Life Coach Training & Coach Mentoring Services
Youth Life Coach Training & Certification
We offer a 63-hour evidence-based youth life coach training and certification program for youth-serving professionals. Our program is approved by the International Coach Federation and the Center for Credentialing and Education. Coaches who complete the program earn our Certified Youth Mentor Coach / Certified Youth Leadership Coach designation. We merge behavioral science and coaching to equip underserved youth to overcome and thrive.
ICF Mentor Coaching
Individual and group mentor coaching for certified coaches pursuing the International Coach Federation’s Associate Certified Coach credential.
Continuing Education for Certified Coaches
Live and self-study coach continuing education options for certified coaches interested in developing evidence-based knowledge relevant to coaching adolescents.
"When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else."
Our Rise and Thrive Model
Our coaches are trained to guide clients through an intake assessment process to understand the client’s needs and goals. From there, the coach tailors the coaching plan to the client incorporating relevant focus areas from the four domains below. These domains integrate research-based resilience building initiatives for optimal performance and enhanced well-being through achievement.

Resource Optimization
Coaching clients through resource optimization involves helping the client identify and leverage the internal and external tools presently available to them to begin moving toward their goals. We facilitate self-awareness around concepts like identity, strengths, interests, values, and desires to enhance self-mastery.

Personal Development
Coaching clients through personal development involves helping clients enhance their sense of agency to choose goals, act toward chosen goals, and succeed. We support clients as they prioritize self-regulation and tap into self-determined motivation, meaning, and purpose on their way to achievement.

Social Development
Coaching clients through social development involves facilitating social and emotional learning and related competency building. Through this focus, clients become more aware of the functional role of social interactions and relationships to success and well-being.

Structural Support Development
Coaching clients through structural support development involves facilitating goal-orientation for fit in education, job paths, and prosocial groups conducive to goals. We coach clients through the research and considerations necessary to begin to establish self-determined life direction, related planning, and action steps around long-term goals.
Training Costs
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Life Coach Training - Stages 1-2 $1,150 USD
42 training hours over 14 weeks. Ideal for youth-serving professionals who will be adding coaching skills to their work with youth, but have no interest in independent practice or business building.
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Life Coach Training - Stages 1-3 $1,650 USD
60-63 training hours over 20 weeks. Ideal for professionals interested in independent coaching practice and business building.
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ICF Mentor Coaching Group - Stage 4 $750 USD
$750 USD for YCI alumni coaches. $850 USD for non-alumni. For certified coaches preparing to submit their ICF ACC application.
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CE - Coaching Adolescents - Self-Study $400 USD
For certified coaches. 16 self-study training hours.
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CE - Specialty Certification - Certified Career Discovery Coach - Self-Study $400 USD
For certified coaches who have completed 60+ hours of ICF- or CCE- approved coach specific training. 12 self-study training hours.
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CE - Evidence-Based Coaching Methods - 1-Hour Self-Study Module $40 USD
(Options: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing for Coaches, Positive Psychology Primer for Coaches, Mindfulness for Coaching, Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Coaching) For certified coaches. Individual lectures for 1-hour of coach continuing education credit. Includes discussion prompts for a completion certificate.
FAQs
All training, supervision, and practicum is completed 100% virtually and available internationally via live Zoom webinar and/or telephone conference calling.
Candidates must be
21 years old or older
Recommended pre-requisites:
hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field with 1 year of experience working directly with at-risk youth or
hold an associate’s degree or higher in any field with 2 years of experience working directly with at-risk youth or
have four years of experience working directly with at-risk youth or young adults
Tip: Our training programs are ideal for professionals working directly with underserved youth, professionals leading organizations serving these populations, or those who aim to serve this audience through private coaching businesses or volunteering.
Life coaching is a helping profession focused on learning and growth. Thus, it is a wonderful skillset addition for those in or interested in a career path within helping professions or education (e.g., human resources, counseling, social work, human services, nursing, teaching, public health, etc.)
Training progression is as follows for those pursuing youth life coach certification:
Stage 1 – Introduction to Coaching – cannot be taken as a stand-alone block.
Stage 2 – Certified Youth Transition Coach – for trainees with no interest in independent practice or business building. These coaches will apply their newly honed skills as internal employees for schools, colleges, community-serving organizations, etc.
Stage 3 – Certified Youth Mentor Coach/Certified Youth Leadership Coach – Trainees who complete Stages 2-3 will earn the full ICF and CCE-approved life coach training hours. These coaches will go through the business building considerations portion of training and be prepared to continue higher credentialing through the ICF and/or CCE.
Stage 4 – ICF Group Mentor Coaching – for coaches who will be pursuing higher credentialing through the International Coach Federation. This is the 10 hours of mentor coaching required for the ICF ACC application.
Stage 5 – Specialty Certifications – Coming February 2021 – Certified Career Discovery Coach, Certified Learning & Development Coach, Certified Desistance and Positive Reform Coach – These will be 6-8-week courses for certified coaches.
We do! Here are our options:
CE – Coaching Adolescents (Video Series) – Open to coaches certified by an ICF- or CCE-approved coach training organization who are seeking supplemental training for coaching youth and emerging adults. The complete training program consists of 16 hours of self-study training over eight weeks. International Coach Federation-credentialed coaches may use this training toward Resource Development CE for the maximum 16 hours of self-paced courses allowed for ICF credential renewal. See the ICF’s “self-paced courses and other self-study guidelines. Board Certified Coaches through the Center for Credentialing & Education may use these hours toward self-study CE. See the CCE’s CE guidelines.
CE – Single 1-Hour Class Modules in Evidence-Based Coaching Methods (Video Lectures) – (Options: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing for Coaches, Positive Psychology Primer for Coaches, Mindfulness for Coaching, Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Coaching) Open to certified coaches seeking coach continuing education in evidence-based methods. These single class recordings are pulled from our live 30-week youth life coach training program.
International Coach Federation-credentialed coaches may use this training toward Resource Development CE for the maximum 16 hours of self-paced courses allowed for ICF credential renewal. See the ICF’s “self-paced courses and other self-study guidelines. Board Certified Coaches through the Center for Credentialing & Education may use these hours toward self-study CE. See the CCE’s CE guidelines.
Basic Coaching Skills (Video Series) – Available to organizations employing staff or volunteer coaches who practice under the supervision of a coach certified by an ICF- or CCE-approved program. This series is not intended to serve as a stand-alone training or certification program for coaches. It is intended to serve as a training primer. Coaching is an applied discipline. Therefore, it is highly recommended that staff or volunteer coaches experience formal training in a synchronous setting wherein they have an opportunity to apply and develop coaching skills in practice under the supervision of a qualified coach.
We currently offer the following private training options for organizations:
Youth Life Coach Certification (Stages 1-3) – Available for private group scheduling for agencies or organizations with a group of 8 or more. If you have less than 8 to train at any given time, feel free to enroll them in any of our ongoing live training cohorts with space available.
Certified Desistance and Positive Reform Coach – Separate training for professionals who support juveniles and emerging adults working toward positive change. (E.g., juvenile justice professionals, social workers, case managers, probation officers, counselors, etc.) Only available on a group training basis for agencies or organizations supporting this audience. Scroll down to the pricing table for additional details.
Contact leah@youthcoachinginstitute.com to schedule.
Because socioeconomic disadvantage is a common issue for our audience, trainees who certify through our program commit to coaching one to two pro-bono and/or severe sliding scale clients during or after training on a need basis.
Training Calendar
UPCOMING LIFE COACH TRAINING & CE CLASSES
CE Only
Ongoing – Self-Study CE Coaching Adolescents (For certified coaches) – Registration is OPEN
Ongoing – Self-Study CE – Single 1-Hour Evidence-based Coaching Methods – Introduction to Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology Coaching Primer – Registration is OPEN
Releasing Winter 2021 – Self-Study CE – Certified Career Discovery Coach Specialization (For certified coaches) – Registration is OPEN
Ongoing – Basic Coaching Skills – Registration is OPEN
Live Youth Life Coach Training – Stages 1-3
Winter 2020 – Virtual/Zoom – Stages 1-3 Life Coach Training/Certification (Weekend) – Accelerated 20-week schedule – Saturdays, 10:00 AM CST – 1:00 PM CST – February 15-June 27, 2020 – Registration is FULL
Spring 2020 – Virtual/Zoom – Stages 1-3 Life Coach Training/Certification (Evening) –Accelerated 20-week schedule – Thursdays, 5:30 PM CST – 8:30 PM CST – April 16-August 27, 2020 – Registration is FULL
Fall 2020 – Virtual/Zoom – Stages 1-3 Life Coach Training/Certification (Weekend) –Accelerated 20-week schedule – Saturdays, 10 AM – 1 PM CST – September 5, 2020-January 30, 2021 – Registration is FULL
Winter 2021 – Virtual/Zoom – Stages 1-3 Life Coach Training/Certification (Evening) – Accelerated 20-week schedule – Thursdays, 5:30 PM CST – 8:30 PM CST – February 25 – July 8, 2021 – FULL
Spring 2021 – Virtual/Zoom – Stages 1-3 Life Coach Training/Certification (Weekend) – Accelerated 20-week schedule – Saturdays, 10 AM – 1 PM CST – May 1 – September 11, 2021 – (Facilitator: Leah B. Mazzola, PhD, PCC, BCC) – Registration is OPEN
Summer 2021 – Virtual/Zoom – Stages 1-3 Life Coach Training/Certification (Evening) – Accelerated 20-week schedule – Tuesdays, 5:30 PM CST – 8:30 PM CST – August 3 – December 14, 2021 – (Facilitator: Leah B. Mazzola, PhD, PCC, BCC) – Registration opens March 1st
UPCOMING ICF MENTOR COACHING GROUPS – Stage 4
(Mentor Coach: Leah B. Mazzola, PhD, PCC, BCC)
The group will meet bi-weekly for five weeks. The first four will be 90 minutes each. The last one will be 60 minutes. Each mentee will also schedule three 1:1 sessions. The schedule is as follows:
Spring 2020
Group sessions: Tuesdays, 4/28/20, 5/12/20, 5/26/20, & 6/9/20 – 7:30 PM – 9 PM CST + Tuesday, 6/23/20, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM CST – Registration is FULL
Summer 2020
Group sessions: Saturdays, 7/11/20, 7/25/20, 8/1/20, & 8/15/20 – 10 – 11:30 AM CST + Saturday, 8/29/20, 10-11 AM CST – Registration is FULL
Fall 2020
Group sessions: Thursdays, 9/10/20, 9/24/20, 10/8/20, & 10/22/20 – 5:30 – 7 PM CST + Thursday, 11/05/20, 5:30-6:30 PM CST – Registration is FULL
Winter 2021
Group sessions: Saturdays, 2/20/2021, 3/06/2021, 3/20/2021, & 4/03/2021 – 11 AM – 12:30 PM CST + Saturday, 4/17/2021, 11 AM – 12 PM CST -Registration is OPEN (2 slots left)
Summer 2021
Group sessions: Thursdays, 7/29/21, 8/12/21, 8/26/21, & 9/9/21 – 5:30 – 7 PM CST + Thursday, 9/23/21, 5:30-6:30 PM CST – Registration is OPEN
Trainee review highlights















Live Training & Mentoring Options
Life Coach Training Stages 1-2
Certified Youth Transition Coach-
42 training hours over 14 weeks
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Basic coaching skills
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Training and development in YCI model coaching competencies relevant for youth and emerging adults
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Intensive practice and supervision
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2-3 opportunities for formal supervision and pass/fail feedback
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Ideal for youth-serving professionals who will be adding coaching skills to their work with youth, but have no interest in independent practice or business building
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Payment plans are available for a 10% additional fee. Payment plans include a $315 non-refundable registration fee that applies toward your total tuition payment.
Life Coach Training Stages 1-3
Certified Youth Mentor Coach / Certified Youth Leadership Coach-
60-63 training hours over 20 weeks
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Stages 1-2 content + Introduction to additional evidence-based models for coaching contexts
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Skills for independent practice and business building considerations
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Final exam (Recorded coaching session submission for evaluation and pass/fail feedback)
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Ideal for professionals interested in independent coaching practice and business building
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ICF and CCE approved training hours as follows: International Coach Federation Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (63 hours) - Center for Credentialing Education Approved BCC Training Provider (30 hours)
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Payment plans are available for a 10% additional fee. Payment plans include a $315 non-refundable registration fee that applies toward your total tuition payment.
ICF Mentor Coaching Group - Stage 4
Group Mentor Coaching for ICF Associate Certified Coach Applicants-
10 mentor coaching hours with a qualified ICF-credentialed coach
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7 hours in group format over five weeks - bi-weekly sessions
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3 hours one-on-one with the assigned mentor coach
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Overviews of ACC competencies in preparation for the ACC evaluation and exam
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An opportunity to coach a young adult practice client in the group sessions for immediate feedback
ICF Mentor Coaching - 1:1
Individual Mentor Coaching for ICF Associate or Professional Certified Coach Applicants-
10 mentor coaching hours with Leah B. Mazzola, PhD, PCC, BCC
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Overviews of ACC or PCC competencies in preparation for the ACC or PCC evaluation and exam
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For coaches who prefer private mentoring
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Mentees bring recordings of coaching client sessions to each meeting for observation and debrief
Self-Study Coach Continuing Education Options
Basic Coaching Skills
Video Series - Self-study-
The complete video series consists of six 30-60 minute modules of instructor-led training with Dr. Mazzola
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Coaching foundations including, core competencies, ethical guidelines, and professional standards
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Includes behavioral science research and theory relevant to effective coaching for adolescents
CE - Coaching Adolescents
Self-study program for certified coaches-
16 self-study training hours over 8 weeks
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Includes one 90-minute video lecture weekly + discussion prompts that account for an additional 30-minutes weekly
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Coach specific training in evidence-based considerations when coaching adolescent clients, with special attention toward supporting at-risk youth.
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Coaches will be introduced to biopsychosocial considerations relevant to the adolescent stage of development along with methods for supporting clients through the resource optimization, personal, social, and structural development to enhance chances of successful transitions to adulthood and independence.
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ICF credential renewal: This course can count as the 16 hours of self-paced study allowed in resource development training for credentialed coaches. This course also counts toward BCC credential renewal through the CCE.
CE - Mindfulness Tools for Coaching
Single self-study lecture for certified coaches-
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
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Includes video lecture, PDF, discussion prompts, and a completion certificate
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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.
CE - Positive Psychology Primer for Coaches
Single self-study lecture for certified 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
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Includes video lecture, PDF, discussion prompts, and a completion certificate
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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.
CE - Career Discovery Coach
Self-study specialization program for certified coaches-
12 hours of coach-specific training
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Training to deliver our Career Discovery Coaching Program
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This program is only available to certified coaches who have completed 60+ hours of ICF- or CCE- approved coach specific training.
CE - Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
Single self-study lecture for certified 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
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Includes video lecture, PDF, handouts, discussion prompts, and a completion certificate
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Coaches may apply MI to enhance client motivation for positive change
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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.
CE - Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Coaching
Single self-study lecture for certified coaches-
Coaches will be introduced to the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Model - a mindfulness and values-based alternative to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for use in coaching contexts
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Learn how psychological inflexibility keeps us stuck and how to tap into the seven foundations of well-being to build flexibility
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Includes video lecture, PDF, discussion prompts, and a completion certificate
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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.
Withdraw/Refund Policy: Trainees may cancel or withdraw from Stages 1-3 training within 7 days following class start date for a pro-rated refund of paid tuition beyond the non-refundable registration fee. Cancellations or withdrawals more than 7 days following class start date result in no refunds or reductions in tuition owed, as trainees must cover the cost of the lost seat.