Whether you’ve been thinking about getting certified as a health and wellness coach for a while or are new to the idea, you probably have a few questions about the process and about Catalyst Coaching Institute. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear. While we hope they’ll provide the information you’ve been searching for, you can always reach out to us to learn more.
Why is certification important?
In a nutshell: competence and credibility. Anyone can call themselves an expert in health and wellness, but without a credible certification to back that claim up, there’s no real accountability or basis for building trust. Pursuing an accredited Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) designation gives you a competitive edge in the industry and proves to your clients and potential clients that you are a qualified expert, and that an outside organization has acknowledged your competency with an official designation.
What makes the CCI program different?
Our team of instructors and mentors are real-world coaches, and represent years of coaching experience that translate into a highly-effective teaching program. Our head trainer and CEO, Suzanna Cooper, is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, a licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Occupational Therapist and a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).
Our approach centers around a holistic view of overall health and wellbeing, and incorporates your background, expertise and passion to create a program that works for you. Small class sizes (maximum of 24 per cohort) give you the opportunity to develop stronger bonds with your instructors and mentors. Additionally, our training is virtual, giving you flexibility and tremendous cost savings since there’s no travel involved.
But one of the biggest ways that we stand out is our community. We’re not here to just take your money and push you through certification. Our robust community of coaches and mentors is here to support you throughout your entire career beyond the certification process.
What is National Certification?
Catalyst Coaching Institute is proud to be one of the original programs approved as a National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) training provider. National certification shows that you have passed the National Board Certification exam and that you uphold a standardized set of guidelines. National certification increases your credibility by showing your clients that you have pursued the highest level of certification so that you can provide the highest level of service.
How long does CWC training take?
Because our program is self-paced, the time it takes to complete your training will depend on your schedule and availability. Training starts with an initial two-day weekend, but the remaining elements of the program are at your discretion. Some participants complete the program in three to four months, while others may take longer.
Can Catalyst Coaching Institute help me prepare for the National exam?
Yes! Catalyst offers two pathway options as part of your wellness coach training, both starting with our two-day core training weekend. Our National Board Package, also called the Master Certified Wellness Coach training pathway, aligns with the NBHWC application windows so that you can seamlessly control your timeline. While you can choose to start with our Certified Wellness Coach Pathway, if you know the National Board pathway is right for you, you can register for the Master Certified Wellness Coach (MCWC) training initially for a $500 discount. If you would prefer to register for the Certified Wellness Coach pathway, you are always welcome to add on the MCWC pathway components later in your training journey.
We also help you study and pass the National Board exam. We offer a series of three recorded webinars at no extra charge, as well as tips and training from our mentor coaches.
How does wellness coaching enhance my physical therapy practice?
One of the best things about becoming a health and wellness coach is that it can amplify the effectiveness of your current career. If you’re a physical or occupational therapist, or even another type of practitioner in the healthcare field, wellness coach training only improves your efficacy. You’ll learn about motivational interviewing, how to find out what’s holding your patients back and how to coach them through the roadblocks so that they see progress.
Becoming a certified wellness coach is an excellent complement to any medical career because it allows you to treat your patients more holistically. You’ll be able to uncover lifestyle and behavior factors that you may not have previously realized were impacting patient outcomes, and develop strategies based around those factors. We’ve had many PTs and OTs go through our program with an overwhelmingly positive response.
Have more questions about Catalyst Coaching Institute? Reach out to us today!
Or join our next Live Q&A Session on July 15 from 1-2PM ET!