Life Coaching Certification
The Life Coaching Certification Course is for people who want to become a professional life coach and support others in their journey toward greater happiness, life satisfaction, and authenticity through self discovery. The disciplines of the Life Coaching Certification Course curriculum includes:
Western Psychology
Mindfulness and Eastern Psychology
Neuroscience
The Self Science: A Guide to the Mind and Your Brain’s Potential
Format and Length of Study
This is a comprehensive certificate course. Students will meet for a total of 52 hrs - 96 hrs over a 6 - 9 month period synchronously with their class plus an additional 75+ hrs of asynchronous learning and practicum work. The course is delivered as either virtually or in-person, either on a weekly basis (online course) for ~9 months or during 6 in-person training weekends in Toronto, ON, Canada.
This course involves:
Self Science - A Guide to the Mind and Your Brain’s Potential
Start studying today. Request a copy of your first textbook.
Self Science is one of the required textbooks for this course, written by Dr. Mandy Wintink, the founder of the Centre for Applied Neuroscience and the developer of the Life Coaching Certification Course. To get a feel for the course philosophy, CAN Coaching is offering you a free e-copy of Self Science – A Guide to The Mind and Your Brain’s Potential.
Credentials
Certification is granted to all those who successfully complete all of the requirements associated with this course and hold a university Bachelor’s Degree*. Certified Coaches through CAN are entitled use the credentials “Certified CAN Coach”.
*A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university is a pre-requisite for acceptance into this course and for earning the Certification Credentials.
Fees
The course fees are different between online and in-person courses. Books are not included. Payment plans are available.
Additional Training Options
MicroDegree: Students can apply to do a MicroDegree after the successful completion of the Life Coaching Certification Course if they want to conduct a research project on a topic related to Life Coaching. Please review all requirements for the MicroDegree before applying. Current students and graduates receive 15% off any additional program they choose to complement their training with. Email mandy@canc.ca to inquire.
Mentorship Package: Students can also receive additional mentorship to support their business development needs to begin their career as a life coach. To discuss the mentorship packages, please email vanessa@canc.ca.
Upcoming Courses & More Info
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Additional Life Coaching Certification Information
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The Life Coaching Certification Course allows students to learn and develop self-awareness through the study of neuroscience, psychology, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga and then transfer that knowledge into practical tools to help guide others through a personal development journey. Students are introduced to basic principles of neuroscience and will form an understanding of how the brain works. Students will also learn about self, stress, self-care, self-actualization, and positive psychology. Throughout the course, students learn and practice the power of the mind, positive thinking, confidence, goal setting, and mindful communication.
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The curriculum is delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, group work, experiential learning, practicums, readings, and independent study. The program allows students to sample many awareness-based techniques and modalities including yoga and meditation in conjunction with acquiring a basic understanding of Western psychology, neuroscience, and neuropsychoidiology. This course has also been designed to encourage, foster, and facilitate a unique path of self-exploration that enables students to learn important skills in order to create more meaningful, rewarding, and happy lives, whether that is done professionally with others or for personal benefit.
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The course is based on a Neuropsychoidiology (NPI), a philosophical approach to self awareness developed by Dr. Mandy Wintink, while she was completing her PhD in Psychology and Neuroscience. NPI is designed to draw awareness to how our own brain and mind work, by understanding thinking, emotional, and behavioural patterns. NPI literally refers to the study (ology) of our unique (idio) brain, or nervous system, (neuro) and the mind (psyche) including our behavior, thoughts, and emotions. NPI is about how neuroscience and psychology relate to the individual and also about how the individual can study their own brain, behaviour, mind, thoughts, and emotions. A main component of NPI is to create awareness through self-reflection and awareness-based practices like yoga and meditation. Neuroscience and Psychology are rich disciplines of knowledge generally concerning how we (humans and other animals) interact with, function in, and participate in our internal and external environment. Both disciplines offer us insights into human cognition, emotion, behaviour, and social interaction; however, they can also offer insight into the personal experience resulting in a journey of self-exploration. NPI incorporates elements of neuroscience and psychology along with ancient philosophies and practices of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to help invoke our self knowing, selfs understanding, and self-awareness. This approach was adapted to a Life Coaching Philosophy that became the foundation for Dr. Wintink’s coaching practice and then later the development of the Life Coaching Certification program offered at the Centre for Applied Neuroscience.
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The purpose of this course is ultimately to embark on a self-discovery journey and to learn concepts and techniques that can be used for our own continued personal growth journey and the journey of others through life coaching. The course samples a variety of topics within neuroscience, Western/modern psychology, Eastern/ancient psychologies (e.g., Yoga and Buddhism philosophy), and mindfulness. Throughout this course, students are encouraged to explore and develop their own inner wisdom by thinking critically about the concepts in neuroscience and psychology, by cultivating awareness through meditation, yoga, and mindfulness, and by inspiring our intuitive sense of knowing through deep reflection contemplation, and through independent studies. Students of this course learn from a variety of perspectives including their own existing knowledge, the knowledge of the course facilitators, and the knowledge of others who take part in the group.
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The course is a mixed-model design involving experiential learning, theory, discourse, readings, reflection, and physical practice. The course facilitators are there to facilitate a learning process through a variety of media including some interactive lectures, discussions, independent study, group work, and readings. Students learn from the instructors as much as they learn from themselves and from their peers through open discussions and the application of concepts in practical work (e.g., yoga, meditation, and coaching). The atmosphere of the course is one of openness, which includes an openness to describe differing opinions and ideas. Students are encouraged to learn in ways that suit them and to engage in discussion with the course facilitators to optimize learning. Sharing of experiences is also an important part of working as a group toward a higher level of understanding and experience with these concepts. The philosophy is learning-centric, as opposed to student-centric or teacher-centric.
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Some coaching programs have a set formula they use; instructing on what kind of questions to ask, which tools to use, and a specific layout of what to focus on in each session. At CAN, we believe in providing our coaches with a knowledge base and background they need to be adaptive to their client’s needs. Therefore, we do not teach a specific coaching framework, but instead we give our coaches the foundational skills to develop their coaching in their own unique way, so they can decide who and how they can best support personal growth and wellness as a coach.
The course is designed in modules, each of which offers knowledge, awareness opportunities, and tools to support the personal and professional development, both as a coach and, ultimately, a self-actualizing person. Our coaching philosophy is largely one that promotes transformational coaching, i.e., we seek to facilitate transformative experiences for our clients and our Coaches-in-Training. The way in which a coach facilitates this transformation is individualized. Coaches-in-Training learn that by being exposed to a breadth of knowledge in our program and then determining what is best for their practice. We also use the International Coaches Federation’s Core Competencies and Code of Ethics in the design of our training to help ground students in a strong sense of ethics, tangible criteria for standards of practice, and a sense of confidence in facilitating these experiences for their clients.
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The training is offered in 3 different formats:
All courses consist of the same lectures, group work, homework assignments, self-reflection, yoga, meditation, peer coaching, private coaching, and other exercises. Each course is intensive but is designed to be manageable for people who are also busy working, parenting, or retired. Classes are small with a low teacher-to-student ratio. A sense of community is an important element of training with the Centre for Applied Neuroscience and no matter which format students choose, we work hard to ensure that sense is maintained for everyone!
An important note about our Online Course: This course is not the product of the Covid-19 pandemic! We have been developing and refining our online course since 2015. We’ve been able to deliver the enthusiasm, engagement, connection, community, and individualization of our original Toronto (In-Person) Course in an online format. We’ve been facilitating groups online through Zoom for years. We know that online learning can be frustrating, but we are confident that our little corner of the internet is interesting, fun, and informative!
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Applications must be submitted in order to be considered for acceptance into this course. An undergraduate degree is required in order to earn Life Coaching Certification (i.e., Certified CAN Coach) with the Centre for Applied Neuroscience. Those applicants without an undergraduate degree may submit a request to train as a non-certified CAN Coach providing they have demonstrated significant related education and experience. After an application is submitted, applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an online Zoom interview. There is no fee to apply to the course.
Applications are available here:
Along with the online form, applicants are required to submit a resume or CV directly to applications@canc.ca. Digital copies of official transcripts can be emailed to applications@canc.ca or hard copies can be directed to:
Centre for Applied Neuroscience
c/o Mandy Wintink
2080 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, ON, M4C 1J9
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Toronto Weekend Course
In-Person Toronto Tuition: $5500 (+ 13% HST)
Online Tuition: $3600 (+ 13% HST)
Private Fellowship: email awintink@canc.ca to request a quote
Upon successfully completing the application form, online Zoom interview, submitting a current resume and university transcripts, and being offered a spot in the course, a non-refundable reservation fee of $500 (+13% HST) is due in order to secure your spot in the course. In the event of cancellation by the student, the non-refundable reservation fee of $500 (+13% HST) will be forfeited.
Payment Plans
Students may pay the remainder of their course fees, less the aforementioned non-refundable reservation fee, in equal monthly installments throughout the course. 8 months is the maximum length of payment plan for the online course and 6 months is the maximum length of payment plan for the Toronto course. Payment plans begin the month the course starts
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There is an additional cost for books (approximately $200 CAD), which are purchased separately. Students may also choose to invest in Mentorship Coaching Packages during or after the course for extra support from a CAN Teaching Staff Coach.
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The skills, knowledge, and philosophies explored during the class are meant to help each student personally, as well as prepare them to apply the tools and knowledge to helping others. Many people enroll in this course for their own personal growth and enjoyment, to be among like-minded people in a community setting, and to enjoy the experience of lifelong learning. Those who apply with the intention of working as a professional Life Coach gain more confidence, happiness, life satisfaction, wellness, and sense of purpose simply by being part of this course, which in turn makes them more effective in supporting their clients.
This course is designed for serious students of life - people who are interested in exploring the nature of our existence and the nature of our happiness and purpose within this existence. This course is for people who believe there is much value to self-exploration and self-discovery and who enjoy the process of becoming their best self and would like to engage in this experience among like-minded peers.
This course is for people who want to learn from themselves, from the course facilitators, from their peers, from theory and practice, and from their own experiences and experimentation with life. This course is also for people who may choose to apply the concepts and tools learned within this course to other aspects of their life, which may include pursuing an entreprenueurial Life Coaching practice or as a complement to their existing practice (e.g., personal trainers, massage therapists, teachers, social workers, etc), or as continuing education (e.g., managers, human resources professionals, real estate agents, etc.).
People who typically take this course include:
wellness practitioners (e.g., naturopathic doctors, chiropractor, massage therapists, yoga teachers)
counselors and mental health workers (e.g., social workers, counselors, psychologists)
academics (e.g., psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, philosophy, sociology)
managers and human resources personnel
spiritual teachers & practitioners (e.g., yoga, meditation)
educators (e.g., school teachers, graduate students)
financial advisors/accountants who coach clients
designers & architecture graduates working in social change and community engagement
people seeking continuing education credits (e.g., RMTs, RYTs, NDs, DCs, or through corporate continuing education requirements - a letter can be written by the course facilitator as required).
people interested in studying among like-minded people
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The community of the students also forms a valuable part of the course curriculum. Students learn with and from each other by sharing their own ideas, thoughts, and experiences in a collaborative way. This is an incredible part of the curriculum but one that differs from session to session depending on who takes part.
Community and Connection are the most important elements of our Life Coaching philosophy. We believe that change is facilitated by the power of the people around us. The combination of individual work with community support is a recipe for successful personal development and a successful coaching network of support. As an organization, we take great pride in the people we have in our community, whether it’s the students who take our courses, the coaches we have trained, the coaches who work for us, or our staff.
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We celebrate our community several times a year, through one-day online Community Summits and annual in-person events in Toronto and/or Halifax for our Community Weekends and Weeks. Community Events include activities and events promoting community and connection and ongoing learning about topics relating to personal growth and professional development. Current students are required to attend at least one community event within one year of their course, and alumni are always invited and encouraged to attend any or all community events.
What are the course modules?
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This first portion serves to introduce everyone to the main tenets of the course, including what Life Coaching is and to the coaching scope of practice. It also serves to introduce everyone to each other in order to begin to set a foundation for openness, communication, and trust. We discuss our intentions and expectations for the course, debriefing protocols, confidentiality, and logistics. We also cover the basics of the independent study project so everyone can begin to think about their project ideas.
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This module serves as an introduction to Neuroscience and Psychology as it relates to our thoughts, attention, mental health, learning & memory, and consciousness & unconsciousness. Students gain a basic understanding of neurochemistry, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neuroplasticity, and organization of the nervous system. This module primarily consists of lectures and discussions and will provide the basic foundation of knowledge for further modules.
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This module focuses on the Self, Self-Care, and Self-Actualization. It involves a process of coming to better understand ourselves and becoming honest with who we are - the “good” and the "bad". We practice openness, exposure, self-acceptance, self-respect, self-awareness, and self-kindness – all in the effort of nurturing a better relationship with ourselves. The module includes presentations of “self”. 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 also explore the development of the individual and environmental influences on the self, self-care, and self-actualization.
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This module focuses on how the brain thinks and understands. We explore the popular notion of positive thinking and the various ways thinking affects our mind, body, and spirit, including health. We explore how thinking cultivates the mind-body(-brain) connection. The field of positive psychology is introduced during this module.
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This module focuses on the practices of mindfulness 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 and the practical application of connecting with clients on a spiritual level to help them connect with themselves and develop intuition. We also examine the neuroscience of meditation, intuition, compassion, and empathy.
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This module primarily consists of goal setting and taking action from a point of deeply-rooted interest. We discuss discovering and pursuing a passion. During this module students complete presentations about their Independent Study Projects, receive feedback and debrief their experiences.
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This module runs concurrently throughout the course and after the course. During this module, we focus on developing basic professional skills needed to successfully manage a Life Coaching practice. Students learn about completing Discovery Sessions, Coaching Sessions, collecting and integrating client feedback, managing their clients and their own energy, and promoting themselves and their practices. The requirements for Certification are outlined in this module; after the course ends the self-directed Certification process is managed and completed through this module.
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We host community events throughout the year online, in Toronto, and in Halifax. Students will learn community support for working as a coach through facilitated interactions with other CAN members. The content of the weekend changes from year to year and graduates are always encouraged to attend subsequent weekends.
What Credentials will I earn after taking the Life Coaching course?
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Certification through the Centre for Applied Neuroscience is available to students who successfully complete the course, pass the oral assessment, complete all practicum requirements, and demonstrate an ethical practice according to the ICF guidelines. CAN Certified Coaches also must hold an undergraduate degree (or higher) to receive certification.
Note: Life Coaching is not a formally or legally regulated profession in Canada or the United States. Therefore, certification is not necessary to practice as a Life Coach; however, the training associated with becoming a professional coach is an important consideration for practicing as a Life Coach and for the integrity of the Life Coaching industry in general.
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CAN Life Coaching Certification is reserved for students who have also earned an undergraduate degree.. Under special circumstances, students who have not earned an undergraduate degree but have otherwise equivalent education and work/life experience may be considered for a spot in the course. If accepted, they would complete all of the same requirements as Certified CAN Coaches and pay the same fees but would earn the credentials of CAN Coach, rather than Certified CAN Coach. To know whether you qualify, please email info@canc.ca for further information.
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The completion of the following components are required to qualify for CAN Coaching credentials:
a university degree (Bachelor's Degree or higher)
full attendance and engagement in the Life Coaching course
all class assignments, activities, and homework
complete all Certification assessment
completion of 15 post-course practicum coaching hours
be in good financial standing with CAN
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CAN is not officially affiliated with the International Coaching Federation. Students may choose to seek additional certification through International Coaching Federation and may use our training to serve as their 60 hrs of coach-specific training requirement in their portfolio path toward ICF certification: International Coaching Federation. In addition to these required hours, there are other requirements which are outlined on the International Coaching Federation website. CAN does not facilitate this process for students who choose to pursue it; this is a self-directed activity which would be completed after completing the CAN Certification course.
What books do I need for the Life Coaching course?
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The specific reading lists for each course will be distributed a month before the class starts and changes from class to class. The list below consists of books that have been used in the past or are being considered for the future, as a sample of the books that frame the perspective of this course.
BY MANDY WINTINK
This book was partially inspired by Mandy’s teachings on the Life Coaching Certification Course developed through the Centre for Applied Neuroscience. It is part self-help with guided exercises and self-reflections, a part memoir with personal stories, and part introduction to neuroscience.
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BY SANDRA AMMODT, PHD, & SAM WANG, PHD
A book that describes the general ways the brain works in our daily lives. It answers many of the questions that the general public has about how the brain actually works.
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Brain Facts is a public information initiative produced by the Society for Neuroscience, the Kavli Foundation, and Gatsby. It is available as a free download at: https://www.brainfacts.org/the-brain-facts-book
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Yoga is an important part of this course, not just as a physical practice (Asana) but as we learn to take yoga off the mat and put its wisdom into life practice. Much of the philosophy (or wisdom) of yoga can help give us direction in life, find peace, and learn to honor our own path and the wisdom in our body and heart. This book by Stephen Cope is an excellent complement to this course. Stephen Cope is a Kripalu yoga teacher, the tradition in which Mandy Wintink is also trained, as well as a psychotherapist. He provides a great interpretation of the teachings of yoga as described in the Yoga Sutras thousands of years ago by Patanjali.
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BY TAL BEN-SHAHAR, PHD
Tal Ben-Shahar is a leader in Happiness teaching and research. His book, Happier, is a result of the Positive Psychology movement that attempts to give pop psychology credibility by weeding out the nonsense from scientifically-supported advice. This book is also a practical guide with many exercises aimed at increasing happiness.
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Martin Selgiman is known as the Father of Positive Psychology. This is a follow-up from his previous book, Learned Optimism, and was followed by his more recent book Flourishing.
All three are excellent introductions to positive psychology and tackle concepts such as focusing on personal strengths and positive situations. They also help readers identify negative patterns that are automatic and stand in the way of happiness. Seligman’s books are more grounded in the theory and research of positive psychology, rather than based on practical tools.
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BY J. MARK G WILLIAMS, JOHN D. TEASDALE, ZINDEL V. SEGAL, & JON KABAT-ZINN, PHD
Jon Kabat-Zinn is the founder of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) world-renowned, scientifically-supported program, and its sister program, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). This book serves as a practical guide for using mindfulness to change one’s life. Although geared toward those with depression, the concepts are vastly applicable to the general population. MBSR and MBCT use meditation and yoga as part of their program.
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BY ECHART TOLLE
Echart Tolle is a well-known author and spiritual teacher who writes about the transformative power of self-reflection and detachment from ego in the pursuit of living a more authentic and awakened life. Practicing The Power of Now is particularly suited for those needing practical tips on how to be in the moment.
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BY TIMOTHY CLARK, ALEXANDER OSTERWALDER, & YVES PIGNEUR
Both of these in the series of books are amazing for new Life Coaches starting a practice. The first BMG offers a unique way of planning a business with value propositions at the core using the now famous “Business Model Canvas”. BMY was developed after for people to use the same concepts and canvas approach for considering life and career choices, which makes it an excellent toolbox for Life Coaches in practice. It is a great book to cap off the course and help guide everyone to the next chapter of their life.
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BY PATRICK WILLIAMS & DIANE MENEDEZ.
A book specifically devoted to developing coaching skills and managing a practice of clients.
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BY ALISON HILLIER
Written by CAN Coach and Psychotherapist Alison Hillier this book guides people through the trials and tribulations of small business design with humour, insight, and great practical tips based on her own experience.