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Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

Professional Life Coaching 101

P.O. Box 739 Forest, VA • 800-526-8673 • LightUniversity.com

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

Welcome to Light University and the “Professional Life Coaching 101” program of study.

Our prayer is that you will be blessed by your studies and increase your effectiveness in

reaching out to others. We believe you will find this program to be academically sound,

clinically excellent, and biblically-based.

Our faculty represents some of the best in their field—including professors, counselors, and

ministers who provide students with current, practical instruction relevant to the needs of

today’s generations.

We have also worked hard to provide you with a program that is convenient and flexible, giving

you the advantage of “classroom instruction” online and allowing you to complete your training

on your own time and schedule in the comfort of your home or office.

Thank you for your interest in this program of study. Our prayer is that you will grow in

knowledge, discernment, and people-skills throughout this course of study.

Sincerely,

Ron Hawkins

Dean, Light University

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

The American Association of Christian Counselors

• Represents the largest organized membership of Christian counselors and caregivers in the

world and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016.

• Known for its top-tier publications (Christian Counseling Today and Christian Counseling

Connection), professional credentialing opportunities offered through the International

Board of Christian Care (IBCC), excellence in Christian counseling education, an array of

broad-based conferences and live training events, radio programs, regulatory and advocacy

efforts on behalf of Christian professionals, a peer-reviewed Ethics Code, and collaborative

partnerships such as Compassion International, the AACC has become the face of Christian

counseling today.

• The AACC also helped launch the International Christian Coaching Association (ICCA) in 2011

and has developed a number of effective tools and training resources for Life Coaches.

Our Mission

The AACC is committed to assisting Christian counselors, the entire “community of care,”

licensed professionals, pastors, and lay church members with little or no formal training. It is

our intention to equip clinical, pastoral, and lay caregivers with biblical truth and psychosocial

insights that minister to hurting persons and help them move to personal wholeness,

interpersonal competence, mental stability, and spiritual maturity.

Our Vision

The AACC’s vision has two critical dimensions: First, we desire to serve the worldwide Christian

Church by helping foster maturity in Christ. Second, we aim to serve, educate, and equip

1,000,000 professional clinicians, pastoral counselors, and lay helpers throughout the next

decade.

We are committed to helping the Church equip God’s people to love and care for one another.

We recognize Christian counseling as a unique form of Christian discipleship, assisting the

Church in its call to bring believers to maturity in the lifelong process of sanctification—of

growing to maturity in Christ and experiencing abundant life.

We recognize some are gifted to do so in the context of a clinical, professional and/or pastoral

manner. We also believe selected lay people are called to care for others and that they need

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

the appropriate training and mentoring to do so. We believe the role of the helping ministry in

the Church must be supported by three strong cords: the pastor, the lay helper, and the clinical

professional. It is to these three roles that the AACC is dedicated to serve (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Our Core Values

In the name of Christ, the American Association of Christian Counselors abides by the following

values:

VALUE 1: OUR SOURCE

We are committed to honor Jesus Christ and glorify God, remaining flexible and responsive to

the Holy Spirit in all that He has called us to be and do.

VALUE 2: OUR STRENGTH

We are committed to biblical truths, and to clinical excellence and unity in the delivery of all our

resources, services, training, and benefits.

VALUE 3: OUR SERVICE

We are committed to effectively and competently serve the community of care worldwide—

both our membership and the Church at large—with excellence and timeliness, and by over-

delivery on our promises.

VALUE 4: OUR STAFF

We are committed to value and invest in our people as partners in our mission to help others

effectively provide Christ-centered counseling and soul care for hurting people.

VALUE 5: OUR STEWARDSHIP

We are committed to profitably steward the resources God gives to us in order to continue

serving the needs of hurting people.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

• Established in 1999 under the leadership of Dr. Tim Clinton—has now seen nearly 300,000

students from around the world (including lay caregivers, pastors and chaplains, crisis

responders, life coaches, and licensed mental health practitioners) enroll in courses that are

delivered via multiple formats (live conference and Webinar presentations, video-based

certification training, and a state-of-the-art, online distance teaching platform).

• These presentations, courses, and certificate and diploma programs offer one of the most

comprehensive orientations to Christian counseling anywhere. The strength of Light

University is partially determined by its world-class faculty—more than 150 of the leading

Christian educators, authors, mental health clinicians and life coaching experts in the United

States. This core group of faculty members represents a literal “Who’s Who” in Christian

counseling. No other university in the world has pulled together such a diverse and

comprehensive group of professionals.

• Educational and training materials cover more than 40 relevant core areas in Christian

counseling, life coaching, mediation, and crisis response—equipping competent caregivers

and ministry leaders who are making a difference in their churches, communities, and

organizations.

Our Mission Statement

To train one million Biblical Counselors, Christian Life Coaches, and Christian Crisis Responders

by educating, equipping, and serving today’s Christian leaders.

Academically Sound • Clinically Excellent • Distinctively Christian

Video-based Curriculum

• Utilizes DVD presentations that incorporate more than 150 of the leading Christian

educators, authors, mental health clinicians, and life coaching experts in the United States.

• Each presentation is approximately 50-60 minutes in length and most are accompanied by a

corresponding text (in outline format) and a 10-question examination to measure learning

outcomes. There are nearly 1,000 unique presentations that are available and organized in

various course offerings.

• Learning is self-directed and pacing is determined according to the individual time

parameters/schedule of each participant.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

• With the successful completion of each program course, participants receive an official

Certificate of Completion. In addition to the normal Certificate of Completion that each

participant receives, Regular and Advanced Diplomas in Biblical Counseling are also

available.

➢ The Regular Diploma is awarded by taking Caring for People God’s Way, Breaking Free,

and one additional Elective among the available Core Courses.

➢ The Advanced Diploma is awarded by taking Caring for People God’s Way, Breaking

Free, and any three Electives among the available Core Courses.

Credentialing

• Light University courses, programs, certificates, and diplomas are recognized and endorsed

by the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC) and its three affiliate Boards: the Board

of Christian Professional & Pastoral Counselors (BCPPC); the Board of Christian Life Coaching

(BCLC); and the Board of Christian Crisis & Trauma Response (BCCTR).

• Credentialing is a separate process from certificate or diploma completion. However, the

IBCC accepts Light University and Light University Online programs as meeting the

academic requirements for credentialing purposes. Graduates are eligible to apply for

credentialing in most cases.

➢ Credentialing involves an application, attestation, and personal references.

➢ Credential renewals include Continuing Education requirements, re-attestation, and

occur either annually or biennially depending on the specific Board.

Continuing Education

■

The training offered through AACC sponsored conferences and training programs meets the

ongoing CE requirements for counselors, life coaches, and crisis responders who are

credentialed through the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC) or one of its affiliate

boards: the Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counseling (BCPPC); the Board of

Christian Life Coaching (BCLC); and the Board of Christian Crisis and Trauma Response (BCCTR).

It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure requirements.

*Participants should check their state and/or local regulations* regarding required continuing

education hours.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this course are those of the presenter and do not

necessarily reflect the official stance or position of Light University or AACC

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

Presenters for

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

Presenter Biographies

Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D., is a licensed psychotherapist, life coach and spiritual director.

Integrating the best of Christian Psychology, neuroscience, spiritual formation and biblical

wisdom, she writes, teaches, leads retreats, and intensives as well as trains leaders on topics

related to Christian spiritual formation, personal wellbeing, emotional health, stress

management, healthy relationships and sexuality.

Sylvia Hart Frejd, D.Min., serves as the Director of the Flourish Center for Wellbeing in

Knoxville, TN, and as the Founder and President of Flourish Wellbeing University. She has a

Masters’ Degree specializing in Christian Counseling, and a Doctorate in Leadership. Dr. Frejd is

an ICF (PCC) Professional Certified Coach, a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness

Coach, and ICF Mentor Coach.

Georgia Shaffer, M.A., is the author of five books, a Pennsylvania licensed psychologist, and a

PCC credentialed life coach, Georgia has confronted many unwanted changes. She faced the

upheaval brought with recurring cancer, divorce, single parenthood, loss of career and income.

For more than twenty-five years, she has encouraged, counseled and coached those who are

confronting troubling times.

Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A., is a professional counselor, life coach, crisis response trainer,

author and speaker. She speaks extensively and provides training, counseling and coaching in

the field of grief, crisis and trauma through the Institute for Compassionate Care. Jennifer is an

approved instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, teaching several

CISM courses. In addition, she serves as Director of the Grief, Crisis and Disaster Network of the

American Association of Christian Counselors and Clinical Director for the Crisis Response Team

of the United States Concealed Carry Association. Jennifer is the co-author of The First 48

Hours: Spiritual Caregivers as First Responders and Spiritual and Psychological First Aid, and

Understanding Suicide: Effective Tools for Prevention, Intervention and Survivor Support.

Dina Jones, M.A., is a wife, mom, author, professor and speaker. Her coaching background is

focused on Career Coaching and Coaching Women in academic, church, and private

settings. She holds an MA in Clinical Counseling. Dina is the Vice President of Choose Grace

International and advises ministries as an event strategist. Her publications include Be Fearless,

as co-author with Julie Clinton, and Wholeness Rising, as co-editor with Dr Barbara Lowe.

Jeanneane Maxon, J.D., currently serves as a non-profit law and compliance consultant based

in Dallas, Texas, primarily serving pro-life clients and pro-life pregnancy centers. Jeanneane is

an attorney and nationally recognized speaker and pro-life advocate. In 2014, she served on the

revision committee for the AACC Christian Counseling Code of Ethics.

Valorie Burton, M.A. is CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute. Her life-

changing message has an intriguing, research-based emphasis in the pioneering field of applied

positive psychology – the study of what happens when things go right with us. Her company

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

provides coaching, coach training and resilience training and has served clients in all 50 states

and 20 countries on six continents. Since 1999, she has written 13 books translated into

multiple languages, including Let Go of the Guilt, It’s About Time, and Successful Women Think

Differently. She has appeared regularly on the TODAY Show, CNN, Dr. Oz, and in Essence, and

has spoken for hundreds of organizations around the globe. She was named one of the top 60

motivational speakers in America and one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders in the field of

personal development. She and her husband Jeff live on a ranch south of Atlanta with their

children. Get inspired with her videos, podcast and writing online at www.valorieburton.com.

Benjamin Allison, Esq., M.B.A., is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of

Christian Counselors, the world's largest and most diverse Christian counseling organization. As

a licensed attorney in Virginia and MBA graduate, his primary role is to lead and direct the

organization in a Christlike manner while championing the field of Christian counseling and

mental health ministries. He is a speaker and writer on the topic of digital marketing,

leadership, and personal finances for individuals and couples.

Mark Crear, Ph.D., is an ordained minister; published author; professional, certified, biblical

and pastoral counselor/trainer/speaker; and former Olympic champion. He is currently the

chairman of AACC's Multicultural Division and Director of Counseling for The Family Church

International. Dr. Crear has been around the world preaching the Gospel, presenting keynote

addresses, seminars and inspirational messages to various churches and organizations. He has a

passion for emotional and mental healing for the body of Christ through effective biblical

counseling. Dr. Crear is founder of Mark Crear Ministries, which was designed to encourage,

restore and rebuild the body of Christ through the Word of God.

Tim Clinton, Ed.D, LPC, LMFT, is the President of the American Association of Christian

Counselors (AACC), the largest and most diverse Christian counseling association in the world.

Dr. Clinton also serves as the Executive Director of the James Dobson Family Institute and

recurring co-host of “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk”, heard on nearly 1,300 radio outlets daily.

Licensed as a Professional Counselor and as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Dr. Clinton is

recognized as a world leader in mental health and relationship issues and spends much of his

time working with Christian leaders and professional athletes. He has authored or edited nearly

30 books, including The Struggle is Real: How to Care for Mental and Relational Health Needs in

the Church. Dr. Clinton is founder of Light University—a global leader in certificate, diploma,

and mental health continuing education. He served at Liberty University for over 30 years in

numerous academic and leadership roles, including Professor of Counseling and Executive

Director of the James C. Dobson Center for Child Development, Marriage and Family Studies. He

is founder of the biennial AACC World Conference (which has consistently hosted nearly 7,000

leaders representing all 50 states and nearly 40 countries) at the magnificent Opryland Hotel in

Nashville, Tennessee.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

Summary

Life Coaching is exploding! Millions of people who do not need counseling still hire coaches to

help them achieve their most important life goals. Thousands of professionals, pastors, lay

leaders, teachers, and guidance counselors—those God has called and gifted to help others—

are adding this new area of helping to their repertoire of skills. Now it’s your turn! Life Coaching

101 includes 12 dynamic lectures to provide an introduction to what life coaching is all about.

You can be a part of this exciting new movement!

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

1. Develop a greater understanding of the field of Christian life coaching

2. Differentiate the differences between the counseling process and the coaching process

3. Describe the biblical and spiritual foundations of Christian life coaching

4. List ways to build a relationship and learn ways to communicate effectively with the

client

5. Develop the core skills of building rapport, listening, and other foundational techniques

need as a coach

6. Evaluate different resources and assessments to build the “coaching toolbox”

7. Describe the legal and ethical guidelines of coaching practice

8. Identify fundamental tools to starting and maintaining a coaching practice

9. Assess ways that building a digital footprint can increase your reach as a coach

10. Identify roadblocks to achieve greater success as a coach and with your clients

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

Table of Contents:

PLC 101: Professional Life Coaching: The New Helping Relationship ......................................... 12

Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D.

PLC 102: Christian Coaching: Biblical and Spiritual Foundations ................................................ 15

Sylvia Hart Frejd, D.Min.

PLC 103: Coaching Theory and Practice ...................................................................................... 20

Georgia Shaffer, M.A.

PLC 104: Connecting: Relationship Building, Connecting and Core Skills .................................. 24

Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D.

PLC 105: Results Coaching: The Change Process ......................................................................... 28

Georgia Shaffer, M.A.

PLC 106: The Coaching Toolbox: Assessments and Resources ................................................... 32

Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A. and Dina Jones, M.A.

PLC 107: Legal and Ethical Guidelines in Coaching ...................................................................... 35

Jeanneane Maxon, J.D.

PLC 108: Coaching for Well-Being: Tools to Help Your Clients Find Joy, Purpose and Resilience

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………54

Valorie Burton, M.A.

PLC 109: The Business of Coaching: Starting and Managing a Thriving Coaching Practice ....... 59

Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A.

PLC 110: Building a Digital Footprint for Your Coaching Practice and Ministry ......................... 62

Benjamin Allison, Esq., M.B.A.

PLC 111: Breakthrough Coaching: Getting Past the Roadblocks to Achieve Greater Success for

You and Your Clients .................................................................................................................... 80

Mark Crear, Ph.D.

PLC 112: A Better Way: Helping Clients Turn Their Life Around ................................................. 84

Tim Clinton, Ed.D.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

Professional Life Coaching 101

PLC 101: Coaching: The New Helping

Relationship

Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

I. The Definition of Coaching

A. ICF Definition: Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative

process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential, which

is particularly important in today’s uncertain and complex environment.

B. Coaches honor the client as the expert in his or her life and work and believe every

client is creative, resourceful and whole. Standing on this foundation, the coach's

responsibility is to:

i. Discover, clarify, and align with what the client wants to achieve

ii. Encourage client self-discovery

iii. Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies

iv. Hold the client responsible and accountable

C. This process helps clients dramatically improve their outlook on work and life, while

improving their leadership skills and unlocking their potential.

D. Professional coaching focuses on setting goals, creating outcomes and managing

personal change. Sometimes it’s helpful to understand coaching by distinguishing it

from other personal or organizational support professions.

II. Therapy

A. Therapy deals with healing pain, dysfunction and conflict within an individual or in

relationships.

B. The focus is often on resolving difficulties arising from the past that hamper an

individual's emotional functioning in the present, improving overall psychological

functioning, and dealing with the present in more emotionally healthy ways.

C. Coaching, on the other hand, supports personal and professional growth based on self-

initiated change in pursuit of specific actionable outcomes. These outcomes are linked

to personal or professional success.

D. Coaching is future focused. While positive feelings/emotions may be a natural outcome

of coaching, the primary focus is on creating actionable strategies for achieving specific

goals in one's work or personal life.

E. The emphases in a coaching relationship are on action, accountability, and follow

through.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

III. Consulting

A. Individuals or organizations retain consultants for their expertise.

B. While consulting approaches vary widely, the assumption is the consultant will diagnose

problems and prescribe and, sometimes, implement solutions.

C. With coaching, the assumption is that individuals or teams are capable of generating

their own solutions, with the coach supplying supportive, discovery-based approaches

and frameworks.

IV. Mentoring

A. A mentor is an expert who provides wisdom and guidance based on his or her own

experience. Mentoring may include advising, counseling and coaching.

B. The coaching process does not include advising or counseling and focuses instead on

individuals or groups setting and reaching their own objectives.

V. Training

A. Training programs are based on objectives set out by the trainer or instructor.

B. Though objectives are clarified in the coaching process, they are set by the individual or

team being coached, with guidance provided by the coach.

C. Training also assumes a linear learning path that coincides with an established

curriculum. Coaching is less linear without a set curriculum.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

Professional Life Coaching 101

PLC 102: Christian Coaching: Biblical and

Spiritual Foundations

Sylvia Hart Frejd, D.Min.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

I. Biblical Foundations for Coaching

A. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God

prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

B. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not

giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one

another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

C. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

D. “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,

encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into

His kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

E. “So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and

teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built

up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and

become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ”. Ephesians

4:12-13

F. “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for evil, to

give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

G. “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them

out.” Proverbs 20:5

II. Key Distinctions in Christian Coaching

A. Inviting the Holy Spirit into the coaching conversation and allowing the Holy Spirit to

guide the coaching conversation.

B. Asking direct questions relating to the client’s faith.

C. Encouraging the client to consider God’s will and plan.

D. Challenging the client to view their life from a Biblical perspective.

E. Creating awareness, designing actions and formulating solutions using God’s Word.

F. Encouraging the client’s transformation into the image of Christ.

G. Emphasizing being over doing

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

III. Developing a Strong Spiritual Core

A. Helping a client strengthen their spiritual core is similar to strengthening their physical

core.

B. When they develop a deep relationship connection with God, build their Christian faith,

cultivate inner core qualities of the Spirit through regular ‘spiritual exercises’ - the rest

of their life will be healthier and stronger.

C. They will have better stability, balance, endurance and resilience to deal with the stress

and challenges of life and everything else they do all day.

D. They will also naturally experience more positive spirit emotion virtues like:

Joy, Gratitude, Peace, Love, Hope.

IV. Spiritual Formation Coaching

A. Spiritual Formation Coaching helps a client develop a strong spiritual core and to reclaim

their relationship with God as it was meant to be. We call this process transformation.

It’s a process, but also a journey through which the client opens their heart to a deeper

connection with God.

B. What are Spiritual Disciplines? Dallas Willard says, “Intentional practices that deepen our

experience of God’s grace by creating space for God’s Spirit to do his transforming power

in us.”

V. Spiritual Formation Practices for Transformation

A. Meditate on God’s Word

B. Practice Grief and Gratitude

C. Have Conversations with God Continually

D. Confession and Self-Examination

E. Surrender Your All

F. Cultivate Silence and Solitude

G. Focus Your Calling

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

VI. Spiritual Practices Inventory

Spiritual Practices Inventory

What spiritual practices you are presently doing

Bible Reading

Bible Study

Confession

Worship

Fasting

Prayer

Keeping the Sabbath

Silence

Solitude Retreats

Tithing

Scripture Meditation

Other

Forgiveness

Contemplative Prayer

Prayer Partners

Breath Prayers

Surrender

Gratitude

Journaling

Self-care

Witness

Unplugging

Rest

Mentoring

Community

Centering Prayers

Control of the tongue

Small group

Self-examination

Detachment

Service

Check the spiritual practices above you are presently doing or would like to start doing.

VII. Spiritual Formation Questions

A. What is most helpful to me now?

B. What is most life-giving?

C. How am I opening myself to God?

D. How am I doing with self-care?

E. What can help me be more intentional to keep my mind on God?

F. What is God saying to me about me?

G. What is mine to do?

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

References

• Logan, E. Robert. (2012) Biblical Foundations of Coaching, Article,

www.loganleadership.com.

• Willard, Dallas. Renovare, What is Spiritual Formation? https://renovare.org.

• Stoltzfus, Tony. (2009) Christian Life Coaching Handbook: Calling and Destiny Discovery

Tools for Christian Life Coaching.

• Calhoun, Adele, Ahlberg. (2019) Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform

Us.

• Scazzero, Pete. (2015) Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.

• Free Resources at: https://www.flourishcenterforwellbeing.com/ideas

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

Professional Life Coaching 101

PLC 103: Coaching Theory and Practice

Georgia Shaffer, M.A., PCC.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

I. Theory of Well-being

a. Positive Emotions

b. Engagement

c. Relationships

d. Meaning

e. Accomplishments

II. Theory of Neuroscience and Brain-based Coaching

a. For wisest choices consider the 3 H’s (Heart, Head, Holy Spirit)

b. Three strategies to enjoy higher levels of faith, hope and joy

c. Write 3 things you are grateful for today

d. Mediate on a loving God

e. Find meaning in stressful situations

III. Theory of Emotional Intelligence

a. Self-Awareness

b. Self- Management

c. Social Awareness

d. Relationship Management

IV. Theory of Behavioral Change

V. Theory of Development and Learning

a. Dweck's Mindset Theory

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

b. Fixed Mindset

c. Growth Mindset

d. “Not Yet”

e. Styles of Learning

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

References

• Dweck, Carol, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, (Life Coaching Stories & Tips

for Transforming Lives, (New York, N.Y. Penguin Random House Books, 2016).

• Goleman, Daniel, Emotional Intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ, (New

York, N.Y, Bantam Books, 2005).

• Jennings, Timothy, God-shaped Brain: How Changing Your View of God Transforms

Your Life, (Downers Grove, IL, InterVarsity Press, 2017).

• Kemsey-House, Henry, Kimsey-House, Karen, Sandahl, Phillip, Whitworth, Laura,

Co-Active Coaching: Changing Business Transforming Lives, (Boston, Ma, Nicholas

Brealey Publishing, 2011).

• Seligman, Martin E.P., Flourishing: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness

and Well-Being, (New York, N.Y. Free Press, 2011).

• Shaffer, Georgia, Coaching the Coach: Life Coaching Stories & Tips for Transforming

Lives, (Friendswood, TX, Bold Vision Books, 2013).

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

Professional Life Coaching 101

PLC 104: The Vibrant Person of a Coach

Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

I. What Makes a Good Coach - 20 Characteristics?

A. They are well adjusted and constantly seek personal improvement or development.

B. They have a lightness of being and joy of life.

C. They are passionate about “growing” as people.

D. They understand the distinction and balance between being and doing.

E. They are able to suspend judgment and stay open-minded.

F. They are risk-takers willing to get out of their own comfort zones.

G. They are entrepreneurial – visionaries, able to see the big picture and reinvent

themselves and their business/ministry to meet current trends.

H. They want to have a life as well as a business/ministry.

I. They have a biblical worldview and a global vision.

J. They are naturally motivational and optimistic.

K. They are great listeners who are able to empathize with their clients.

L. They are mentally healthy and resilient when life knocks them down.

M. Their focus is on developing the future, not fixing the past.

N. They are able to collaborate and partner with their clients, shedding the “expert” role.

O. They have a willingness to believe in the brilliance or potential for greatness in all

people.

P. They look at possibilities instead of problems and causes.

Q. They exude vulnerability and ‘being real’, even when unsure.

R. They present as authentic and genuine, with high integrity.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

S. They are willing to say, “I don’t know,” and explore where and how to learn what is

needed.

T. They enjoy what they do and are enthusiastic and passionate about life.

II. Personal Integrity

A. Be trustworthy.

B. Be authentic.

C. Be honest.

III. Self-Awareness

A. Biggest hindrance in good coaching outcomes is a lack of Self-Awareness.

B. Know your personality type

C. Know your strengths

D. Know your weaknesses

IV. Self-Care

A. Cultivating daily habits of health and wellbeing.

B. Living out what you are offering.

V. Mentoring and Personal Coaching

A. Who are your mentors?

B. Who is your coach, spiritual director, and therapist?

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

VI. Accountability

A. Who are your accountability partners?

VII. Ongoing Learning and Training

A. Be a lifelong learner.

B. Develop your skills and continued education.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

Professional Life Coaching 101

PLC 105: Results Coaching: The Change

Process

Georgia Shaffer, M.A.

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

I. Introduction

II. Six Stages of Change originated by Dr. Prochaska and Dr. DiClemente

A. Precontemplation

B. Contemplation

C. Preparation

D. Action

E. Maintenance

F. Relapse

III. Managing Progress and Accountability

A. Definition of accountability

B. Handling resistance to change

C. Methods of staying accountable

1. S.M.A.R.T goals

2. Embrace Resistance

3. Promote Self-accountability

IV. Other Strategies for the Challenging Transition to Change

A. Brainstorming

B. Reframing

C. Seeking God’s perspective

D. Facing fears

Professional Life Coaching 101

Light University

1. Naming the Fear

2. Finding courageous role models

3. Using the fear for motivation

E. Overcoming plateaus

F. Using the Client’s Metaphors

G. Challenging the client

VI. Concluding Thoughts

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References

• Kemsey-House, Henry, Kimsey-House, Karen, Sandahl, Phillip, Whitworth, Laura, Co-

Active Coaching: Changing Business Transforming Lives, (Boston, Ma, Nicholas Brealey

Publishing, 2011).

• Prochaska, James, Prochaska, Janice, Changing to Thrive: Using the Stages of Change to

Overcome the Top Threats to Your Health and Happiness (Center MN, Hazelden

Publishing, 2016).

• Rock, David, Rock, Linda, Coaching with the Brain in Mind: Foundations for Practice

(Hoboken, N.J.,John Wiley and Sons, 2009).

• Shaffer, Georgia, Coaching the Coach: Life Coaching Stories & Tips for Transforming

Lives, (Friendswood, TX, Bold Vision Books, 2013).

Professional Life Coaching 101

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Professional Life Coaching 101

PLC 106: The Coaching Toolbox:

Assessments and Resources

Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A.

& Dina Jones, M.A.

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I. Introduction

II. Assessments

a. Goals Assessment:

a. Example: would include the client giving them honest 1-10 scale rating on

different areas of their lives and where they would like to be in the future

b. Formal Assessment: An existing test or tool

a. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

b. Enneagram

c. Vocational Tests

a. Career Direct

b. Strong Interest Inventory

d. Spiritual Gifts

a. Elmer Towns Spiritual Gifts

e. Core Values Assessments

III. Activities

a. Client Activities Assessment

b. Clients Pick a “Theme” Song

c. TV Shows & Movies – the power of a story / narrative

d. Writing

e. YouTube Links

f. Vision Boards: Pinterest Boards, etc.

g. Life Mission Statement

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h. Life Impact Timeline

IV. Resources for Clients

a. List of books by topic

b. Create resources

c. Classes

d. Colleague Resources

Note: Please use or check all resources before you use them with a client.

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Professional Life Coaching 101

PLC 107: Legal and Ethical Guidelines in

Coaching

Jeanneane Maxon, Esq., J.D.

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I. Disclaimer

The information provided in this session is generic and for educational purposes only. You

should not expect communications at this session to be protected under the attorney-client

privilege. The information provided in this session is based on general legal principles and there

are often exceptions due to the specific laws of your state or the circumstances at your practice

and in your community. For guidance and advice on specific situations, you should contact a

local attorney.

II. Current State of Coaching

A. Coaching Statistics

B. The Importance of Insurance

i. Humans are fallible and we live in a litigious society

ii. Professional Liability Insurance

iii. Standard Coverages

iv. $1,000,000 per occurrence with $3,000,000 aggregate.

v. General Liability (if you own building where you practice)

vi. If an organization or nonprofit, consider adding Directors and Officers

insurance which cover employee related claims

vii. Search for “insurance for life coaches.”

C. Coaching Accreditation/Support Organizations

D. Code of Ethics

i. Research on your own. I make no endorsements or recommendations

ii. AACC Code of Ethics (https://www.aacc.net/wp-

content/uploads/2017/10/AACC-Code-of-Ethics-Master-Document.pdf)

iii. ICCA Code of Ethics: (https://christiancoachingtoday.com/wp-

content/uploads/2022/11/ICCA-Code-of-Ethics-1.pdf)

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iv. ICF Code of Ethics:

https://coachfederation.org/app/uploads/2017/12/2016ICFGlobalCoachingS

tudy_ExecutiveSummary-2.pdf

III. A Horse of a Different Color: Understanding the Differences between “Counseling” and

“Coaching”

A. Differences

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MAIN DIFFERENCES

B. Similarities

SIMILARITIES

C. Considering Terminology

i. Coaches should not use the term “counseling” in either title or

descriptions of services.

ii. Examples of inappropriate terms for unlicensed individuals:

a) Lay Counseling

Coaches

Accredited or Lay

Unregulated

Not titled

Always “clients”

Narrower Scope of Practice

LMHPs

Degreed and licensed

Highly regulated

Hold titles (LPC, LSW)

May have “patients”

Broader Scope of Practice

• LMHPs

• Desire to help people

• Abide by a Code of Ethics

• Subject to lawsuits

• Should be trained

• Have an agreement with

client/patient

• Coaches

• Desire to help people

• Abide by a Code of Ethics

• Subject to lawsuits

• Should be trained

• Have an agreement with client

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b) Peer Counseling

c) Pastoral Counseling

d) Substance Abuse Counseling

e) Patients

iii. Proper terms:

a) Coach/Coaching

b) Advocate/Advocacy

c) Mentor/Mentoring

d) Pastor/Biblically based pastoral care

IV. The Writing’s on the Wall: Formulating an Effective and Ethical Coaching Agreement

A. Agreement Basics

i. Terms and Conditions for a coach-client relationship

ii. Should be written

iii. Do not have to take every potential client

iv. Samples (have all samples reviewed) a local attorney:

v. ICF Sample Coaching Agreement

a) https://coachfederation.org/app/uploads/2017/11/SampleCoa

chingAgreement.pdf

B. Agreement Content

i. General Items

ii. Logistics/Calendar/closures

iii. Fee arrangement/cancellations

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iv. Third party participation

v. Confidentiality/Client File Retention

i. When is confidentiality limited? (threats of harm to self or others,

when required by law.)

vi. Conflicts/Referrals

i. Competency and Value-based Referrals

vii. Dispute Resolution

viii. Scope of Services

ix. Rights to Terminate

C. Example Clauses

Confidentiality

This coaching relationship, as well as all information (documented or verbal) that the Client

shares with the Coach as part of this relationship, is bound by the principles of

confidentiality set forth in the XYZ Code of Ethics. However, the Coach-Client relationship is

not considered a legally confidential relationship (like the medical and legal professions)

and thus communications are not subject to the protection of any legally recognized

privilege. The Coach agrees not to disclose any information pertaining to the Client without

the Client’s written consent's consent except where the information: (a) was in the Coach’s

possession prior to its being furnished by the Client; (b) is generally known to the public or

in the Client’s industry; (c) is obtained by the Coach from a third party, without breach of

any obligation to the Client; (d) is independently developed by the Coach without use of or

reference to the Client’s confidential information; or (e) the Coach is required by statute,

law, or by court order to disclose; (f) is disclosed to the Coach and as a result of such

disclosure the Coach reasonably believes there to be an imminent or likely risk of danger or

harm to the Client or others (including suicidal ideation and/or child abuse/neglect); and/or

(g) to protect the Coach from financial, physical or other harm. The Client also

acknowledges his or her continuing obligation to raise any confidentiality questions or

concerns with the Coach in a timely manner.

***This example is only a guide. If you wish to incorporate in a coaching agreement, you

should have it reviewed by your own attorney***

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CONFIDENTIALITY DISCLAIMER EXAMPLE

Life coaching should not be used as a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy,

psychoanalysis, mental health care or substance abuse treatment and should not be used in

place of any form of diagnosis, treatment or therapy. I will provide referrals in situations

where I determine you need services beyond what our coaching relationship should

provide. I abide by biblical principles in my practice and will also make referrals should I feel

I cannot help you in a situation that conflicts with my values.

***This example is only a guide. If you wish to incorporate in a coaching agreement, you

should have it reviewed by your own attorney****

CONFLICT/REFERRAL/SCOPE OF SERVICE EXAMPLE

Life coaching should not be used as a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy,

psychoanalysis, mental health care or substance abuse treatment and should not be used in

place of any form of diagnosis, treatment or therapy. I will provide referrals in situations

where I determine you need services beyond what our coaching relationship should

provide. I abide by biblical principles in my practice and will also make referrals should I feel

I cannot help you in a situation that conflicts with my values.

***This example is only a guide. If you wish to incorporate in a coaching agreement, you

should have it reviewed by your own attorney****

DISPUTE RESOLUTION EXAMPLE

Any claim or dispute arising from or related to this agreement shall be settled by mediation

and, if necessary, legally binding arbitration, in accordance with the rules Rules of

Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute for Christian ConciliationTM (available at:

https://www.instituteforchristianconciliation.com/rules/); judgment upon an arbitration

decision may be entered in any court otherwise having jurisdiction.

***This example is only a guide. If you wish to incorporate in a coaching agreement, you

should have it reviewed by your own attorney***

D. Review of Breach of Contract Lawsuits

i. Elements:

i. Valid Agreement under the law

ii. Signed by an adult

iii. Not agreeing to engaging in an illegal activity

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iv. Consideration

ii. Breach

i. Violation of Contract

ii. Fee related dispute (overcharging)

iii. Confidentiality violation

iv. Failure to provide services

iii. Damages

i. Physical, Financial, or emotional harm

ii. Loss of money

iii. Bodily injury

iv. Emotional damage

Ponomarenko v. Shapiro, 287 F. Supp.3d 816 (N.D. Cal. 2018)

• Client paid over $100,000 for coaching services. Travelled frequently to

Las Vegas for coaching.

• Client claims coach failed to provide structured counseling services with

regular feedback

• Outcome not publicly disclosed

Nkonoki Entertainment Group, LLC v. Callahan, №185023795S (Conn. Super. Ct.

December 6, 2018).

• Here a Coach sued a client (goes both ways)

• Agreement called for $140,000 to $180,000 for coach to get client

through a difficult divorce, included the coach interfacing with attorneys,

accountants and other professionals.

• Client failed to pay Coach

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• Coach prevailed in lawsuit

V. Stay in Your Lane: Scope of Practice and Referrals

A. Scope of Service Basics

i. How do Life Coaches help clients?

a) Defining goals

b) Formulating a plan that will use the client’s skills

c) Holding the client accountable for progress

d) Providing structure, encouragement and support

e) Identify helpful resources

f) Identify personal strengths/weaknesses

ii. What practices should Life Coaches avoid?

a) Medical Diagnosis/Treatment of Mental Illness (including

substance abuse and eating disorders)

b) Assuming all laws that apply to therapists apply to Coaches

c) Offering overly specific advice on medical, financial or dietary

issues

d) Ex: You should invest your money in bonds, stock market, etc.

e) Ex: I can help ween you off XYZ medication(s)

f) Ex: I recommend you go on the XYZ diet.

iii. Using inappropriate terminology

B. Ethical Referral Process

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i. Carefully assess potential clients before accepting them: What services

do they want? Have they ever been diagnosed with mental illness?

Does/Do their issue(s) align with your value system? Does the client

understand the limits of services the coach can provide?

ii. Have a scope of services/referral disclosure in Agreement.

iii. Consult with colleagues/ attorneys or other professionals

iv. Openly discuss the need to refer with client

v. Have client and MHP consider using the coach to provide supplemental

services, especially where termination of relationship or referral may

potentially harm the client

C. Working on “coaching” issue with a client in therapy with a LMHP

i. This is legally and ethically appropriate and can be beneficial to client

ii. Client must understand that Coach is working on a limited aspect of the

care

iii. Ex: coach provides support to client in developing self-discipline

strategies to implement a diet regimen created by a nutritionist

iv. Ensure the client has informed the MHP that he/she is seeing a coach for

whatever supplemental support the coach is providing

v. Receive client’s permission before contacting the MHP or discussing with

the MHP

VI. Loose Lips Sink Ships: Confidentiality Obligations and Limits

A. Confidentiality Basics

i. Not a Legal Requirement in same sense that licensed MHPs, doctors and

attorneys have a legal requirement to maintain “privileged

communications.”

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ii. Is an Ethical/Contractual Requirement: Coaching codes of ethics have

provisions about confidentiality and so should the Coaching Agreement.

iii. May not be subject to same legal protections for certain disclosures as

licensed professionals: Ex: Child Abuse Reporting (should denote limits in

Coaching Agreement).

iv. Includes taking reasonable actions to secure, maintain and protect client

files: Secure and locked. If electronic, appropriate security protections,

having a procedure that ensure client files are only release with consent

of client (confirming client identity before releasing), and maintaining

client files for an appropriate amount of time (typically 3 years or 3 years

after client has turned 18, depending on your state statutes of

limitations) --check with an attorney in familiar with your state law.

B. Confidentiality Limitations

i. As required by law

a) Subpoena (not a search warrant)

b) Court order

c) Child Abuse/Neglect in certain states

ii. As noted under the Coach Agreement-Critical to specify limits

a) Parents in case of minors

iii. To Protect or Defend Yourself (limited to only info necessary to

protect/defend self)

a) Client commits a crime against you (Ex: client hits you; you

suspect client has stolen your purse or wallet)

b) You need to take legal action, or you are sued (Ex: client sues

you for a slip and fall; you sue client to recover payment of

services rendered)

iv. Child/Elder Abuse & Neglect (in certain states)

C. Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Issues

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i. Only applies to minors

ii. Can be physical, sexual, neglect/abandonment, “statutory rape,”

excessive discipline, and possibly emotional abuse (depends on state

statute)

iii. Can be abuse by anyone or only certain people (household

members/caregivers) depending on state law

iv. Only applies to current or recent abuse

v. “Reasonable suspicion”—You are not the investigator

vi. Can tell client or parent, but not required to

a) Some states require all to report/other only certain

professionals

vii. Critical to specify that you will report in your Coaching Agreement

viii. Immunity clauses

ix. Child Information Gateway:

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/state/

x. WHEN IN DOUBT CONSULT (with attorney or other professionals)

D. Tort Lawsuits

i. Can be for many issues:

a) Negligence

b) Intentional or Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress

ii. Elements:

a) Duty (almost always the case)

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b) Breach (an action is taken in violation of the duty)

c) Causation (the breach is the cause of any damages suffered)

d) Damages (the plaintiff suffers financial, reputational, physical

and/or emotional damages

iii. Wolf v. Fauquier Cty. Bd. of Supervisors, 555 F.3d 311 (4th Cir. 2009)-

mom reported for suspected child abuse. Ruled in favor of Coach-

Immunity clause.

iv. Breen v. Pruter, 679 F. App’x 713 (10th Cir. 2017).-Coach waived fees in

exchange for permission to write client’s life story and for a % of court

case settlement. While likely not ethical, Court ruled in favor of Coach.

VII. Greater Love has no one than this: Addressing threats to self and others.

A. Addressing threats of harm basics

i. Need to include in Coaching Agreement

ii. Certain cases may require reporting to agencies (Children-DSS/Elderly)

iii. May need to notify police or a third party if threat is legitimate.

iv. If not reporting suicidal ideation or abusive tendencies, then strongly

consider referring to a licensed MHP.

B. Tarasoff Analysis Basics

i. Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California, 17 Cal. 3d 425, 551

P.2d 334, 131 Cal. Rptr. 14 (Cal. 1976).

ii. California case, but generally accepted case law universally

iii. “Duty to Warn” case, but factors often used in determining self-harm

cases as well.

iv. Poddar was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, acute and severe

v. Met with psychologist and confessed intent to kill Tarasoff

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vi. Civilly committed and then released. Killed Tarasoff

vii. Court found a duty to protect threatened third parties

viii. 33 states adopted at least a form of duty to warn law:

http://www.jaapl.org/content/42/4/469.long

C. Tarasoff Factors

i. Specificity

a) How specific is the plan?

b) Does the person have a plan?

c) Has she thought through the process?

d) Are the details vague or specific?

ii. Lethality

a) What is the likelihood that the method will lead to death or

serious bodily injury?

b) How quickly would the person die if she did what she planned to

do?

iii. Availability

a) What is the availability of the proposed method?

b) Does he/she have the means to carry out the plan?

iv. Proximity

a) What is the proximity to helping resources?

b) Could others easily reach her if necessary?

D. How to Respond

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i. Emergencies (imminent harm)

a) Call 9-1-1

b) Inform third party threatened

c) If client is a minor, inform parents

ii. Non-emergencies

a) Refer client to a licensed and qualified MHP

b) Confer with colleagues, supervisors, MHPs, and/or your

attorney

c) Contact appropriate agency for child abuse/neglect or elder

abuse

iii. Document Carefully

a) Common lawsuit in MHP world, but courts vastly rule in favor of

MHPs if Tarasoff analysis and justification for decision is

documented in client file.

Examples:

LAKE CNTY, IL: PATIENT “FRED”

HOW DO YOU THINK THE COURT RULED?

• In favor of the Psychiatrist

LA COUNTY PATIENT JOE

HOW DO YOU THINK THE COURT RULED?

• In favor of the Psychiatrist

Nicole

HOW DO YOU THINK THE COURT RULED?

• In favor of the School Counselor

VIII. Who Ya Gonna Call?: Conclusion

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A. What should a Coach do if they are uncertain about any area of practice?

i. Call your attorney

ii. Christian legal society

a) https://www.christianlegalaid.org/resources/find-christian-

lawyer

iii. Contact a local church

iv. Refer to Codes of Ethics

v. Consult with MHPs, colleagues, supervisors, attorneys and other experts

vi. For Questions specific to this presentation (and not for legal advice), you

may contact Jeanneane Maxon at JNMaxonConsulting@gmail.com

Sample Clauses for Coaching Agreements1

Sample Confidentiality Clause:2