Life coach courses/info

[Jon Tweddle]

Hi all
For the last year now I've been thinking about training to be a life coach. I've checked out the internet for courses, but the must be a thousand to choose from, and they all claim to be the best and most recognised.
I live in the UK, so it would have to be recognised over here.
Ideally I would be able to do the course around my day job, and it wouldn't cost a fortune.
If there are any life coaches out there who could give me advice on the best way to set up, it would be most appreciated.

Cheers
Jon

[robertanthony]

The coaching academy is best. I am training in coaching too.

[robertanthony]

Jon if you look at the coaching academy it's the biggest with the best networks. Also if you do train as a coach your site can be registered with coach-uk.org.uk..........if you look at this site click the TV button and you'll see a video describing what coaching is.

[Jon Tweddle]

Originally Posted by robertanthony

The coaching academy is best. I am training in coaching too.

Hi Rob

Cheers for the reply.
I looked at the Coaching Accademys free weekend, and nearly booked up for it, but decided against it at the last momoent because I wasn't sure if it was going to be one long sales pitch.
What is the course work like, and how long have you been doing it?

Thanks for the advice
Jon

[DrAndrew]

I have to admit a slight bias in my response to this posting; being a life coach, psychologist and trainer myself. It seems to me that you would have to be quite candid with yourself about what it is precisely you are seeking. It has infrequently been my experience that biggest, or most recognised correlates with quality, distinction or value. Nowhere is this more obvious to me than in the vast array of life coach training available, many of which suggest adherence to ethical guidelines and endorsement from various accrediting bodies (currently there is no one overarching and independent body or standard that must be adhered to). A majority of the training programmes that are advertised, very aggressively, and in my humble opinion rather soullessly, are viewed by many as too sales-orientated, identikit-like, and limited. There are promises of great wealth, fantastic lifestyles, an endless flow of clients, and access to “the” techniques that will enable you such success. This is nonsense, and functions by seducing the ego, and implanting hopes and aspirations that may not be your own. Consider what it is you want to accomplish, what draws you to the work, who you envision yourself working with, how you define success, how you would feel if you were someone seeking out your services; I would strongly advise against letting anyone answer -either directly, or through subterfuge- any of those questions for you. From that point, selecting someone to train with becomes considerably easier; just remember, you choose them, not the other way around. Follow your instincts and don’t be swept away by the hard sell.

[robertanthony]

There's the European Coaching Institute & The Association for Coaching & The International Coach Federation - These are the main registering bodies. Also when you get qualified you have to have insurance.

Counsellors / Psychologists / Life Coaches are all self-regulated. The governmenet are in process of bringing in regulation so that job titles match with the qualification and insurance policy obtained.

If you do train to become a coach you will encounter lots of people who describe themselves as a coach even though they haven't done a training course or obtained the relevant insurance.

The distinctions between coaching and therapy are clearly defined on the net and on all coaching sites universally.

The key questions that the public should ask are.
1. Do you have a coaching diploma
2. Have you indemnity insurance.
3. Who are you registered with.

[Mitalp]

Originally Posted by DrAndrew

I have to admit a slight bias in my response to this posting; being a life coach, psychologist and trainer myself. It seems to me that you would have to be quite candid with yourself about what it is precisely you are seeking. It has infrequently been my experience that biggest, or most recognised correlates with quality, distinction or value. Nowhere is this more obvious to me than in the vast array of life coach training available, many of which suggest adherence to ethical guidelines and endorsement from various accrediting bodies (currently there is no one overarching and independent body or standard that must be adhered to). A majority of the training programmes that are advertised, very aggressively, and in my humble opinion rather soullessly, are viewed by many as too sales-orientated, identikit-like, and limited. There are promises of great wealth, fantastic lifestyles, an endless flow of clients, and access to “the” techniques that will enable you such success. This is nonsense, and functions by seducing the ego, and implanting hopes and aspirations that may not be your own. Consider what it is you want to accomplish, what draws you to the work, who you envision yourself working with, how you define success, how you would feel if you were someone seeking out your services; I would strongly advise against letting anyone answer -either directly, or through subterfuge- any of those questions for you. From that point, selecting someone to train with becomes considerably easier; just remember, you choose them, not the other way around. Follow your instincts and don’t be swept away by the hard sell.

I completely agree with Dr. Andrew. You have to ask yourself these questions and find a clear and definite answer. This is also what you'll be doing with your clients, teaching them to ask themselves questions to help paint a picture of what they want.