Individual Lectures
Self-Guided | Virtual
Enhance your coaching expertise with our 1-hour individual lectures, designed to provide coaches with continuing education opportunities. These sessions cover a handful of highly specialized focus areas offering valuable insights for skill enhancement. Note that these lectures are great for improving your technique and adding to your credentials, but they are not part of a certification path. These lectures are pulled from our certification programs.
We’ve had the pleasure of training youth coaches for:





Course Options
AI Literacy for Coaches
Coaches will be introduced to what AI is and how it works, how teens and young adults are using it now, predicted impacts on education and work, benefits and challenges of integrating AI tools, AI coaching, AI as a tool for coaching, and how coaches are uniquely positioned to lead in the AI era.
- Includes lecture, PDF, and a completion certificate (upon request)
- This course can count as 1 Hour of CE toward ICF and CCE BCC coach continuing education requirements for credential renewal. It applies toward the resource development hours for ICF continuing education.
Motivational Interviewing for Coaches
Coaches will be introduced to the four principles of MI, mandated agendas, ambivalence, how MI facilitates change, the DERS, OARS, and DARN-C models
- Includes lecture, PDF, handouts, discussion prompts, and a completion certificate
- Coaches may apply MI to enhance client motivation for positive change
This course can count as 1 Hour of CE toward ICF and CCE BCC coach continuing education requirements for credential renewal. It applies toward the resource development hours for ICF continuing education.
Positive Psychology for Coaches
Coaches will be introduced to positive psychology theories including the PERMA model, the tipping point, positivity ratio, hedonic adaptation, the happiness set point, and coaching to enhance positive emotion
- Includes lecture, PDF, handouts, discussion prompts, and a completion certificate
- This course can count as 1 Hour of CE toward ICF and CCE BCC coach continuing education requirements for credential renewal. It applies toward the resource development hours for ICF continuing education.
Parent Coaching
Coaches will be introduced to parenting education and coaching, understanding development differences for each life stage to tailor parenting approaches to those needs, learning and behavior, attachment and parenting styles, and positive discipline.
- Includes lecture, PDF, and a completion certificate (upon request)
- This course can count as 1 Hour of CE toward ICF and CCE BCC coach continuing education requirements for credential renewal. It applies toward the resource development hours for ICF continuing education.
Desistance Coaching for Transitions Away from Crime or Delinquency
Coaches will be introduced to the criminal desistance research, the desistance process (how those who successfully transition away from crime or delinquency do so), the desistance and positive reform model (Founder, Dr. Leah B. Mazzola’s dissertation research), and strategies to coach clients through successful transitions.
- Includes lecture, PDF, and a completion certificate (upon request)
- This course can count as 1 Hour of CE toward ICF and CCE BCC coach continuing education requirements for credential renewal. It applies toward the resource development hours for ICF continuing education.
Addiction & Recovery Coaching Considerations
Coaches will be introduced to the differences between substance use and addiction, current addiction statistics, the neurobiology of addiction and recovery, addiction and recovery theories and models, general guidelines, and health effects for common substances, and evidence-based strategies to support recovery.
- Includes lecture, PDF, and a completion certificate (upon request)
- This course can count as 1 Hour of CE toward ICF and CCE BCC coach continuing education requirements for credential renewal. It applies toward the resource development hours for ICF continuing education.
Well-being at Work: Career Coaching Considerations
Coaches will be introduced to the science of work engagement, disengagement, burnout, and flourishing, and various evidence-based coaching solutions (e.g., job crafting, person-job/organization-fit, career discovery coaching) to foster well-being in their client’s work lives.
- Includes lecture, PDF, handouts, discussion prompts, and a completion certificate
Coaches may apply this content to support their client’s engagement and thriving at work. - This course can count as 1 Hour of CE toward ICF and CCE BCC coach continuing education requirements for credential renewal. It applies toward the resource development hours for ICF continuing education.
Mindfulness Tools for Coaching
Coaches will be introduced to stress reactions and how mindfulness can be applied to begin developing self-management skills, an overview of what mindfulness is, benefits of mindfulness, and mindful practices and tools
- Includes lecture, PDF, discussion prompts, and a completion certificate
- This course can count as 1 Hour of CE toward ICF and CCE BCC coach continuing education requirements for credential renewal. It applies toward the resource development hours for ICF continuing education.
EXCELLENT Based on 56 reviews Posted on Kody Hersh I appreciated YCI's model of independent self-study combined with live classes for coaching practice and discussion. The content of the self-study materials has been really helpful for me as a youth professional in refreshing my knowledge of adolescent development, and learning how to use that knowledge to provide effective support as a coach. Program leaders are gifted and knowledgeable, and admin staff provided prompt and skilled support.Posted on Huaru Kang Participating in the YCI courses and becoming a certified Youth Well-being Coach through the YCI training has been truly an inspiring and rewarding journey. The program has not only deepened my understanding of youth development through self-study courses but also equipped me with practical coaching skills through online live sessions. I particularly appreciate its research-based and evidence-driven approach, which makes the course content both convincing and impactful. This clearly reflects Dr. Leah’s hard work and dedication. I am also very grateful for the support of our online meeting facilitator, Bonnie. She is a wonderful person, very kind and supportive, and demonstrating outstanding professionalism in coaching.Posted on Heidi Huelster This incredible program is the real stuff that you need as a Youth Coach. Not only are the Coaches who are facilitating actually IN the world coaching and professional, but are beyond gifted. I am grateful for what I have gained as a Coach and beyond happy that I dove in for the whole experience. You won't regret doing the same.Posted on Mary Bloser I can't say enough about YCI. If you really want to learn how to coach, this is your program! It really breaks down the fundamentals and teaches you how to coach in a pure fashion. I'm not even done with the program and my confidence in my coaching has grown enormously. Also, I love how the program is so current and research-based around coaching techniques and adolescent science. The YCI staff are kind and very professional.Posted on Lynn Faitrouni Highly recommended! This experience was genuinely life-changing, it helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect, both personally and professionally. I felt seen, supported, and deeply encouraged every step of the way.Posted on Jeannie Sorensen I just finished the Coaching Adolescents course and absolutely loved it. The scope, depth and utility of the information is outstanding and I feel far more prepared to coach youth than I did before taking the course. Thank you for putting this together in such a thoughtful, fluid way and grounding each segment in research. I will be recommending this course every chance I get!Posted on Marija Durakovich The Certified Youth Resilience Coaching program has exceeded my expectations and has definitely been worth the investment. Recalling Dr. Leah's words at the start of the program that ''this program will also change you in your personal life'' I can definitely attest to that. This was my first exposure to coaching and it has solidified my plans to start a private practice coaching youth (in Europe where I reside). The YCI is in terms of professionalism, organization, feedback, and practical experience top-notch (this is coming from a person who graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and is a fanatic when it comes to loyalty, organization, and experiential learning).Posted on Tyshonna Delaney My experience with The Youth Coaching Institute has been nothing short of life-changing. The training was thoughtfully designed, truly aligned with the development of coaches, and provides resources and community for coaches. The instructors were not only experts in the field, but also incredibly supportive and engaging throughout the process. I successfully and confidently completed YCI feeling fully equipped to support youth in meaningful, strengths-based ways. The community of fellow trainees was also inspiring—diverse, passionate, and deeply committed to making a difference. Whether you're new to coaching or looking to specialize in youth development, YCI is a great organization to support your goals. I highly recommend it to anyone serious about empowering the next generation.Posted on Shyla Mathews I have just completed CYWC with Dr Leah and Team! Highly recommend this training if you are looking at starting your coaching journey. The pacing of the programme is well planned with all the materials prepared well and very informative. Learnt so much and Dr Leah is very responsive to all my questions.Posted on Анна Крбашян I recently completed the coaching certification course, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience! Dr. Leah is an amazing instructor—professional, supportive, and incredibly knowledgeable. From the very first session, I could tell I was in good hands. The course was engaging, and I loved every minute of it, even though I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. The material was well-structured, and Dr. Leah’s teaching style made it easy to understand even complex concepts. I also appreciated the supportive learning environment, where all my questions were answered thoughtfully and thoroughly. I’m so glad I found this course and feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from Dr. Leah. I’m excited to start my coaching journey and would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to become a certified coach!
The Core Benefits of Individual Lectures
Diverse Knowledge Expansion
As a coach or youth-serving individual, your learning journey never ends. Individual lectures cover a wide range of topics, allowing you to become an expert in certain topics and expand your skill set.
Convenience and Flexibility
Our lectures are completely virtual and self-guided, offering a convenient way to engage in continuing education for coaches. Deepen your skills and gain new insights over the course of only one hour.
Continuing Education Opportunity
These lectures are ideal for coaches looking to fulfill their continuing education requirements and stay updated in their field. This ensures you continue to grow and make the biggest impact on the lives of your clients.
Practical Application
Each lecture focuses on practical tools and approaches, enabling coaches and professionals to immediately apply new techniques in their coaching practice or relationships with youth.
Have Questions? Schedule a Q&A With Us.
Whether you have some coaching experience under your belt, want to better serve youth in your profession, or are exploring a profitable and fulfilling career choice, we’re here to guide you on the best path forward. Fill out our contact form or schedule a live 20-minute Q&A to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each course is self-paced, providing access to a pre-recorded lecture, PDF, discussion prompts, and a completion certificate.
Each course can count as 1 Hour of CE toward ICF and CCE BCC coach continuing education requirements for credential renewal. They apply toward the resource development hours for ICF continuing education.
Registration can be completed through our website. Simply browse our available lectures, press “enroll” for your chosen course, and easily checkout online.
The lectures are conducted by experienced coaches and experts in the respective fields covered in each session. We invite you to meet our faculty and staff to view the coaching professionals who are responsible for creating and organizing course materials and lectures.
We provide a completion certification after you’ve completed the lecture and study materials. This course contributes toward CE credit requirements, but it is not a coaching certification path.
Yes, these lectures will benefit your knowledge whether you are just beginning your coaching career or you have years of experience in the field. They are also suitable for youth-serving professionals who are not coaches but looking to improve their skills in specific areas.
The behavioral science knowledge you’ll gain is also generally applicable. You are practicing coaching peer trainees who are adults of all ages with various backgrounds, experiences, and cultures during your in-class training. This means that you’re learning to coach adults of all ages through this program.
Because your training with us is approved by the International Coaching Federation, you also qualify to obtain a higher credential through the ICF upon successful completion with us. The ICF’s designations are general professional coaching designations accepted in most coaching-related roles.
Reach Out to Us to Learn More
Have questions or want to speak with a member of our team? Schedule a meeting or reach out to us directly, and we’ll be happy to assist you on your coaching journey.
Youth Coaching Expert Insights
Discover a library of free expert resources exploring the youth coaching landscape, the experiences of adolescents today, and opportunities to strengthen your approach.

How Mental Health Coaching Supports Teens with Anxiety

The Art of Helping: Why Good Intentions Can Harm Young People

Stop Venting, Start Solving: A Guide
Elevate Your Impact and Start Coaching Today
Make a positive and measurable impact with the Youth Coaching Institute. Develop your coaching skillset and begin the journey to becoming a certified youth life coach today.