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Today was the final class for the Fall Session of ACT for Coaches and I thought it might be a good time to give you a little peek into what we did during the second half of the course. In Class 5 we talked about the role of mindfulness in ACT and how vital it is since it helps to anchor us in the present, which is the only place from which we can make effective values-based choices. We discussed what mindfulness is and is not and learned a number of different mindfulness techniques for use with ourselves and with our clients. In Class 6 we put the “act” in ACT by focusing on values-based goalsetting and committed action. This process is adaptive and, unlike other traditional goalsetting approaches (SMART Goals, for example), it focuses on process over outcome. It also involves anticipating both experiential and environmental barriers that may arise and having tools ready to use when they do. It helps to be prepared! In Class 7 we focused on ACT’s versatility by talking about how it can help with grief/loss and chronic pain as examples. Since we meet clients where they are, we often run into painful thoughts around these issues and we discussed various tools, focusing in particular on self-kindness and compassion. We also talked about the role of clean vs dirty pain in the process. Class 8 was the second of our two catch-up/integration/Q&A sessions, and we had some amazing conversations around self-soothing practices, how to apply these practices in session with clients, and using our judgment and our client’s needs when deciding which tools to include in a session. As a final take-away, it became very clear throughout the course that ACT 1) has incredible range when it comes to the different ways it can help clients, 2) is extremely flexible for use in coaching sessions to meet client needs, and 3) is customizable in how each coach can incorporate it into their own coaching style. All-in-all, it’s a great method and set of tools to have in our toolkits. The Winter Session of ACT for Coaches begins on January 8 and the early-bird $200 discount is in effect through Sunday, December 1 🙂

This week in ACT for Coaches we covered the last of our new material and focused on ACT’s versatility by talking about how it can help with grief/loss and chronic pain as examples. As coaches we have to meet our clients where they are, and that might include helping work through painful thoughts around loss or chronic pain, even if we don’t specialize in these areas, before we can move onto coaching around the issue(s) they actually came to us for. Since thoughts around grief/loss and chronic pain tend to be more tangible than other painful or intrusive thoughts, they can often be more difficult to work with. And for understandable reasons, our clients may be more resistant to doing real work around them. ACT’s focus on self-kindness and compassion plays a big role here, as do the various defusion techniques and metaphors it offers. It is kind and gentle through and through. I shared the story of my personal “Year from Hell” (2011) that was full of losses, including the loss of my mother and the loss surrounding my choice to leave my academic career. It sucked. A lot. And oh how I wish I had known about coaching, especially ACT, at the time. While I know nothing could have taken away the grief and all of the accompanying pain, it would have still eased the process for me in so many ways, especially by understanding how to work with the "dirty pain" that so often comes along for the ride... Next week is the last class of the Fall Session and is the second of our integration classes where we catch-up, review, do Q&A, and/or practice. It’s hard to believe we’re already almost done with the course! Whether you're a freshly minted coach wanting to add depth to your toolkit, an experienced coach who's heard of these tools and wants to learn more, or an ICF credentialed coach looking for some high-quality continuing education to get your CCEUs (20!), ACT for Coaches is a great option. The Winter Session of ACT for Coaches begins on January 8 and the $200 early-bird discount is in effect through December 1!

This week in ACT for Coaches we talked about putting the “act” in ACT by focusing on values-based goalsetting and committed action. ACT takes a much kinder and gentler approach to setting goals than traditional SMART goals. While it uses a similar framework, it seeks to ensure the goals are both values driven and adaptable and it focuses on process over outcome. It also involves anticipating both experiential and environmental barriers that may arise and having tools ready to use when they do. Having a plan on how to deal with intrusive thoughts or external roadblocks helps keep them from becoming overwhelming and derailing our progress. As coaches, clients often come to us for help with a specific goal or plan and using ACT’s values-based and committed action approach to goalsetting is a great option. And if you or your client are averse to the word goal, you don’t have to use it! Part of the beauty of ACT is that it is flexible. Substitute plan, purpose, intention, desired result, etc. instead… It’s pronounced “act” for a reason: because it’s ultimately all about taking action to live your life in line with your values. Thought work and everything we’ve discussed so far in the course are all important aspects of achieving this, but it takes committed action to actually get there. The Winter Session of ACT or Coaches begins on January 8. If you'd like to learn more, or to register for the course, click the link in the comments below. The $200 early-bird discount is currently in effect 🙂 To learn more, or to register for the course, click here: https://www.conceptsforcoaches.com/act-for-coaches To be added to the email list to receive information about course offerings click here: https://www.conceptsforcoaches.com/email-list-opt-in

For all you early early-birds, registration for the Winter Session of ACT for Coaches and NVC for Coaches is now open at the early-bird rate ($200 off the normal registration fee)! ACT for Coaches begins January 8 and runs eight consecutive Wednesdays from 12:00-1:30 pm PT. NVC for Coaches begins January 9 and runs for eight consecutive Thursdays from11:00am-12:30 pm PT. Both courses are ICF accredited for 20 Continuing Coach Education Units (15 Core Competencies and 5 Resource Development), but you do not have to be an ICF certified coach to take them. They are high quality professional/personal development or continuing education for all coaches. These courses are designed by a coach for coaches, not by a therapist for other therapists with coaches thrown in as an afterthought and are designed within a coach specific context to work within the limits we, as coaches, face. Each course is a thorough and approachable introduction to its subject (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training and Nonviolent Communication) that teaches you appropriate tools and techniques to use with and teach to your clients. By the end, you’ll understand fundamental principles and concepts and will have learned how to effectively incorporate the approach and its tools into your client sessions. Since the tools are experiential, a vital part of the program is to practice them on yourself before implementing them with clients. There will be plenty of opportunity in class to practice the tools and I have also created weekly Home Practice Assignments crafted to facilitate further practice and exploration. In addition, we’ll have a private group space for discussion, Q&A, and to arrange to practice with each other if you like. All of this is done in a welcoming, safe, and no-pressure environment. While I encourage interaction and participation in class, it is not required. My goal, first and foremost, is to create a safe and comfortable learning environment for you. Whether you're a freshly minted coach wanting to add depth to your toolkit, an experienced coach who's heard of these tools and wants to learn more, or an ICF credentialed coach looking for some high-quality continuing education to get your CCEUs (20!), either course is a good option.