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About
HI’s Coach Certification Program
What is HI’s definition of coaching?
Our approach to coaching as both a skill set and emerging profession is based on the principles of developmental and positive psychology, human systems theory and transformational learning. We believe coaching is a skill and approach which can facilitate human excellence, transformational learning and performance results. Coaching can be applied effectively to corporate settings, executives, leaders, teams, transitionwork and life-work balance.
How and when did the HI organization get started?
Frederic Hudson, Ph.D., founder of The Fielding Institute, a graduate school specializing in the fields of human and organizational systems, adult development and psychology, left his post at Fielding in 1986 to launch The Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara.
Pamela McLean, Ph.D., a clinical and organizational psychologist and partner to Frederic Hudson, joined in the development of the institute in 1990. Together, they have provided non-degree training programs and created a vital learning community focused on understanding and coaching leaders, executives, professionals and managers through the critical transition and change management process. Pamela moved into the CEO role of the organization in 2001 and Frederic now functions in an advisory role for curriculum development.
What is the philosophy behind your program?
There are two important answers to this question. First, HI is committed to fostering an adult learning model within our training programs. This means we believe in the importance and value of ongoing learning during our adult years. We endorse a paradigm shift moving away from the traditional, hierarchical, authoritarian model of learning toward a collaborative, learner based model. Within our program we integrate specific program requirements with the unique needs of each learner. We provide a continual learning process with the same group of learners during the entire eight months because we know an important element of the learning occurs within the collegial relationships of the outstanding members of each class.
Second, we build our particular model of coaching on the concepts embedded in the fields of adult development and human systems theory. We believe it is important to understand adults in relation to their particular developmental stages and tasks as well as all of the human systems that interplay at a particular time in one’s life.
Finally, we believe it is critical that adults be anchored to their own deep beliefs and values and that they are living vital and purposive lives based on their particular developmental challenges and human systems issues.
How long does it take to complete your program?
There are several steps involved in our certification process. First, we require attendance at our foundational seminar, LifeLaunchtm
, where participants have an opportunity to personally experience the HI Model of Change for facilitating personal renewal and resilience. Second, a day long Coaching Seminar immediately following the LifeLaunch Seminar, provides an overview of basic coaching skills and the HI Program. This one day session is an important step in understanding HI’s approach to coaching, HI’s adult learning model, and finally, it offers us an opportunity to observe your skill level. If you decide you would like to apply to the eight month coach certification program, you will submit an application following the Coaching Seminar. Third, upon acceptance you enroll in our eight month program which includes three on-site training sessions as well as a number of blended learning formats during the off-site portions of the eight months.
Where is the program offered?
We offer our foundational LifeLaunch and Coaching Seminar sessions in Santa Barbara, CA (schedules are listed on our website). Our eight month Coach Certification Program also occurs in Santa Barbara, CA. We utilize a local resort property that is situated across from the beach in downtown Santa Barbara.
How do you conduct your training?
First, we create an adult learning community consisting of approximately 36 participants. Second, we utilize an experiential learning model during our three on-site sessions which includes theoretical presentations, modeling, practice, skill building, role-playing, real-time coaching and peer learning groups.
Our off-site training includes a blended learning system comprised of weekly small group conference calls (via an HI “bridgeline”), regular WebBoard Conference participation focused on coaching issues and learnings, monthly phone sessions with a program director, as well as required coaching with a trained coach.
How do we select our Leadership Teams?
All of our Leader-Coaches have been certified by The Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara. Additionally, they have demonstrated outstanding skills and a significant work history in related fields. All members of our leadership teams have advanced degrees and they represent a variety of professional backgrounds including clinical psychology, consulting and organizational development, law, MBA’s, etc.
What are the costs to become certified?
We estimate the combined cost of the required courses for HI Certification is $10,190. US, exclusive of room, board, transportation, books and required professional coaching services.
Are there any “hidden” costs?
We try to be very clear about all costs involved with our certification process. Sometimes applicants are surprised by the additional cost of obtaining professional coaching. Our coaches-in-training can usually get special rates between $50 - $150 per hour, this cost can vary from coach to coach. We require 25 hours of personal/professional coaching in order to complete the certification process.
What criticisms do people have about your school and how do you respond?
“The program is very expensive and requires too much travel time and expense”. Indeed, the total cost is high, because we believe on-site training is an essential ingredient in our training process. The fees include four comprehensive and intensive on-site trainings in addition to a very rich field/at home learning program. We believe our program offers great value for the price and our coaches consistently agree.
“The program doesn’t put enough emphasis on basic skills”. This is by design. Our program is best suited for seasoned professionals who have a substantial work history in a variety of related field and bring a richness of experience to the certification process and to the learning community. We focus on deepening skills in the coaching arena and we are committed to working with each trainee to develop an individualized learning plan which combines the special needs of the trainee with the overall curriculum requirements of our program.
“The program doesn’t put enough focus on building a practice”. It’s true that we don’t emphasize building a practice or setting up a business. We view that as another skill set that is important, but it is not the focus of our training.
What percentage of people in your program is internal vs. external?
Roughly half of the participants are inside organizations in various roles from senior leaders on executive teams, HR and OD leaders and small business owners. Almost as many are consultants and coaches in individual and group practices wanting to deepen their skills and a smaller group of professionals represents the fields of psychology, medicine, health and law comprising a variety of subspecialties in the area of transition, renewal, health and retirement.
How is HISB different than other programs?
We are one of the original six or seven coaching schools and today there are so many it is difficult to answer this adequately. Some important distinguishing features include:
- Face-to-face onsite program instead of an online/over the phone program which is often common in this emerging profession
- Our target is seasoned professionals, so you are in the company of others you are able to learn from and network with post-program
- We are much more than skill-building and coaching techniques. We have a well developed underlying holistic and developmental model built on the foundation of existing theories and concepts relevant. We highlight important evidence based theories and concepts in our program related to the work of coaching; as well as a strong focus on developing coaching skills through practice, feedback and real-time coaching
Do you have an ongoing Coaching Community and continuing education offerings?
Yes, this is an important strength of our program. We currently have about 750 coaches
located around the globe. In some parts of the US where clusters are large, there are vital
groups meeting on a regular basis and throughout the community there is a spirit of
collaboration. Once you’ve completed the program you can look forward to some of the following opportunities:
- Listing on the HISB Website
- Monthly Author Lecture Calls
- Regular Teleclasses on topics related to coaching and practice building
- An Annual Advanced Coach Seminar including well-known experts in the field of coaching
- Ongoing dynamic webboard participation across all graduates
Do you offer scholarships?
We offer a small discount to participants traveling from countries and other parts of the globe. We don’t have a scholarship program, but we are always willing to consider your request if it is well founded. If you have a specific circumstance and request, please send it to us in writing for our consideration.
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