Frequently Asked Questions



Q. What is coaching?

A. Coaching is a relatively new profession that focuses on helping people who already have a measure of “success” in their lives, but who want to bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be in their profession and their personal life. A life coach is much like a trainer who helps an athlete win the “gold medal” – not just be in the race. Life coaches help their clients design the life they want, bring out their clients’ own brilliance and resources so that they can achieve excellence and create purposeful, extraordinary lives.



Q. What is the basic philosophy behind coaching?

A. The basic philosophy behind coaching is that we humans have immeasurable resources of energy, wisdom, ability and genius waiting to be set in motion. We can create the life we want faster and more easily by having a coach who helps us utilize our resources to facilitate change and realize our potential.



Q. Why are therapists and helping professionals the most well-positioned professionals to transition to the lucrative career of coaching?

A. Therapists are the most well-positioned professionals to transition to coaching because they already have the requisite skills for effective coaching (such as listening, building rapport, encouraging, facilitating change, empathy and objectivity) that they can easily translate into coaching. Therapists also possess built-in credentials because they already have Bachelor’s, Master's or even Doctoral degrees in the mental health field – and when properly trained, stand to be the most results-producing life coaches anywhere. Those with no previous mental health training are equipped to only pan the surface of their clients’ potential, whereas a therapist is equipped to dig deeper to the pure vein of untapped human power that lies beneath.



Q. Why is coach training necessary for therapists transitioning to coaching?

A. While therapists already have the requisite skills for effective coaching, some formal coach training is necessary because there are important distinctions between therapy and coaching. Becoming a masterful coach requires specialized training -- but fortunately, it’s infinitely easier for a therapist to transition to coaching. The Institute for Life Coach Training provides specialized training for therapists that takes as little as 40 hours to complete. In addition to doing coaching, you learn how to BE a coach.




Q. How does coaching differ from therapy?

A. Psychotherapy generally deals with emotional/behavioral problems and disruptive situations – and seeks to bring the client to normal function by focusing on his dysfunction. Therapy is usually done in-person, although at times, it may be done over the telephone.

Coaching, on the other hand, deals with functional persons who want to move toward higher function – and achieve excellence while creating an extraordinary life. Coaching is a process similar to solution-focused techniques that therapists use for less serious psycho-emotional problems and life stresses.



Q. Why has coaching become so popular?

A. The demand for coaching came into being a few years ago when stressed out executives started seeking help in coping with their professional and personal lives. In addition, as companies started downsizing and outplacing, and baby boomers started turning 50, coaches were hired to ease traumatic transitions and to help people get back on track. While coaching is still most prevalent in the corporate environment, individuals are increasingly turning to coaches for help in achieving excellence, improving relationships, overcoming challenges and enhancing all aspects of their lives. Today, coaching has become the second fastest-growing industry in America.



Q. How much do life coaches typically earn?

A. According to the International Coaching Federation, most coaches working with individuals charge about $200 to $400 per month for one half-hour call per week. Executive coaches generally charge more. All told, coaches earn an average of $100 to $150 per hour. Corporate coaches earn more, often $200 to $400 per hour, according to Time Business News.



Q. How long does an average client commit to working with a coach?

A. Most coaches require a 3- to 6-month commitment, but usually allow clients to discontinue coaching at any time -- if they feel that coaching is not working for them. (“Most of my coaching clients continue coaching with me for an average of 11 months.” -- Pat Williams)



Q. What are the advantages of training with Institute for Life Coach Training as compared to other coach training schools?

A. There are 5 distinct advantages of training with the Institute for Life Coach Training:
  • The Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT) specializes in training therapists to become coaches. Most coach training schools or programs are set up to train people transitioning from corporate careers, human resources, or other professions. ILCT’s training recognizes your education, professional skills and experience -- and builds upon them so that you can “hit the ground running” in the least amount of time.

  • ILCT places emphasis on the person behind the job – that is, you. Some coaching schools pack as many students as they can recruit into classes of unlimited size, thereby failing to give the students the attention, instruction (and practice) they deserve. ILCT allows a maximum of 25 students in most classes, and focuses on your own life design and personal fulfillment so that you can become a masterful coach who “walks the talk.”

  • ILCT teaches a coaching model that has been proven successful in producing results with coaching clients. Its state-of-the-art coaching model is one that employs the whole person paradigm, powerful questions and purposeful inquiry, empowering tools, and results-producing psychological principles.

  • ILCT allows you to train while maintaining your therapy practice. It offers convenient tele-classes (so you don’t have to commute) delivered in one-hour sessions (that anyone can manage to fit into their schedule).

  • ILCT can provide you with certification. Upon completion of the necessary coursework, it can award you the designation of “Certified Life Coach” which denotes specialized training that you can add to your resume proudly – and should serve as sufficient documentation of professional training to do coaching.

Furthermore, ILCT is singularly capable of teaching you how to market your coaching services so that you will always have a steady stream of clients. While most coaching schools will ignore your unique and supremely marketable qualifications, ILCT understands your distinct coaching “edge,” and can teach you how to position yourself favorably, and articulate that which makes you (a therapist-turned-coach) superior to other coaches in the field. This is crucial to your coaching success.



Q. How often are classes taught at the Institute for Life Coach Training?

A. Coach training classes begin every month except December. For more detailed information check out class schedules, or send an email to info@LifeCoachTraining.com



Q. How many students are in each class?

A. There are at least 10 students in each class – with most classes having a maximum of 18. The Institute for Life Coach training puts a ceiling on the number of students allowable in each training course in order to give the students the attention, instruction (and practice) they deserve. This results in graduates who are well-equipped for effective coaching.


Q. How are the classes taught and by whom? How long are they?

A. All classes are taught via teleconference calls – that is, you call a designated phone number at a designated time to attend a tele-class from the comfort of your home or office. Our instructors are all former therapists who have built successful coaching practices. Classes are one-hour long, and are scheduled twice a week for 15 weeks (a total of 30 tele-classes).



Q. What is the cost for the course?

A. While other coach training courses charge $3,000 to $8,000 often plus travel, the cost for ILCT’s 40 hour Foundational class is an affordable $2,295 (which includes a 400+ page manual and the required texts). Clearly, this is a modest investment – considering the lucrative coaching career for which it prepares you. The only additional cost is your long-distance charges for each call. Tip: When you register for the course, be sure to negotiate the lowest rate with your long-distance carrier, or get tips from us on cheap phone rates.



Q. What textbooks are used?

A. We have created a very powerful combination of course materials for our students. in addition to the 400 page manual. You will do outside reading and learning just as in a college graduate course. The required texts are:

Required Texts
Therapist as Life Coach & Co-Active Coaching must be purchased in time for the first class date.

PLEASE NOTE: Below are the three required texts for Foundational Courses which begin April, 2008 through June, 2008. If registering for a class from August, 2008 through the November, 2008, please click here for the required texts list.

 

Therapist As Life Coach - Click to order

Therapist as Life Coach: An Introduction for Counselors and Other Helping Professionals, Revised and Expanded Edition
by Patrick Williams, Deborah C. Davis
(Click link above to purchase from Amazon.com)

A book for mental health professionals considering a transition into the new and dynamic field of life coaching! Therapist as Life Coach explores life coaching as a profession, examines the relationship between life coaching and therapy, and details the variety of options for professionals considering either a transition into coaching or expanding their practices to include coaching.

This book is one-stop-shopping for the therapist wishing to explore the coaching field. Every chapter in this second edition has been revised, reflecting the growth of the coaching field and its increasing appeal to therapists and all helping professionals. New material includes an overview of recent coaching developments, updated liability concerns, new business opportunities, and a new section on the research about coaching.


Co-Active Coaching, 2nd Edition: New Skills for Coaching People Toward Success in Work and Life
by Laura Whitworth, Henry House, Phil Sandahl, Henry Kimsey-House
(Click link above to purchase from Amazon.com)

For professional coaches who want to increase their proficiency as well as those interested in integrating coaching skills into their consulting practice.

 


Human Being: A Manual for Happiness, Health, Love and Wealth
(Click link above to purchase from ILCT - $15.95)
by Dave Ellis and Stan Lankowitz

“Human Being” is no longer in print but is distributed in an Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Coactive Coaching and Human Being are specifically referenced and assigned as the course goes along (you are of course welcome to read ahead.)


Required Text
Therapist as Life Coach & Becoming a Professional Life Coach must be purchased in time for the first class date.

PLEASE NOTE: Below are the three required texts for Foundational Courses beginning August 2008 through November 2008. If registering for a class starting before August, 2008, please click here for the required texts list.

 

Therapist As Life Coach - Click to order

Therapist as Life Coach: An Introduction for Counselors and Other Helping Professionals, Revised and Expanded Edition
by Patrick Williams, Deborah C. Davis
(Click link above to purchase from Amazon.com)

A book for mental health professionals considering a transition into the new and dynamic field of life coaching! Therapist as Life Coach explores life coaching as a profession, examines the relationship between life coaching and therapy, and details the variety of options for professionals considering either a transition into coaching or expanding their practices to include coaching.

This book is one-stop-shopping for the therapist wishing to explore the coaching field. Every chapter in this second edition has been revised, reflecting the growth of the coaching field and its increasing appeal to therapists and all helping professionals. New material includes an overview of recent coaching developments, updated liability concerns, new business opportunities, and a new section on the research about coaching.


Becoming a Professional Life Coach: Lessons from the Institute for Life Coach Training
by Dr. Patrick Williams & Diane S. Menendez
(Click link above to purchase from Amazon.com)

Beginning with a brief history of the foundations of coaching and its future trajectory, Becoming a Professional Life Coach takes readers step-by-step through the coaching process, covering all the crucial ideas and strategies for being an effective, successful life coach.

 


Human Being: A Manual for Happiness, Health, Love and Wealth
(Click link above to purchase from ILCT - $15.95)
by Dave Ellis and Stan Lankowitz

“Human Being” is no longer in print but is distributed in an Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Coactive Coaching and Human Being are specifically referenced and assigned as the course goes along (you are of course welcome to read ahead.)



Q. How do I enroll?

A. You may enroll in 3 easy ways:

Q. What other benefits do I get with the Institute?

A. For the exclusive benefit of our students and graduates, the Institute has established an online Student Center, full of valuable resources that are crucial for coaching success. Graduates of our programs also have the option of participating in once-a-month Alumni Calls,and frequent Q & A calls.


Q. What other classes are available?

A. For those who have completed the Foundational Training (40 hours), ILCT offers a variety of advanced classes on marketing, coaching specialties, assessment, expert question-asking for coaches -- and many other topics.



Q. What about certification?

A. Certification is not a requirement to be a coach (similar to consulting) and therapists already have credentials and graduate training. However, certification is available in two ways:

  • The Institute for Life Coach Training offers a Certified Life Coach designation for those who complete the requirements. Click to read more detail about our certification program.

  • The International Coach Federation (ICF) has set standards for a Professional Certified Coach (PCC). You may visit their web site at www.coachfederation.org to download all the requirements and their application. The Institute for Life Coach Training is an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) by the ICF and all hours accumulated through our program may be used towards certification.

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The Institute for Life Coach Training reserves the right to alter or modify its program offerings and/or requirements at any time; to offer courses in accordance with demand, availability and business dictates; to introduce or modify certification levels; and to make other changes as necessary or desirable in their programs and activities. Click to view our business terms, including payment and cancellation policies.