You will be given instructions and materials to prepare you to enter a safe learning environment and introduce you to practices that help you become present.  This is to be completed prior to the start of the program.

• Review our seven agreements

• Practice two methods for bringing yourself fully present for learning and coaching

This module introduces the CWS model, which provides a map of the entire coaching process and serves as a compass for navigating any coaching session. Basics also covers the three aspects of coaching, the five fundamental functions, and the natural arc of a coaching session.

It presents the ICF core competencies plus three dozen individual skills, including the three levels of listening and asking intuitive questions.

A theme that is woven throughout Basics is how to care for yourself as you are your most important coaching asset. Self-care encompasses all four dimensions of your humanity: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Spiritual care includes meditation, which will be taught.

This module introduces the first protocol, or multi-step strategy, for moving clients from a limited to an expanded view of themselves and their circumstances. This protocol, like the other three, is called a river because it guides the client into a flow that leads them into the ocean of their own healing and awakening. The River of Compassion invites clients to befriend their internal experience. As they do, their system begins to relax and reorganize.

This module introduces the second protocol for living into a more joyful and fulfilling life. It is called the River of Wellbeing because it helps clients live into a life that resonates with their values, vision, and soul’s purpose. It is about a life of meaning and inner prosperity (outer prosperity may follow). Included is a guided visualization that will introduce you to your Higher Self and that you can use with your clients.

This module introduces the third protocol for expanding awareness and stepping into empowerment. It is called the River of Perspectives because it helps clients explore multiple viewpoints until they find one that aligns with their true nature, their values, and their natural creativity. Clients are often amazed at how radically they can shift by simply moving through a series of self-generated perspectives.

This module introduces the fourth protocol for leading a life of connection while maintaining autonomy. It is called the River of Deep Yes because it helps clients find what is at the heart of why they want to set limits with themselves and others. It prepares coaches to set clean, clear, and healthy boundaries, while training them how to facilitate that same life skill with clients.

Setting boundaries is a part of self-care as well as a means of becoming an emotionally and spiritually mature adult. A boundary is about saying No to a behavior, situation, or request. To empower your No — to turn it into a positive No — you must find the deep Yes that supports your No. When you resonate with what you are saying Yes to, you are grounding yourself in your own power. Then you can look at how you can say Yes to the relationship while saying No to the behavior, situation, or request.

This module focuses on the sine qua non of coaching mastery—entering a fully embodied, grounded, open-hearted state. This is often called presence: a witnessing state that is mindful, awake, aware, spacious, without judgment or agenda, compassionate, and clear. Simply being present creates the conditions that open the door to transformation. Key energy skills will be taught: grounding yourself to the earth, fully embodying, holding an energetic boundary, and entering simultaneous awareness—a state that is both spacious and focused, open and embodied.

This module reviews all the principles, competencies, and pathways of coaching. Included is the decision point as to which path to take, and, by dancing in the moment, how to transition to a different pathway as the session evolves. The students review the rivers of Compassion, Wellbeing, Perspectives, and Deep Yes, as well as the meta-skills involved in relational resonance.

In addition, this module includes discussion regarding marketing a coaching practice to support you as you consider your brand, positioning, and marketing efforts, as well as information about moving toward an ACC Credential from The International Coaching Federation.

Group mentoring takes place in class. You and your fellow students take turns coaching in front of small breakout groups. After the coaching, the mentor first elicits feedback from the coach, then from a designated observer. Finally, the mentor provides feedback. All present benefit from the feedback offered during this course.

Individual mentoring takes place outside of class after the final weekend. Each student receives three individual one-hour mentoring sessions with a trained mentor. The student provides a 30-minute recording of their coaching for the mentor and student to assess together. The mentor then provides written feedback that supports the coach’s continuing development.

This is an elective. Students are encouraged to engage in at least 15 hours of independent study of the ICF Ethics and Core Competencies.

Hours can include time spent:

1.    Studying the coaching skills from the CWS manual

2.    Studying the ICF Core Competencies

3.    Studying the ICF Code of Ethics

4.    Watching ICF Core Competency and Ethics  YouTube videos

5.    Participating in ICF Chicago Core Competency Calls

6.    Providing a written evaluation of one recorded session based on the core competencies