Curriculum

This is an inquiry-based coaching approach where we introduce our coaches to a variety of tools to support theirs and their client’s inquiry, which allows our coaches to customize their coaching practice by picking and choosing the tools and techniques that work best for them and in combination with existing background knowledge. Other coaching programs have a set formula, instructing coaches on what kind of questions to ask, which tools to use, and provide a specific template for how to move clients through a systematic coaching experience. Some students do well with a very structured coaching approach while others prefer an unstructured approach. Those who prefer a more individualized learning experience, which encourages them to develop their own personal coaching style and capitalize on their strengths and existing skills thrive in our program. At CAN, we believe in providing our coaches with a knowledge base and background they need to be adaptive to what the client needs in the moment.

The course is designed in modules, each of which offers knowledge, awareness building opportunities, and coaching tools to support the development of a coach and ultimately a self-actualizing person. Modules 1-6 consist of 3-4 lessons and Module 7 consists of 10 lessons and is taught concurrently with the other modules

Module I: Introduction to Life Coaching

This module serves to introduce everyone to the main tenets of the course including what is Life Coaching and what is Life Coaching with the brain in mind. It also serves to introduce everyone to each other in order to begin to set a foundation for openness, communication, and trust. We discuss each of our intentions for taking this program. We go over expectations for the course, debriefing protocols, confidentiality, the basics of self-care. We also cover the basics of the independent study project so everyone can begin to think about their project.

Module 2: Introduction to Neuroscience - Brain Awareness & How the Brain Works

This module serves as an introduction to Neuroscience and Psychology as it relates to our thoughts, attention, mental health, learning & memory, as well as consciousness & unconsciousness. Students gain a basic understanding of neurochemistry, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neuroplasticity, and how the nervous system is organized during this module. This module primarily consists of lectures and discussions and will provide the basic foundation of knowledge for further modules. 

Module 3: Self, Self-Care, & Self-Actualization 

This module focuses on Self Care and Self Actualization. During this module we are formally introduced to the psychology, physiology, and neuroscience of stress and relaxation, thereby providing a scientific and intuitive foundation for self-care in the broad sense. We also explore self-actualization and the manifestation of natural talents and gifts (both spiritual and genetic). We explore the idea that self-care is a necessary part of self-actualization. We also explore the development of the individual and environmental influences on the self, self care, and self actualization. 

Module 4: The Power of the Mind

This module focuses on how the human mind thinks. We explore the popular notion of positive thinking and the various ways thinking affects our mind, body, and spirit, including health. We explore deeply the mind-body(-brain) connection. The field of positive psychology is introduced during this module. We also begin to formally explore the type of thinking that can lead to depression and unhappiness and begin the journey toward mindfulness, and awareness. 

Module 5: Mindfulness & Intuition 

This module focuses on the practices of mindfulness (both yoga and meditation) and intuition. We explore the concepts of being mindful in daily living and how to bring mindfulness into our relationships, including our coach-client relationships. We learn skills in mindful and active listening as a space from which to coach and work with others. We also formally explore the concepts of interconnectedness: the big picture of the interconnected among all beings and the practical application of connecting with clients on a spiritual level to help them connect with themselves and develop intuition. We explore intuition and techniques to invoke intuition in relation to a mindfulness practice. Finally, we also examine the neuroscience of meditation, yoga, intuition, compassion, and empathy. 

Module 6: Action Planning, Goal Setting, & Passion 

This module primarily consists of goal setting and taking action from a point of deeply-routed interest. Students explore the concept of passion by giving presentations summarizing their Independent Study Projects that they have worked on throughout the course. The idea of passion projects as a valuable coaching tool is also explored.   

Module 7: Professional Development

This module runs concurrently with the previous six. From the beginning of the course students are learning how to become professional Life Coaches, including managing their clients and developing a Life Coaching practice, whether that is their own business or is something new being incorporated into an existing career path. They also learn essentials of business including developing a niche, marketing basics, creating content, value propositions, generating revenue, and client management. 

Module 8: Community Building and Engagement 

Throughout the year we host Community Events consisting of either one-day Online Summits or full weekend, in-person conferences. These events are designed to facilitate connections and engagement between CAN Coaches and Students as well as ongoing education in areas such as business development and self-care for Life Coaches. We encourage CAN Coaches to attend at least one community event per year to maintain engagement with the community.  

Coaches Competencies & Ethics
We use the International Coaches FederationCore Competencies andCode of Ethics in our training.