The School of Life Coaching and Professional Helping

Coaching isn’t a technique to be rigidly applied in all situations. It is a way of leading and influencing people’s decision-making. The underlying purpose of coaching is building up people’s self-belief, regardless of the goal they want to pursue. When you coach, the effectiveness of what you do depends on your beliefs about human potential. A coach who doesn’t believe people can become more than they currently are will be ill-equipped to help anyone. So, try to view people in terms of their potential and never their past performance.

People grow in self-belief when they make decisions or take actions that contribute to their personal growth and progression. For people to build self-belief, they must know that their success is largely due to their own hard work and efforts. They must also know that someone believes in them, which means being encouraged and supported to make tough choices and decisions. In essence, this is the very nature of Life Coaching.

Life Coaching isn’t about making people happy. To coach people and positively influence them, we must adopt an optimistic view of human potential. Pretending to be optimistic about what people are capable of is insufficient because beliefs get conveyed in unavoidable ways. To draw the best out of people, we must assume that their best is yet to come. The potential for human growth is what fuels effective coaching.

Sadly, the coaching industry can often be exploitative. Some self-proclaimed “coaches” have an overriding agenda to generate regular sessions fees from disempowered others who believe they need a “guru” to rely on. Your role as a coach is to inspire people to improve in every way possible. This includes instilling courage, inspiring decisiveness, and helping people become self-reliant. Also, part of your job is to ensure that people are taking the right measures so they can continuously grow into wiser and more self-assured versions of themselves.

Before all things, trust is the foundation of every successful Life Coaching relationship. You must first earn people’s trust before they will be completely genuine with you. Their honesty and transparency is essential in order for you to effectively help them define what their priorities are and ultimately reach their goals. This can be a tough process that requires objectivity and that you embody these attitudes for effective Life Coaching.

In the realm of life coaching, the responsibility for making decisions and taking action rests on the shoulders of the person being coached. This principle is a cornerstone of the coaching relationship for a multitude of reasons.

Firstly, the concept of self-determination is fundamental to the practice of life coaching. The premise is that each individual has the capacity to make choices that align with their values, goals, and aspirations. Life coaches are facilitators in this process, offering guidance, support, and tools to help individuals tap into their inner wisdom and make informed decisions. However, the ultimate decision-making power lies with the person being coached.

Secondly, empowering the individual to make decisions fosters a sense of autonomy. When people are actively involved in the decision-making process and take ownership of their actions, they are more likely to feel confident in their ability to manage future challenges and navigate their life journey. This empowerment is a critical component of personal growth, fostering resilience and promoting a proactive approach to life’s ups and downs.

Moreover, decisions made by the individual themselves are more likely to be sustainable and meaningful. When people make their own choices, they are usually more committed to the outcomes and more motivated to work towards their goals. This is because these decisions are inherently tied to their personal beliefs, values, and desires, making them more personally significant and motivating.

Life coaches provide a supportive environment where individuals can explore their thoughts and options without judgment. They ask questions that stimulate introspection and self-awareness, enabling individuals to gain clarity about their goals and the steps they need to take to achieve them. However, they do not prescribe solutions or dictate actions. Instead, they respect the individual’s autonomy and encourage them to find their own answers.

Importantly, life coaches also hold individuals accountable for their decisions and actions. When people know they will be held accountable for their choices, they are more likely to follow through with their plans. Accountability is a powerful motivator, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their progress and stay committed to their goals.

Furthermore, the process of making decisions and taking action can be a profound learning experience. It provides opportunities for individuals to experiment, make mistakes, learn from their experiences, and develop problem-solving skills. This experiential learning is invaluable, fostering personal growth and enhancing individuals’ capacity to navigate life’s challenges.

The responsibility for decision-making and action-taking in a coaching relationship lies with the person being coached because it respects their autonomy, fosters self-efficacy, promotes sustainable change, encourages accountability, and facilitates learning and growth. Life coaches are there to guide, support, and empower individuals in their journey, but it is the individuals themselves who must walk the path.

Life coaching is about helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals. While it’s possible to learn theoretical knowledge and practical techniques related to life coaching through training programs, there are no formal qualifications that can guarantee an individual will be competent in this field. Here’s why:

1. Life Coaching is an Unregulated Field:Unlike professions such as medicine or law, life coaching is not regulated by a governing body that sets mandatory educational or training requirements. This means that while certain training programs, like those offered by Achology, can provide valuable knowledge and skills, they don’t have the authority to guarantee competence.
2. Interpersonal Skills: Much of life coaching involves interpersonal skills such as communication, empathy, and active listening. While these skills can be developed and improved upon, they are often influenced by an individual’s personality and life experiences. Formal qualifications cannot measure or guarantee these qualities.
3. Individual Approach: Every life coach has their own unique approach, which is shaped by their personality, experiences, and values. No two life coaches are the same, and what works for one may not work for another. Formal training can provide a foundation, but it cannot dictate how an individual will apply their knowledge and skills in real-life coaching situations.
4. Continuous Learning: The field of life coaching is always evolving, with new research, theories, and techniques emerging regularly. Therefore, being a competent life coach involves a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, beyond any formal qualifications.
5. Experience: Practical experience is crucial in life coaching. Theoretical knowledge gained through formal qualifications needs to be complemented with practical experience to build competence. This experience often comes from coaching a variety of clients over time, learning from each interaction, and continuously refining your approach.

So while formal training programs can equip aspiring life coaches with valuable knowledge and techniques, they should be viewed as part of the journey towards competence, rather than a guarantee of it. Ultimately, becoming a competent life coach involves a combination of education, self-development, practical experience, and a genuine passion for helping others.

The Achology platform has gained popularity in the life coaching industry for several reasons, particularly among individuals who are new to the field and looking for cost-effective training alternatives. By offering affordable, comprehensive, and flexible learning opportunities, combined with ongoing support and a community-based approach, Achology has positioned itself as a popular choice for individuals entering the life coaching industry.

Life coaching is more than just a collection of techniques and skills; it’s a journey that helps individuals to not only define their long-term goals but also to surpass them. At the School of Life Coaching and Professional Helping, we delve into this transformative process, equipping you with the necessary tools for facilitating meaningful change.

Our comprehensive curriculum covers all key facets of life coaching. This includes a thorough understanding of mental health, mastering effective communication strategies, learning how to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals, and cultivating a wide range of adaptable skills. This holistic approach aims to prepare you to be an accomplished life coach, capable of addressing the diverse needs of various clients.

One unique aspect of our program is the provision for hands-on pro-bono coaching experience. This enables you to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, thereby deepening your practical understanding of the field. Our training is designed to help you polish your inherent strengths and develop a well-rounded coaching style that can effectively cater to a diverse clientele.

We also provide an in-depth exploration of a variety of life coaching strategies, foundational principles and a time-honoured coaching methodology. These strategies are flexible and can be tailored to suit the unique needs of each person you work with. The training places great emphasis on building positive client relationships, identifying clear goals, fostering self-awareness, creating actionable plans, and developing supportive systems.

Our approach blends together online lectures, exercises, and interactive experiences for those who want it. This dynamic learning environment is designed to fully engage you in the art and science of life coaching. With a high student success rate, Achology stands as a reputable and trusted institution in the coaching industry. We are committed to providing quality education that prepares you for a successful and rewarding career in life coaching.

Life coaching is more than a goal-oriented process; it’s a transformative journey designed to inspire clarity, decisiveness, and personal achievement. At Achology, we believe in the power of transformation, and our mission is to equip you with a practical coaching methodology that you can readily apply.

Our School of Life Coaching and Professional Helping offers comprehensive courses crafted to empower you in guiding others towards their goals. You’ll learn how to assist individuals in identifying their priorities, setting strategic goals, and devising effective plans. In addition to our curriculum, we provide an inclusive learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. We offer a six-month free community membership, fostering opportunities for extended learning and networking.

Our curriculum focuses on building robust coaching relationships. We teach you how to cultivate deep, connections with your coachees, establishing trust and rapport that forms the foundation for effective coaching.

You will master the art of reflective listening and effective questioning, learning how to ask thought-provoking questions that stimulate self-discovery. This knowledge, combined with honed listening skills, will allow you to understand, reflect, and respond effectively to your coachees.

We also guide you in creating SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals tailored to each coachee’s needs. This approach drives meaningful progress and keeps the focus on achievable outcomes.

Our courses emphasize the importance of self-awareness. We equip you with tools to help your coachees gain deeper insights into themselves, empowering them to take control of their situations and drive change.

We also offer guidance in decision-making, assisting you in helping individuals make choices aligned with their core values and life goals. This, along with training in influential communication and non-verbal language understanding, enhances your overall effectiveness as a coach.

You’ll learn how to foster collaborative relationships centered around well-defined goals, thereby promoting engagement and commitment from your coachees. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of modern applied psychology theories and principles, enhancing your understanding of the underpinnings of effective coaching practices.

With Achology, studying life coaching isn’t just theoretical; it’s hands-on. You’ll gain immediate coaching methodology application, bolstering your confidence and competence.

Our training offers you more than just professional skills; it provides valuable communication abilities that can inspire positive change within your family, organization, or local community. You’ll gain a deep understanding of human motivations and the mindset traits that often leave people stuck in unproductive cycles.

Ultimately, we aim to help you build a professional coaching practice grounded in ethical practice. Our comprehensive curriculum, interactive lectures, practical experience, and supportive community membership will thoroughly prepare you to guide others towards their goals, finding fulfillment in the transformative process.

Our purpose in the Academy of Modern Applied Psychology is to teach you the essentials of coaching and skilled helping in a way that will equip you with the wisdom you need to influence others, and impact your world. Our elearning courses teach students the key principles of coaching and how to apply them in real-world situations, such as setting goals, solving problems, developing maturity, self-control, and communication/social skills.

All of the courses in this bundle include practical activities that help to embed the learning, leading students through all the necessary processes for successful coaching practice. All exercises can be practiced alongside our other Life Coaching and Professional Helping students from all around the world. Additionally, students will learn about the history and founding principles of coaching, so to gain a better understanding of how it works.

When you enrol in this school, the following six elearning courses are included;

1. Life Coaching Certification Training Course (Beginner to Advanced)
2. Life Coaching Competency Development Training (Skills and Practice)
3. The Skilled Helper Online Training Course (with Gerard Egan PhD)
4. The Skilled Helper Practitioner Training Course (Skilled to Advanced)
5. An Essential Guide to Clarity, Life Purpose and Peak Performance
6. Diploma Course in Modern Applied Psychology (DiMAP)

The Achology School of Life Coaching and Professional Helping also grants twelve months of community access, presenting a unique opportunity for personal growth acceleration. This includes live discussions, skill development sessions, and study groups, among other enriching self-directed learning experiences.

Effective coaching is a transformative journey that amplifies an individual’s potential and enhances the quality of their lives. It’s not just about achieving goals; it’s about unlocking abilities from within. This process is underpinned by several elements, including trust, respect, adaptability, and effective communication.

Trust and respect are the cornerstones of any successful coaching relationship. As Stephen Covey, renowned leadership authority, once said, “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication.” In this safe and respectful environment, clients feel free to express their thoughts, fears, and aspirations, enabling coaches to fine-tune their approach based on client feedback.

Goal-setting forms the roadmap of the coaching journey. Coaches are there to challenge clients, to push them beyond their comfort zones, but also to ensure that the goals set are realistic and within the client’s capabilities. As Tony Robbins, acclaimed life coach, puts it, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” Striking this balance keeps clients motivated and wards off disillusionment.

Adaptability is a critical trait for coaches. The path to achieving goals is often fraught with obstacles and setbacks. When clients stumble, coaches need to demonstrate flexibility and resilience, adjusting their strategies to reignite motivation and facilitate progress. This might involve brainstorming alternative solutions when initial approaches fail to deliver the desired results.

Communication forms the lifeline of the coaching relationship. Effective communication is about more than just transmitting information; it’s about understanding the emotions and intentions behind it. As George Bernard Shaw famously said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” Life coaches guide clients through difficult situations and tough decisions by actively listening, providing constructive, honest feedback, and collaborating with them to establish goals that foster learning and growth.

Rather than providing answers, competent coaches foster an environment of proactive learning. This approach enables clients to develop critical thinking skills, empowering them towards greater autonomy with less need for outside support. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Regular performance evaluations against set goals ensure progress remains on track and allow for necessary course corrections, keeping the coachee focused and motivated throughout their transformative journey.

The concept of life coaching has seen an increase in popularity over recent years, and many have turned to books as a primary source of information and guidance. In this article, we list some of the most popular life coaching related books currently on the market.

The Ultimate Life Coaching Handbook by Kain Ramsay.

Among the most comprehensive life coaching textbooks in the world, the ultimate life coaching handbook delivers exactly what its says on the tin. Full of life coaching principles and experience-based wisdom, you will gain the insights you need for establishing yourself as a wise, disciplined and highly effective life coach.

Life Coaching: A Cognitive Behavioural Approach by Anthony Yeung.

Provides readers with insight into cognitive behavioural techniques for coaching. It is recommended for coaches and those looking to learn about the importance of active listening, setting effective goals, giving appropriate feedback and general best practices for successful coaching relationships.

Becoming a Professional Life Coach.

This book draws on years of collective experience that have gone into designing the curriculum for the Institute for Life Coaching. It presents the key elements of a life coaching training program in a content-rich format that is equivalent to a graduate-level education in the field, enabling readers to become professional life coaches.

Coaching for Performance.

This revised and expanded edition explains the principles of coaching and illustrates them with examples of high performance from business and sport. It continues to follow the GROW sequence (Goals, Reality, Options, Will) and clarifies the process of coaching, what it can be used for, when it can be used, and who can use it well.

There are many excellent resources available today which can help new or experienced coaches get started or further their knowledge within the field of life coaching. The above books provide a sample of some noteworthy titles; make sure you do your research before selecting one that is suitable for your needs – happy reading!

The concept of coaching and skilled helping has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, but it’s only in the last few decades that it has evolved into the structured discipline we know today.

The roots of coaching can be traced back to ancient Greece. The term “coach” is derived from “kocsi”, referring to a vehicle from the town of Kocs in Hungary, which transported people from where they were to where they wanted to be. In the same vein, Socrates used a method of questioning to stimulate critical thinking and to draw out ideas from his students, an approach still used in coaching today.

In the 19th century, the term “coaching” began to be used in the context of sports. Sports coaching focused on improving performance, developing skills, and reaching goals—concepts that are central to modern coaching. The first official Olympic coach was a man named Archibald Sinclair, who coached the British rowing team in the 1908 Olympics.

In the mid-20th century, with the rise of the corporate world, the concept of coaching started to be applied in a business context. Initially, it was used as a tool to correct underperformance. However, by the 1980s and 1990s, businesses began to recognize the benefits of coaching for all employees, not just underperformers. The idea of executive coaching emerged, focusing on enhancing leadership skills, decision-making, and overall performance.

The field of life coaching emerged in the late 20th century. Influenced by disciplines like psychology, sociology, and counseling, life coaching focuses on personal development. Thomas Leonard, considered the father of modern life coaching, founded the first formal coach training program, Coach U, in 1992. He also established the International Coach Federation (ICF), which sets ethical standards and provides certification for coaches.

Today, coaching is a recognized discipline used in various fields, from business to education to health. It’s based on a client-centered approach, where the coach supports the client in identifying their goals, developing strategies, overcoming obstacles, and achieving success.

The Achology School of Life Coaching and Professional Helping provides a wealth of knowledge in the form of pre-recorded teaching materials. These courses encompass a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from foundational principles to advanced strategies, all aimed at equipping students with a cohesive understanding of the subject.

However, it’s important to note that these resources, while meticulously designed and presented, are inherently neutral in their efficacy. They do not possess an inherent effectiveness or transformative power. The true value and potential impact of these courses lie predominantly in the hands of the students.

The process of learning is not a passive one. It requires active engagement, critical thinking, consistent practice, and a deep-seated commitment to personal growth. Students are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the material, to question, explore and reflect upon the content. This proactive approach to learning will help to internalize the knowledge and facilitate its integration into daily life.

Application of the concepts is equally critical. Theories and principles, no matter how profound, remain abstract until they are practically applied. Students are therefore urged to be innovative in applying their knowledge to various real-life contexts. This could be in personal growth, professional development, interpersonal relationships, or any area where communication and understanding of human behavior can be beneficial.

Learning is a journey, not a destination. The transformation that education promises doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, patience, and often involves a process of trial, patience and error. But rest assured, with the right mindset and dedication, the knowledge gained from these courses can indeed be truly transformative.