In coach training we often talk about a coaching confidence. This is a belief in yourself and a belief in the coaching process as a whole.

Remember the first time you heard an experienced Coach in session? They made it seem so effortless: calmly “dancing with their client” as they explored the issue, always seeming to know what to ask next. But remember, like everyone who worked on developing their craft, they didn’t start out that way.

Practice builds confidence and will give you the opportunity to apply the techniques and skills learned in class to real life situations. You will start by being coached by peers then coaching your peers in return.  There is also the opportunity to coach in class and receive constructive feedback from trainers in Coaching Labs, Mentor Coaching, Observed Coaching, and Coach Supervision classes as well as Peer Coaching. All ICA programs offer opportunities coach development via practice.

ICA Coaching Labs are where you can practice and observe coaching in the context of the ICF competencies.  An expert coach facilitator will observe a live coaching session and then using a 'stop the clock' technique, they will ​interrupt the coaching session to highlight the use of a specific ICF Competency .  Using an ICA worksheet, students observing the coaching will make note of any competencies they observe, and then encouraged to share these with the group following the session.

Mentor Coaching is an opportunity to apply your learning from other parts of the program in class and receive feedback. You will participate in coaching role plays and observed by an experienced coach (Mentor Coaching trainers hold an ACC or PCC credential)

- To practice coaching aligned to the Coaching Competencies as given by the International Coaching Federation (ICF)

- To understand and articulate the coaching skills and techniques used in your coaching sessions

- To analyze and identify your learning from the coaching session

- To identify and outline your coaching process

- To recognize your strengths and nurture them, recognize your weaknesses and overcome them

- To demonstrate how you evaluate your coaching session

- To be prepared for the Observed Coaching Course that you are required to take toward graduation.

Observed Coaching is similar to Mentor Coaching in that you will coach and receive feedback by an experienced MCC or PCC coach.  But, unlike our regular classes, our Observed classes have only 6 students and are an intimate experience where students receive verbal and written feedback.  Observed Coaching is the final preparation for assessment and graduation.

FlipIt™ is a coaching framework for change. It is a 4 step process for resetting your lens and adopting a fresh way of 'seeing the world. It is a way to move from where you are now to where you want to be; to transition from a current state to a desired future state.  As a student you will attend these labs in the role of a CLIENT.  At the beginning of the Lab everybody will be asked to identify a problem or issue they would like to change. Ideally it is something that you have tried to change and couldn't, and it has to be something you are willing to change. You will then work through the 4 steps with the rest of the group, with the trainer inviting people to share their process along the way.

This provides insights into how to shift a perspective by being the client, and watching the coach in action.

Peer Coaching is one of the most beneficial parts of your coach training course. You will connect with coaches from all over the world and in many different industries and professions. Students set up real coaching appointments and get to experience the coach/client relationship in a learning environment.

The Peer Coaching Program is self regulated, which means it is up to you to get yourself a coach and to offer yourself as a coach. You can do this in the Peer Coaching Forum.  You can do as many peer coaching hours as you like but each coach training course has a minimum number of hours required.

Being a client is an underrated way of learning about coaching. Through your peer coach you will get a feel for what works and what doesn't, and truly experience what it is like to be on the other end of the coach.

As a coach you will practice the many new skills you will be learning in this course, and you will do so in a safe and supportive coaching relationship. Your coach is a student just like you so feel free to experiment and make mistakes.

You can do as many peer coaching hours as you like but each coach training course has a minimum number of hours required. Take advantage of the peer coaching opportunity to put coaching techniques into practice.