The Training Decision :: Christian Coaching Resources

Archive for The Training Decision – Page 3

Accredited vs non-accredited training

By linda · Comments (0)

Monday, August 7th, 2006

If you came back last week for a discussion here about making the training decision – sorry. I was sick and decided blogging had to wait. This is a great time for me to encourage you, if you haven’t done so already, to look to the right of this entry and sign up for e-mail updates. Rather than having to return to the blog for the latest entry, you will then receive it via e-mail. This is a nifty, efficient way to stay connected and of course you can unsubscribe at any time you choose.

OK. Topics in making the life coach training decision.

What about accredited vs non-accredited life coach training, and why do you care?

First, programs are awarded accreditation from the International Coach Federation (ICF). If you take training from an accredited program and follow their prescribed course of action you can personally receive ICF approved certification awarded by that program. If you take non-accredited training it is still possible to obtain ICF certification but you have to work directly with them through a “portfolio” process. Taking the accredited training is probably your most efficient way to gain certification. Go to the ICF website for information on a list of accredited programs and information about coach certification.

Keep in mind that anyone can create a training program and award a certification. So how do you know that a training program is of the quality you are seeking? How do you know that the certification you would receive holds the value you desire? Well, through the accreditation process, ICF offers structure and standards by which you can evaluate programs. Otherwise, if the program you are considering is not ICF accredited, you really don’t know the extent to which it meets professional standards. It may meet them very well..or…maybe not.

Also be aware that as training programs apply for ICF accreditation there is a process that takes time. Perhaps the program you are considering is in the process of becoming accredited. Be sure to ask – that is if accreditation and certification is important to you.

So now you may wonder why is certification important to you? That’s the next blog entry. And I know some of you might be thinking, “as a Christian do I really need to consider the standards of the ICF?” I will also address that within the next few days. Sign up for the e-mail updates or come back tomorrow – “see” you then!

Comments (0)

Categories : Christian Coaching, The Training Decision

The Training Decision

By linda · Comments (0)

Friday, July 28th, 2006

You’ve decided that life coaching is it…it matches your mission…it is your vision. You are called to be a Christian life coach. You’re ready to get started and you want to dive in. Likely, your first question is, “what about training?”

If you’ve done any research at all, you know there are varying opinions on coach training and even specifically Christian life coach training.

You know that there are currently no US states that require licensing for life coaches – so currently there are no “licensing requirements” to help inform your decision.

You know that there are accredited programs and non-accredited.

You know that there are quite a few secular coach training programs and a growing number of Christian programs.

Hopefully, you know that anyone can create a training program and offer you a “certified” title – highlighting the need to consider what “certified” title you want to receive and from whom.

There are several factors to think through when choosing training. I’ll discuss the main ones in blog entries next week. However, in the meantime, look at your vision. This is an excellent example of why knowing your vision is so significant when making decisions.

Take a look at your vision (which…have I said it enough already…you have written down) and ask what will get you there. Will you be coaching in business or ministry? Will you be coaching only Christians? Will you be working in a church or corporate environment? Will you have your own coaching business five or ten years from now?

The decision to go with ICF accredited training vs. non-accredited or secular training vs. Christian, for example, is unique to your personal vision. So hold your vision out in front of you and come back to my blog next week for information that will help you make your coach training decision.

Comments (0)

Categories : Christian Coaching, The Training Decision

What about training?

By linda · Comments (0)

Thursday, July 13th, 2006

So what were my initial questions to Judy Santos, founder and director of the Christian Coaches Network? Lots about training and certification.

Before I spoke with Judy, I had researched the ICF accredited programs and was seriously looking at the Hudson Institute, CTI and Coach U. I now know that there are excellent Christian coaches who have trained in these and other ICF accredited programs. I was considering this myself.

In talking with Judy, I learned about the Christian Track of the Institute for Life Coach Training program. At the time we spoke, the Christian Track was just about to be accredited by ICF. This accreditation was important to me (I’ll tell you why in a future post; in the meantime I encourage you to do your research – consider carefully what you believe God has called you to and, light of that, learn all you can about the profession – before you decide what training to invest in).

I was thrilled to learn of the ILCT Christian Track, taught by Judy Santos and Christopher McCluskey. All I had to do to learn more about Chris was to refer back to Christian Coaching by Gary Collins. I signed up, took the classes and have been completely satisfied with my training at ILCT. The classes far exceeded my original hopes for coach training. I received excellent training within a Christian context that gave me what I needed to establish a successful coaching business.

If you go to web page to investigate ILCT’s Christian Track you will discover that the program is designed for counselors. Don’t be deterred if you are not a helping professional and you are interested. Just look for the link to a form you can fill out to see if you qualify.

As I said, check back for a future post on the value of considering accredited training and ICF certification.

Comments (0)

Categories : Christian Coaching, Starting the Journey, The Training Decision

« Previous Page