In life coaching, some may feel a natural pull towards spiritual coaching. Spiritual coaching isn’t mystical, but a grounded practice that requires education and training. What may have been considered abstract in the past is now a tangible way in which life coaches help their clients. One of the reasons holding certification in spiritual life coaching is so important is that spiritual coaches help clients align their values, purpose, and daily choices with themselves. In life, as clients face transitional periods, burnout, or times of growth, spiritual coaching can be an essential tool to help them navigate these times with greater purpose and a sense of achievement.
Although spiritual coaching may not be as well understood as other areas of coaching, it is a professional service, and those with International Coaching Federation (ICF) certifications have their skills rooted in ethics, training, accountability, and hands-on experience. Spiritual coaching is not coaching within a single faith or belief system, but a broader approach to aligning one’s life with core values and goals, which is why many find it brings clarity and fulfillment.
Spiritual Coaching Focus
At the core of spiritual coaching is developing personal meaning, strengthening and trusting one’s intuition, raising emotional awareness, discovering belief systems, and aligning inner values with goals and the choices and actions needed to achieve them. Spiritual coaching is not therapy or confessional. Instead, it focuses on helping clients unify the different components of their lives, so they complement one another. Spiritual coaching is not about giving advice, but instead about guiding clients through self-exploration and discovery in a safe, trusting environment with a professional trained in this unique field of coaching.
Spiritual Coaching Certifications
In spiritual coaching, training, and certifications are the only ways to ensure a successful career in this focus area. A professional spiritual coach should have the training and experience to work with individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs. Can you imagine only working with those who believed the exact same thing? How challenging it would be to navigate if clients strayed from their initial belief system. Only professional training and spiritual coaching certifications ensure a non-biased experience for the client. If a life coach, after earning their certification, chooses to market only within their own belief system, that is a personal choice, but a certification equips coaches to serve a broader audience.
Certifications are not just for clients, but also for coaches. The confidence that comes with knowing you have the best training and support to pursue a spiritual coaching career carries weight, and clients are comforted to know they are working with someone who has the skills to guide them in a healthy and beneficial way. A spiritual coaching certification from ICF includes extensive training in honoring client boundaries, holistic coaching, ethics, and evidence-based coaching approaches. Spiritual coaching can be a deeply transformative experience for clients, and it is the spiritual coach’s responsibility to be equipped and prepared to support them on their journey. Having strong support during and post-certification allows continued education opportunities, mentorships, and a team of other coaches knowledgeable and experienced in this field to assist.
Spiritual Coaching Sessions
A professional spiritual coach should be prepared to offer clients structured sessions that include goal-setting and reflective exercises. Sessions will focus on clarity around values and how to apply these skills in their everyday choices. The significance of coach/client confidentiality and the vital component of a trusting relationship are critical to a successful coaching experience for both the client and the coach. Only spiritual coaches with the training and experience can keep the scope of sessions clear and on track, and encourage empowerment rather than dependency. Although spiritual coaches, like all life coaches, would love to have long-term clients, the true nature of what life coaches do is promote independence.
Quality Spiritual Coaching Components
When seeking a spiritual coach, individuals should look for someone with a certification from a reputable organization. ICF is the world’s most well-known coaching federation, which is why it is the certification program offered at Life Purpose Institute.
When working with a new spiritual coaching client, be clear about what is offered, and share coaching philosophy and cost up front. Clients and coaches should be aligned on some basic components. Once a spiritual coach has some clients, encourage reviews and testimonials to help potential clients see that you are experienced and successful in helping others. This professional partnership focuses on bringing clarity, encouraging growth, and helping clients align with their values and goals. Every spiritual coach must practice integrity to help clients move forward with purpose and intent.
Since 1995, Life Purpose Institute has supported Spiritual Coaches through ICF programs, certifications, and resources. Contact today at 858-484-3400 for more information about becoming a life coach!
