While most accredited universities do not offer life coaching degrees, there are many independent organizations that offer degrees or certificates in life coaching. Some of the organizations available to Americans are the Tai Sophia Institute, The International Coach Federation, The International Association of Coaching and The Fowler Wainwright International Institute of Professional Coaching.
Life coaching courses tend to be arranged in a sequential order to correspond to the coaching process. In the beginning, you will learn the ethical standards of life coaching and how to help your client set her goals. Afterwards, you will study how to form rapport with the client, how to give and earn respect and how to let the client feel secure. Thereafter, your courses will consist of how to teach confidence, how to be an active listener, what questions to ask and selective use of words.
People pursue certificates and degrees in life coaching for diverse reasons. Some people may want to help others change their lives and live happily. Others may enjoy human interaction and wish to find a profession that allows them to be completely focused on building relationships with others. Still others set high goals of striking it rich by becoming an especially charismatic life coach like Tony Robbins or Steve Pavlina.
After obtaining a degree or certificate in life coaching, you have the choice of how to coach. Some life coaches work face-to-face with clients, much like a counseling psychologist. Other life coaches coach in small groups, similar to lecturers. Some life coaches coach via phone or online, allowing them to work from home. It is not uncommon to hear of life coaches giving seminars at companies or schools, either. There are many options available.