are an issue, does the training program offer
some form of financial aid or payment plans?
-From beginning to end, how long will your training take in order to reach the
minimum required instructional hours( I believe is 130 hours)? Just to give you
an example of what I mean:
a.) Combo classes- 4 face to face weekends(10 hrs per day) over a 6 month
period with mandatory coursework and teleconference between each
session. When all work and sessions are complete. You are done.
b.) Face 2 Face course (ie, at a University) that requires your attendance in
person, via teleconfernce, and/or online, but takes 24 months to complete
possible due to the school's additional required courses.

WOW! That is alot. I will stop now. I hope this helps. I have included ICF website below. Because I talk too much, maybe their site won't be so confusing. If you need anything else just ask. Good Luck!

http://www.coachfederation.org/ICF/F...s/What+is+ICF/

P>S> If you go through each school, there are several that I noticed were in Canada.

[creneek]

You are already a coach. Use the people that you have already built a relationship with over the years and take it to the next level. If you coach teenagers at a school or a private league, for now look at youth and/or parent coaching just to get a quick start into Coaching as a profession. Make sure it is not a conflict of interest with your paying job! If not, start marketing yourself as a Life Coach after school hours to your team members, former team members, and their parents.
Teenagers/Young Adults often need additional motivation and clarity relating to: college choices, career paths, parental conflict, other relationships, etc.
Parents often need new and creative ways of understanding and motivating their children.

You seem to already have a built in client base as well. USE IT!

I promise I will stop talking your ear off...


GOOD LUCK!