Exploring Life Coaching Programs

By: Jennifer Kumar


A Whole New World
Unlike my professional background in social work, life coaching is not regulated by state or local government institutions. There is no standardized testing or license procedures. This being the case, unless the program is ‘certified’ by the International Coach Federation (ICF), it appeared that the curriculum was dictated based on the individual requirements of the institute.

This is attractive to someone like me who wants to have a non-traditional career. At the same time, I admit it’s a bit scary to enter a profession that appears to be unregulated. Though, graduates of certain coaching programs can opt for licensure through the ICF, institutes providing coach training are not required to be a part of this licensure network. Whether a life coach practices with a license from ICF is their choice.

Coaching institutes and programs are often self-sustaining programs, not affiliated with a college, university, or other already well-known established institute. From my research, I found many of these programs are run by coaches who have been in the business already for a number of years, some with social work or therapy backgrounds, and others with mixed, divergent backgrounds. I opted to search out programs that were headed, founded or taught by someone with a background in social work, so I could better relate to the transition I would be soon facing.

Admissions Recruitment for Coach Training Programs

While browsing many websites, I was introduced to phone admissions recruitment. This was my first experience with this form of marketing and I was anticipating what to expect.

How to sign up for these calls:

• Visit the coaching institute websites and look for a link titled ‘free telecall’ or ‘free teleclass’.
• Follow the directions of the website- either sign up right on their site by submitting your e-mail ID or e-mail a request. Generally within a few hours or a day, the registrant will receive a confirmation e-mail with the phone number, PIN and reminder of schedule.

What to expect on the call:

• After dialing the number and entering the PIN, it is akin to the old style ‘party line’. The times I have dialed in, I felt as though I was already entering a conversation because others were already talking.
• Some calls allow callers to remain anonymous; other calls encourage listeners to introduce themselves.
• Generally, given by the institute head, an institute graduate, or an admissions counselor, calls last from one to two hours.
• Some institutes also provide time for a ‘practice session’ or ‘role play.’ One prospective student will volunteer themselves to be a client of a student from the school. The purpose of this role play is for the volunteer and other callers to get a sense of the skills and techniques taught at the institute.
• Although the class is free, the telecall line is not toll free. Check the area code and time of day against rates for your landline or cell phone provider.

Tips While on a Telecall

• Remember to charge your cell phone to full power, or keep your phone plugged in while making the call as to not loose power and connection.
• Keep a second cell phone, landline or computer phone connection handy in case the reception is poor.
• When speaking to give comments or ask questions, state your name and location, and then proceed.
• Keep a notepad or computer handy for note taking.
• If there is a lot of background noise in your area, please mute your phone. Usually the same key strokes are used for muting and unmuting.

Appreciating the Approach

• I particularly liked this approach. Because I felt anonymous, I felt more at ease to ask questions or provide feedback.
• One can learn about the program from the comfort of home, in their pajamas or while eating dinner.
• In the four calls I have participated in, the institute has not ‘bugged’ me after the call is over unless I called or e-mailed with further questions.

If interested in attending a coaching program telecall, I have listed some resources below. If you would like your resource added, please add it in the comments below. Thank you.

Photo credit: “thats why they call it work” by cactusbones@flickr

Resources for free Life Coaching program overview telecalls:
These are links to their main page as the page for registration may change for each call.
International Coach Academy
Invite Change
IPEC Coaching
Life Purpose Institute

International Coach Federation