Coach Certification Course Preparation
We put a high value on emotional safety in our courses, and this one is no exception. We are aware that assessments can be anxiety-producing for many people. Please know that we are here to support your learning process with care and connection.
There is a significant amount of preparation needed for this course. Please look it over as soon as possible so you have the time you need to prepare and be at your best.
We want to support you, and we also want you to be well-prepared. Below, we have described what we expect you to demonstrate during each assessment.
We will assess candidates during the course and certify those who demonstrate competency. Those who need significant practice will be mentored and reassessed (additional fees apply).
Pre-Course Preparation:
Printing:
Fill out:
- The Conflict List (page 9 in the Manual)
Download:
Assessment Forms
These are fillable forms; you can add your assessment comments during the course and save them on your computer. Use the naming convention below. You will send them to the Trainers at the end of the course.
Save the Self-Assessment Form on your computer with your name and the word “Self” and the year-month of the certification course you are taking (e.g., Mary Jones Self 2000-03).
Save the Peer Assessment Form on your computer with the name of the person you are assessing and the year-month of the certification course you are taking (e.g., John Smith 2000-03).
- Coach Agreement
Review this agreement (fillable form) before the first day of class. We will briefly discuss it and ask if you have any questions. You and Rita Marie will sign it after you have been certified as a Coach.
Watch:
- The Freeform Coaching Video. [Password: Rita Marie]
On Day 1, there will be an opportunity to practice Freeform Empathy on an issue with another person. This includes giving empathy by guessing feelings and needs for the person sharing their issue and for the person they have a conflict with. It does not include leading Heart-Brain Insight, which is part of this video. Giving empathy without Boards is a valuable skill for embodying connection in daily life. After you watch the video, we encourage you to practice regularly as you go through your day.
- The Self-Study, Connection Practice 1 Course
You will be certified to coach the four activities in this course either as part of the course or when coaching clients separately. On Day 2, you will be assessed on “When the Going Gets Tough, the CP Gets More Tender” and “Creating Emotional Safety in a Small Group.”
Read:
Reading Rita Marie’s book, Completely Connected: Uniting Our Empathy and Insight for Extraordinary Results, and update is a prerequisite for certification. Please read them before the course (ideally) or before the final interview (if you are short on time). Be prepared to answer questions. It is important as a Connection Practice (CP) Coach that you know our history and impact in various arenas such as education, business, nonprofits, parenting, etc.
HeartMath Software
The HeartMath software is used during a first coaching session to demonstrate coherence with your client. You can purchase the one that best meets your needs at this link. Remember that Coaches can purchase either the Inner Balance or the emWave software; however, people wanting to become Trainers need to purchase the emWave. Once your software arrives, please set it up and practice with it.
We will set a date with you to assess your proficiency with using it and explaining it to a client. On that date, you will need a volunteer to be the subject of your demonstration (refer to page 6 of the Coaching Guide). Please demonstrate the software clearly and be responsive to your client’s experience. Here are guidelines to help you prepare for that assessment.
Inner Balance (required for those wanting to be certified as Coaches and not also as Trainers)
Watch an Inner Balance demonstration in CP1, Module 5 at 6:00 at this link
emWave (required for those wanting to be certified as Trainers)
Watch an emWave demonstration in CP1, Module 3 at 10:11 at this link
- Digital Connection Practice Boards
- Phone charged up and handy in case of last minute tech issues
- Assessment forms downloaded and readily available
- Have identical spoons or sticks in two different sizes for pendulum demo
- Paper and pen
- Water and snacks
Practice for the assessments in this course:
The coaching assessment is scheduled for the second day. To prepare for it, we encourage you to practice coaching with friends and family members.
Practice Giving Instructions and Leading Heart-Brain Insight
Please review this video for the correct way to lead Quick Coherence. Refer to “Standards for Coaching” in the Manual (page 10) and practice Steps 3 and 4. Please use this script for providing instruction and leading a Heart-Brain Insight.
Practice Coaching “When the Going Gets Tough, the CP Gets More Tender” on a Conflict with Another Person (with magnetic or digital Boards)
- Read the instructions for this activity on page 19 in the Coach Certification Manual.
- Watch “When the Going Gets Tough, the CP Gets More Tender” using digital Boards in CP1, Module 5 at 39:40 at this link.
- You can also watch this recording of Emotionally-Safe Relationships at 1:31:14 to see another example using magnetic Boards.
- On the first day, Rita Marie will demonstrate a coaching session, including slides and use of the HeartMath software.
- After the demonstration, you will practice coaching, not including slides or HeartMath software, and receive feedback. The HeartMath software assessment will be between the first and second days.
- When you are coaching, during the practice and the assessment, we will look for the following:
- Remember the standards and the importance of a “heart of connection”
- Track the other person (pay attention to body language and facial expressions)
- If there are tears, pause until they stop crying and give them empathy
- There is no need to be exhaustive in guessing feelings and needs
- If the client mentions a feeling or need you can’t relate to, ask them for clarity
- When you guess feelings or needs, don’t explain why unless the client asks for an explanation
- If the person clearly identifies the “main need”, don’t keep guessing needs
- After observing Rita Marie teaching the slides on the first day, practice this with as many people as possible. At first, you can practice using the script in the Guide. When you gain confidence, practice using the Guide that does not have a script. You should be familiar with the script and teach each of the slides accurately. You should also have enough comfort with the content that you make it your own and don’t read the script. In these sessions, aim to present the slides in no more than 20 minutes.
- When you teach slide 4, please include an example of an amygdala reaction from your own life.
- When you teach slide 13, please share your best Heart-Brain Insight story. When you share stories, remember to model each step as you describe it. For example, you might say,”I began by bringing my attention to my heart. Then I like to close my eyes and put my hand on my heart to help me with Heart Focus.” Now as you say this, you act it out by closing your eyes and putting your hand on your heart.
Practice Coaching “Creating Emotional Safety in a Small Group”
- Read the instructions for this activity on page 17 of the Coach Certification Manual
- Watch “Creating Emotional Safety in a Small Group” using digital or magnetic Boards in CP1, Module 5 at 19:29 at this link
- Rita Marie will demonstrate this activity on the first day. After seeing the demonstration, try coaching this activity with three others.
Next Steps:
Send Your Fillable Assessment Forms to the Course Trainers
Prepare for Your Final Interview
- You will receive an email with available dates; please choose one to schedule your interview.
- Prepare your Launch Plan. You will share it with us during your interview.
Marisa Ferrera’s Launch Plan [Example]