COURSE CSC
This course introduces participants to the world of spiritually based life coaching in general, with an emphasis on Christian coaching. We will begin by exploring the skills, personal qualities and experience coaches need if they are to offer spiritual coaching (creating a coaching mindset), and then turn our attention to niche building and attracting “the right clients.” Our conversation will include ways of assessing what is a “good match” between coach and client, taking into consideration the client’s culture(s), religious language, images, core beliefs and practices; we will also focus on the importance of establishing trust and safety, especially when dealing with spiritual/ religious content. From there, we will discuss ways of creating an environment conducive to spiritual work, whether it be in a physical setting, a virtual platform or on the phone. Additional topics include Body-Mind-Spirit connections, using scriptural narratives and symbolism, heightening intuition, facilitating spiritual growth and awareness, the discernment process, coaching professional ministers, and tending the soul.
What language and images does the client use? Which archetypes and archetypal patterns best help the client approach scriptural narratives? How can the life coach avoid imposing his or her belief system on the client? What are some of the tools for assessing a client’s spiritual maturity? Is it appropriate to pray with a client, and, if so, what form should the prayer take? What does one do if the client is from a different faith tradition than one’s own? How does the coach assess whether s/he is the right person to companion a particular client? These and other questions will provide the content of our explorations together!
Frequency: This course is offered once a year.
Required Texts:
A New Psychology of Human Well-Being by Richard Barrett of the Barrett Values Centre
Learning Outcomes:
None
The discussion was stimulating and the instructor was open and supportive. She modeled coaching and would bring the content of the text into the conversation