Vera University Wellness Coach Certification. Fall 2013 Course Information

Transcription

1 Vera University Wellness Coach Certification Fall 2013 Course Information

2 Dear Prospective Student, Thank you for your interest in Vera Whole Health s Wellness Coach Certification! This course is a comprehensive, hands-on, experiential certification program that will teach you how to help transform the lives of others while creating an upward spiral in your own. This program is for doers; it s for those who want to be the change. Our graduates tell us how fun, deep and rewarding this training was for them. Even better, they share awesome stories of all the lives they are bringing to whole health and lasting change through coaching. We hope you ll be next! Who are wellness coaches? A wellness coach is a wellness professional who has completed rigorous training and testing in coaching competencies, the psychology of motivation and evidence-based theories of behavior change. In addition to possessing the skills of coaching, wellness coaches hold a degree, certification or additional training in at least one health-related field (such as exercise, nutrition, or nursing). What do Wellness Coaches do, exactly? Wellness Coaches work with clients to create actionable strategies for achieving specific goals around one s health and wellness. They meet with clients one-on-one, in groups, in person or over the phone. During a typical coaching session, a coach will guide their client through a self-discovery process which helps them to identify their strengths, clarify their values, set priorities, brainstorm possibilities, and design positive goals. Wellness coaching may address multiple habits, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep and support systems. The coach approach is different from the expert approach that most of us are accustomed to. Coaches do not tell their clients what to do, or how to do it. In a coaching relationship, it is the client, not the coach, who initiates change, creates their own vision plan and sets personally motivating weekly goals. The coach facilitates this process by asking powerful open-ended questions, listening with curiosity and empathy, reflecting back what they hear and holding the client accountable. Wellness coaches are collaborative partners in their client s journey to reach their vision of well-being. Who is an ideal candidate for this training? Health, wellness and fitness professionals who want to help their clients achieve lasting behavior change. Physical therapists, doctors and nurses who want continuing education in behavior modification for their patients. Wellness professionals looking to develop their skills in assisting others to lead healthy lifestyles. Life-long learners curious about the psychology of change, who want to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Wellness Coach Certification Fall 2013 Page 2

3 What s unique about the Vera Whole Health Certification? Self-awareness. We re not much use to others unless we first critically examine ourselves and how we affect those around us. This training helps you explore your unique personality, how you respond to conflict, how you influence others at a subconscious level and vice versa. Evidence-based theories. You will learn a wide variety of theories and skills to help your clients avoid getting stuck. You will learn multiple theories of behavior change, vision and goal setting, listening styles, communication systems, problem solving, and handling resistance. Coaching not advising. We teach you how to draw out of your client what they already know, believe, and desire. Motivation is intrinsic; it cannot be prescribed. Practical application. During your certification, you will be required to work with three practice clients for 12 sessions each. You will be informed by the wisdom of your instructors and classmates as we discuss each client and your coaching process. Further, we will give you a framework for your coaching sessions that is flexible and effective. Integrity selling. Integrity selling is aligning what we offer to a client s needs without forcing the sale. Sales are at the center of the wellness industry but this skill set is rarely taught (after all, you can t help someone until they sign-up!). We ll show you that many of the skills needed to be a successful coach apply to successfully selling. We teach an enlightened process to use when selling along with closing techniques that lead you to a win-win. I feel more confident than I ever thought possible to be a professional in the health and wellness field. The Vera training... prepares you to engage customers in an esteeming way to improve their lives. I couldn t have been more pleased at the outcome. -Michelle Wellness Coach Certification Fall 2013 Page 3

4 Curriculum Contents You will graduate from the Vera Whole Health Wellness Coach Certification with a practiced understanding of the following frameworks and skill sets (in alphabetical order): 12 week coaching model Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Brainstorming protocol Change talk/resistance talk Coaching vs. advising Conflict resolution tools Decisional Balance Emotional Intelligence Empathy Generative moments ICF Definition of Coaching ICF Core Coaching Skills ICF Coach Code of Ethics Intake forms Integrity selling principles Lapse/relapse Learning modes and styles Levels of consciousness Mindful listening Motivational Interviewing (MI) Nonviolent communication (NVC) Open-ended inquiry Operant conditioning Perceptive reflections Positive Psychology Preventing burnout Processes of change Projection Referral guidelines Rolling with resistance Rulers to measure readiness, willingness and commitment to change Sales protocol Self-awareness Self-care Self-esteem and self-efficacy SMART goal creation Stages of change Transference/counter-transference Transtheoretical Model of behavior change Trust and rapport Relational flow Reframing Vision plan creation Wellness Coach Certification Fall 2013 Page 4

5 Certification Dates Thursdays: September 12 th December 12 th, 6-9:15pm Saturday: September 14 th, 1-6pm NO CLASS on Thurs, Oct 31 st and Thurs, Nov 28 th Pricing Summary Application fee Deposit Remaining tuition Total cost Books (not included) $50 $300 $2400 $2750 approx. $60 Pricing Details Application fee: $50 due with application Deposit: The $300 deposit due at time of acceptance will secure your space in the course and may be paid via check, credit or debit card. In the event that you wish to withdraw from the course after 5 business days after making an initial payment, $200 of the deposit will be refunded to you. $100 is kept by Vera University to process student applications and establish a student record system Remaining Tuition: $2,400 *Please note: remaining tuition is calculated after the application fee and deposit Discounts and Payment Plans Early Bird Discount: $2,200 Application must be received before the end of day August 8 th to qualify. 3 month payment plan: 3 payments of $800 will be auto deducted from your account over a three month period. If you select this payment plan you must pay via a debit or credit card and payment must be complete before November 12 th Returning Students: Any student who wishes to retake the course can do so for $1200 off the cost of tuition (a 50% discount). Books: Books are not included in the certification price. Students are required to source their own books. Prices reflect an estimated cost of books purchased new, and may be less if purchased used or online. The books required for the course are: The Joy Diet: Ten Daily Practices for a Happier Life by Martha Beck ($15 new) Coaching Psychology Manual (2009) by Margaret Moore and Bob Tschannen-Moran ($45-$55 new) Wellness Coach Certification Fall 2013 Page 5

6 Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the time commitment? A: We ll meet in the classroom for 3.25 hours per week for 12 weeks and one Saturday (see dates above). Outside of class, you can expect to budget 5 hours per week for selfcare and 5-7 hours per week for reading, writing, working with practice clients and meeting with your personal coach. Full certification takes approximately 5 months to complete. Students have up to one year from the last day of class to take the oral and written exams. Q: What are the prerequisites for taking the program? Applicants must have an expertise in at least one area of health and wellness, or in working one-on-one with clients in a therapeutic setting. There are two ways we determine expertise. 1. You hold a degree or certification in a health and wellness related field. Examples are: Nurse Practitioner Massage Therapist Social Worker Registered Dietician Personal Trainer Yoga Instructor 2. We recognize that expertise is developed in areas outside the classroom, and we appreciate the spirit of entrepreneurship at Vera Whole Health. We welcome applicants with at least two years experience in a health and wellness related position, or working one-on-one with clients in a therapeutic setting, for example: Ministry work Counselor Wellness-oriented service provider If you have questions about whether your area of expertise would be considered for acceptance, please contact Kate Parker at university@verawholehealth.com. Q: What is the maximum enrolment? A: In order to create an intimate learning environment with targeted personal attention, enrollment is limited to 20 students. Q: Is this a National certification? A: No. There is currently no nationally recognized certifying body for wellness coaching. We align ourselves with the Core Coaching Competencies, Definition of Coaching and Code of Ethics as established by the International Coach federation, but are not currently an ICF accredited training program (please visit for more information). Wellness Coach Certification Fall 2013 Page 6

7 Q: Where do wellness coaches work? A: Many of our graduates choose to apply their coaching skills inside of their current wellness professions, seeing increased participation and motivation from their clients as a result. We see graduates integrate coaching into fields such as massage therapy, yoga, health care, nutrition consulting, and even marketing and sales. Coaches with the entrepreneurial spirit may go on to start their own coaching businesses. Some coaches work for insurance companies or at health care clinics. Coaches also work for corporations to create a culture of wellness in the workplace. Vera Whole Health uses wellness coaches in its clinics and Whole Health Centers as an integral part of the provider team. Q: Do you hire out of this program? A: When we have openings for wellness coaches in our clinics, our graduates are notified via our alumni mailing list and invited to apply. Vera University alumni are required to go through the same application and interview process as other applicants. The Vera Whole Health hiring process is highly collaborative and hiring choices are made by committee, with Vera University instructors providing valuable insight regarding the coaching skills of potential candidates. Q: I m in! How do I apply? Visit verawholehealth.com and submit your application today! I loved going through Vera s Wellness Coaching Training! I learned so much about communicating and listening effectively - not only with other people in a professional setting, but in my own personal life. Going through the course was nothing short of an enriching, life-changing experience. - Carla Wellness Coach Certification Fall 2013 Page 7

8 Meet the Vera University Team Lead educator and Coach, Jamie Hall infuses her teaching, as well as her personal wellness practices, with passion and a sense of genuine curiosity, creativity, acceptance and joy. As a modern dance professional, Jamie spent 12 years performing and teaching all over the world. In 2009 Jamie transitioned out of her full time performing career to receive her MFA in dance education with an emphasis on dancer wellness and nutrition. She also holds a certificate in Health Coaching from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NYC and completed her yoga teacher training from the Samarya Center in Seattle. Jamie has evolved her love for creative and expressive movement into a quest for personal balance and well-being. So far on this quest she has discovered that the way to fitness, wellness and a fulfilling life is not through a miracle pill, strict diets, or the next fad exercise routine, it is an individual and wholesome journey. She also believes that dancing, as well as the practice of yoga, are not simply physical disciplines, but rather catalysts for growth and healing, as well as a means to the exploration and realization of our true SELF. Now, as a health coach and fitness instructor, Jamie is passionate about helping people identify and overcome obstacles that stand between them and the joys of a healthful life. Sharing this journey with her students and clients is a huge source of inspiration for her. Using the healing powers of food, yoga, and joyful movement, Jamie offers a unique approach to health and wellness. Vera University Manager and Coach, Kate Parker came to coaching after working as a personal trainer for Vera Fitness. She brings genuine curiosity, honesty and playfulness to her coaching relationships and loves exploring how we learn and what make us tick. After growing up in a military family, Kate spent ten years as a professional actress and teacher in the theatre. She credits both of these experiences for instilling in her an appreciation for the diversity of people, giving her the opportunity to travel, teach and perform in hundreds of communities all over the world. She believes there are endless ways to view an experience, and strives to understand her client s perspective, to see the world from their eyes. As a personal trainer, Kate s mission was to create a safe space where her clients could come as they are. The same is true for coaching. Kate sets the stage for her clients to succeed by creating an environment where clients can be themselves, allowing for discovery and growth. Kate enjoys challenging her clients to understand why they make choices and what drives them. She strives to guide her clients towards that moment where they connect the dots, discovering their strengths and leveraging them to make the changes they seek. Wellness Coach Certification Fall 2013 Page 8

9 Chief Visionary Officer, Valerie Burlingame is a founder of Vera Whole Health. As an accomplished teacher, mentor and coach in the area of health and wellness, Valerie creates communities where clients and health professionals thrive. To support the VWH mission, Valerie developed the Vera University branch of Vera Whole Health in the fall of At Vera University educators train and certify a diverse array of students in Fitness, Yoga, Nutrition and Wellness Coaching. Programs are recognized by the Yoga Alliance and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. To date Vera U has delivered in-person instruction to 120 enrollees in intensive vocational programs ranging from three to six months long. The wellness professionals at Boeing chose Vera U to certify all of their full-time fitness employees as Vera Wellness Coaches in With over a decade of experience owning health and wellness studios and running or supporting not-for-profit theater boards, Valerie has honed her talent for facilitating culture change in organizations and communities. In this spirit she developed the Wellness Council protocols and education for Seattle Children s to support engagement with the Vera Whole Health Center at Springbrook and facilitate the transformation of health within their organization. Valerie is also the President of Wellness Coaches International and maintains a rigorous workshop and lecture schedule. The instructors are engaging, dynamic and gifted communicators - presenting the material in such a practical, interesting & pertinent way that it totally gets in and changes you, not only as a coach, but as a person. I came into this program with high expectations and they were exceeded in every way! - Donna Wellness Coach Certification Fall 2013 Page 9