The coaching industry has been growing year after year. As more people recognize the benefits of being coached in different areas of their lives, there is a greater need for coaches who have the skills and knowledge to help.
One common question from those who are thinking about becoming a life coach is “Do I really need to get a certification?”
While the simple answer is no, there are plenty of reasons why it’s a good idea for your personal and professional growth to obtain your life coaching credentials. The life coaching industry is not regulated in the same way that counseling and therapy is regulated. Coaches do not need to have a license to call themselves a coach, nor do they need one to advertise their business and begin working with clients.
If you are on the fence about whether or not you should obtain a life coaching certification, read on to learn our top 5 reasons why you should pursue it.
Learn valuable coaching skills.
While many coaches have some innate abilities and previously developed skills that make them effective coaches, there are many valuable skills, tools and techniques that must be learned. Pursuing a certification will equip you with proven coaching skills and techniques to help you be more effective with your clients and help them get the results they want. You will learn these tools under the supervision of an experienced coach who can guide and mentor you throughout the process.
Establish yourself as an expert.
When clients begin their search for a life coach, they will look at a number of things: your philosophy, your previous experience, testimonials from past clients. The ability to state that you have earned a certification from a reputable life coaching education program will make you stand out among the rest. It demonstrates your commitment to the industry, your investment in yourself and your career and shows that you have learned specific tools and techniques to be effective in your chosen coaching niche. Potential clients will surely take notice.
Join a professional community.
By participating in a life coaching certification program, you get much more than just an education. You develop connections that can become invaluable as you progress in your career. You will meet and develop relationships with other coaches who will act as your support system as you grow your business. They can also be a great source of information and mentoring over time. In addition to other coaches, you will have a network of instructors and an entire community of seasoned coaches to rely on when you meet a coaching or business hurdle that seems intractable.
Prepare for the future.
Although a life coaching credential is not required right now, that does not mean that it will always be the case. By obtaining your certification, you will be prepared for possible changes in the future that may require a certification to be mandatory. Working as a credentialed coach may be a great benefit to you down the road.
Invest in your personal development.
If there’s one thing that a life coach understands, it’s the value of investing in yourself. Completing a life coaching certification program gives you the opportunity to explore yourself more deeply, gain a better understanding of your passions and motivations and challenge yourself in new ways. You will learn tools and techniques in your program that will help you work on yourself, even before you try them with clients.
If you are still considering whether or not a life coaching certification program is right for you, contact the program specialists at Life Purpose Institute today. Our team can answer all of your questions and help you decide which path is right for you.