This introductory cohort-based training program is designed to build foundational coaching skills. It offers a Level 1 certification upon completion with two format options: one 3-day weekend intensive or 3 months of once-weekly course meetings. This 60-hour program covers three modules: Coaching Foundations, Relationship Building, Coaching for Empowerment, and Transformative Dialogue. Course requirements include the following:

• 12 Independent study hours
• 3 hours of mentor coaching
• 3 hours of masterminding
• A final performance evaluation

Students who complete the Foundations Course meet the training hours necessary to apply for a Level 1 credential through the International Coach Federation. This program does not include embedded commitment coaching.

Training Options:

Our Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Level 1 certification course is also offered in these formats. Click here to learn more about the JEDI concentration.

3-Month Option: This training option is offered in January each year. Students meet online for all classes on Tuesday evenings (7:00-10:00 pm EST). There are no in-person meetings for this option.

The Weekend Intensive Option: This option is offered twice per year. Students meet for three days on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8am – 6pm. Intensives are offered in both in person and virtual formats.

Upcoming Schedule:

Start Date: March 7-9, 2025 (JEDI Concentration)

Virtual
8am – 6pm eastern

Start Date: October 10-12, 2025 (Foundations Only)

In Person (Atlanta)
8am – 6pm eastern

Cost: $4495

Let’s Get Started!

One Coaching Foundations

This introductory course covers the International Coach Federation Code of Ethics and Core Competencies, developing a coaching agreement, and the key elements of establishing an effective coaching relationship. This course also focuses on the critical components supporting the coaching profession including the definition of coaching, its boundaries, and how coaching intersects with other helping professions.

• Week 1 – Definition of Coaching & ICF Ethical Guidelines I
• Week 2 – ICF Ethical Guidelines II & ICF Core Competencies I
• Week 3 – ICF Core Competencies II & Setting the Foundation
• Week 4 – Independent Study Specialization & Reading & Exploration

Two Relationship Building & Coaching for Empowerment (Part 1)

Module 2: Relationship Building This course focuses on the importance of self-awareness and creating a coaching presence that facilitates effective relationships. Areas of focus include establishing a foundation of trust, building strength-based relationships, recognizing the existence of implicit biases and blind spots that negatively impact relationships, and developing essential cultural competency skills. Module 3: Coaching for Empowerment This course covers the Academy of Creative Coaching's Creative Approach and the Invigorative Leadership Model as frameworks for change and empowerment. The focus of this course relies heavily on positive psychology concepts and presents strategic coaching techniques such as motivational interviewing and action plan development for client growth and improvement.

• Week 1 – The Strengths Philosophy & Strengths-Based Relationships
• Week 2 – The Wholehearted Self & Psychological Safety & Trust
• Week 3 – Culturally Competent Coaching & Inclusion Coaching
• Week 4 – Independent Study Specialization & Reading & Exploration

Three Coaching for Empowerment (Part 2) & Transformative Dialogue

Module 3: Coaching for Empowerment Course continues from the previous month. Module 4: Transformative DialogueThis course focuses on communication techniques essential to the coaching relationship. Specific areas include powerful questioning as a means for to increase awareness, active listening and communication skills, navigating through difficult conversations, and resolving conflicts. This course also covers the dynamics of group coaching and mastermind group facilitation as a leadership tool.

• Week 1 – The Creative Approach & Coaching the Whole Person
• Week 2 – Asking Powerful Questions & Non-Violent Communication
• Week 3 – Conflict Resolution & Mediation Group & Coaching & Masterminding
• Week 4 – Independent Study & Specialization Reading & Exploration

Finalize Completion Requirements

Students who complete the Foundations Course meet the training hours necessary to apply for a Level 1 credential through the International Coach Federation. This program does not include embedded commitment coaching.

• Requirement 1 – 12 Independent study hours
• Requirement 2 – 3 hours of mentor coaching
• Requirement 3 – 3 hours of masterminding
• Requirement 4 – Pass the final performance evaluation