Frequently asked questions Co-Active Coaching
What is unique about the method?
Co-Active Coaching is not so much based on the power of the coach, but on the power of the coaching relationship, whereby skills such as listening and intuition are essential. In order to be able to empathize fully with the situation and problems of the client, the coach must be able to take a back seat and temporarily eliminate his/her own opinions and preconceptions. The commitment of clients to personal goals is extremely strong because they themselves formulate their values and aims and find the answers to their questions. In this way, they are able to increase their chances of success.
This method, based on a model specifically developed for this course, is made up of four different pillars. One of these pillars is the fact that a client is naturally creative, resourceful and capable. In short, the coachees have the answers themselves or are otherwise able to find them. This is the primary building block of Co-Active Coaching. From the Co-Active Coaching standpoint, there are no wrong answers, and ‘fixing’ the client is in no way required. The coach does not offer any answers; he only has questions and encourages the client to discover the answers.
Some other components of the model which form part of the method include:
- Making mistakes is encouraged (Nobody gets to be wrong);
- Using intuition;
- Active listening (there are various levels of listening addressed in the training sessions)
- Curiosity;
- The client determines the agenda.
This training program is accredited by the ICF (International Coach Federation) and offers participants the opportunity to become a certified coach. (Following certification you can join the ICF.)
The training program is organized very practically. Participants are first given an explanation of the program and its aims, after which they then set to work themselves in order to introduce what they have learnt into practice. The program thus involves a lot of practical exercises (with and on other participants) in which you immediately use and experience the knowledge acquired. However, by also serving as training material for the other participants, you get to see what it is like to be in the coachee’s chair, which is, of course, also beneficial for your own personal development.
How does this program differ from other coaching training programs?
Co-Active Coaching is a work-related method which can also be employed as life coaching, whereby one’s entire life is addressed. The total training program has been accredited by ICF, the International Coach Federation. Co-Active Coaching is founded on the conviction that each individual aspect of one’s life “ career, relationship, recreation, personal growth, finances “ are interconnected and focused on the ultimate goal of the coachee. It is assumed that each coachee is naturally creative and resourceful. Every coachee has everything which they need to find their own answers within themselves. It is the coach’s job to ask questions, listen and give the coachee space to develop instead of instructing and advising.
During the training sessions, you will see how people can free themselves from their preconceptions, rules and limits, enabling themselves to choose what really brings them to life and makes them happier and more effective. You will be given practical tools for allowing clients to discover their own unique values and create a vision for a challenging future. You will also learn to help your client find their own source of inspiration.
You will be given training and practical exercises in order to help you master the basic skills of the co-active coach. The emphasis in the training sessions will be on exercises for practice and active participation. Theory will be dealt with to a lesser degree; you can study this on your own in the evenings or after the training sessions. The active training method guarantees that the coaching skills will form part of your natural behavior. You will be given ample opportunity to coach others, and then you will then receive feedback on this. The training sessions are run by two highly experienced coaches from the Coaches Training Institute (CTI). As mentioned, the language of instruction is English, but there will be two assistants present for Dutch-language support.
Why are the training sessions primarily held in English?
The training programe has been developed by the English-language CTI (Coach Training Institute) in the US. There are currently no Chinese-speaking co-active trainers available for Chinese-speaking versions. The advantage of this is that expats living in China can also participate in the program. Besides this training delivers an international and intercultural compatible coaching approach. The program is successfully offered in Europe, Arabian countries and Japan. The English language is essential to connect all people and establish coaching in global business surroundings.
What level of English do I need to be able to participate in the program?
A good basic knowledge is sufficient, you don’t need to be able to speak business English fluently. There will be assistants (m/f) on hand during the training sessions who will be able to help you with the language if necessary. Furthermore, when you do exercises together with other Chinese-speaking participants, you can do so in Chinese.
Is the program time-intensive?
The Fundamentals training program covers 2.5 days with around 2 hours of homework in the evenings (during the training weekend). The Intermediate program comprises four blocks of three days with around 2 hours of homework per block. This is in addition to the potential coaching hours which you may do (not obligatory).
In total you will receive 116 ICF-accredited training hours. Additionally there are 18 hours of homework and coaching after the lessons.
Certification over six months requires approx. 5-10 hours per week but depends greatly on the number of clients whom you are coaching. Every week you will have a 1.5-hour podcall (a telephone meeting with your group), prior to which you will listen to an hour-long CD, each time reading through a chapter as well. The triads (telephone meetings in groups of three) are also held weekly: 1.5 hours, preparing and carrying out homework. In addition, you will also have other activities throughout the entire program such as supervision (9 x 1 hour and your own coach 6-12 hours every six months). At the end of the certification, you will have to take a written exam which must be returned within two weeks. Each participant then has a separate oral exam once the written exam has been successfully completed.
I unfortunately have to miss a few hours from one block, is that ok?
You must attend the full training program in order to receive the certificate with the ICF-accredited training hours. According to the rules of the Coaches Training Institute, you cannot complete the training program or participate (yet) in a follow-up course if you miss more than two hours. In the case of the intermediate program, we will look for a possible solution together with you (e.g. attending a block elsewhere).
Can I also follow the intermediate training program in separate modules?
Due to the group dynamic (one normally attends all four workshops with the same group), we prefer participants to follow the whole intermediate program with the same group. However, if a participant wishes to take one or more separate modules, this is possible.
What are the conditions for certification and when I can register?
In order to register, you must have attended the first four Co-Active Coaching training modules: Fundamentals of Co-Active Coaching and the first three intermediate modules:
Fulfillment, Balance and Process.
What does certification cost?
The price of the certification program is $4,400. This price does not include:
- The book Co-Active Coaching by Laura Whitworth, Karen Kimsey-House, Henry Kimsey-House & Phil Sandahl
- Your own certified coach, prices vary (average price $300 per month).
- Long-distance telephone expenses: prices vary. Skype is also an option.
- Equipment for recording telephone conversations.
- Missed supervision: $140 per incident.
- Certification exam $475.
You must register for certification with the CTI in the USA.
Can this training program also be provided in-company and what are the conditions for this?
Yes, this training program can easily be provided in-company. If you would like to know more, please contact us at ingridwang@schoutenchina.com