That’s okay. Making the decision to become a coach is the beginning of a journey into a new profession, a time to learn and explore the possibilities. So, even though our website highlights the different alternatives available to our students, that’s more to show the possibilities than a something you need to decide before you begin.
This is your journey – we are honored to be a part of it and will be there to support you, through our courses, free informational calls, and our staff are always available to partner with you on whatever path you choose. And isn’t that what coaching is all about?
While there currently are no U.S. states which license coaches, we believe that in order to best serve your clients, some coach training is necessary so that you can be a competent and confident coach. Through our program you can take a course which provides you with all the tools you need to be a coach [The Foundations course], elective courses that allow you to specialize in an area you are passionate about, as well as the opportunity to become a credentialed coach by highly recognized coaching organizations.
A study conducted by the ICF found that 89% of clients who had been in a coaching relationship reported that it was somewhat or very important to them that their coach had coach specific training.
For those in the helping professions who already have the requisite skills for effective coaching (such as listening, building rapport, encouraging, facilitating change, empathy and objectivity), some formal coach training is still necessary to understand and maintain distinctions between coaching and other helping professions. Additionally, many professional state licensing boards require that you receive training if you are adding a new modality to your approved scope of practice.
Aside from being able to learn alongside our incredible students and faculty, other advantages of training with The Institute for Life Coach Training include:
If you hold a Bachelor’s degree, an advanced degree, or have experience working with others, you are certainly qualified to join our program and we would love to work with you.
If you are not currently a helping professional, or hold a degree, you may still be qualified to join our program. We look for students who have strong communication skills, and a passion to work with others.
If you have questions about your eligibility, or which program is right for you, we encourage you to contact Ellen Neiley Ritter, our Dean of Students at 888.267.1206 ext. 101, to discuss your interest in coaching and whether our program would be a good fit.
While ILCT does not qualify for the federal financial aid packages, we offer interest-free payment plans that work with our students' budgets. The most common payment plan divides the costs for the class over the length of the class, so, for example, with the Foundations course, this would mean 5 equal monthly payments. Need another plan? Just let us know.
ILCT offers discounts to those who work for federal, state and local governments, as well as those who have served in the military.
Our 30, 60 and 120-hour BCC programs are approved under the Army Credentialing Assistance Program (Army Cool) to provide the training for enlisted, warrant officers, and officers from the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army National Guard/U.S. Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve.
We also offer discounts to those who are working for non-profit organizations and churches, and for groups of 4 or more who are looking for coach training. Contact Ellen with any questions.
Yes! ILCT is one of a handful of programs that have consistently met the stringent requirements to be accredited by both the International Coach Federation and the Center for Credentialing & Education.
That means you can use the same classes to be credentialed by both organizations if you're qualified. Please contact us if you have any questions.
The majority of our courses are taught through video conferences [Zoom] or teleconferences, so you join your instructor and fellow students in an interactional and often lively discussion during set times for each class. The classes are fun, enriching, and often life changing. You can listen to a previously recorded class here.
We keep our classes small so that you will have many opportunities to coach and be coached by your classmates. There are usually at least 4 students in each class, with most classes having a maximum of 12.
We also offer numerous Self-Directed courses which are done on a computer, working at your own pace. These courses are electives and do not compromise a complete program leading to credentialing.
ILCT's classes are presented in English. ILCT also has an international training program which is conducted live a few times each year in Italy; these classes are in Italian.
A new session of our Foundational and Coach Approach courses begins every 4 to 6 weeks, except December. Since we have students from across the globe and country, we vary the times of the course, so you will want to find one which fits best into your schedule.
We also offer the Foundational Course for Christian Coaches twice year, usually in January and July. While identical in terms of focus, materials, and level of learning as our Foundational course, this course goes further by incorporating Scripture and prayer for those who want to incorporate their faith in coaching.
Most of our elective and advanced courses are scheduled numerous times throughout the year and the Self-directed courses are available all year long. Information on frequency, etc. can be seen on each course page, as well as an opportunity to be notified when a course you want is listed or goes on sale.
Many of our students want to specialize in one area of coaching and we offer a number of programs that allow you to become a specialist. Each of these certification programs includes the Foundational course (40 hours) and 40 hours from the electives in that specialty area, allowing you to truly focus on and create a practice which reflects your expertise, while also potentially allowing you to apply for a coaching credential from a recognized third-party.
Yes. For those who have a coaching credential from ICF or CCE, our classes are approved for CEU’s and can be used to renew your credential.
Additionally, for licensed professionals, you may be able to receive CEU’s if your state Board recognizes NAADAC. ILCT is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider (Provider #107268) and is responsible for all aspects of its programming. See if your state Board accepts NAADAC CE's here.
While coaching and therapy share some similarities, psychotherapy often focuses on the impact the past has on the present, on healing psychological dysfunction, and on relieving emotional pain. The therapist is considered to be the expert, the one with answers about what is right for the client.
Coaching focuses on the present and future, the client's strengths, life purpose and goals, working with clients to create possibilities to enrich their life. Based on the belief that all individuals are whole, capable individuals, coaching assumes the client is expert, able to determine what is best for their lives and the coach works along with them to maximize their personal and professional potentials, to close the gaps to create extraordinary lives.
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