Chapter 02
How To Become A Relationship Coach
Featured Articles
So you’re interested in becoming a relationship coach or maybe you’re a coach who wants to incorporate relationship building practices into their coaching methodology. Read on as we address some of the most common questions about how to become a relationship coach and everything you need to know before getting started.
Do I Need A Coaching Certification To Become A Relationship Coach?
First of all, no. Having a coaching certification is not mandatory to become a relationship coach or any type of coach for that matter.
The coaching industry has been growing massively in the last years, but it still remains highly unregulated with low entry barriers which makes it rather easy
However, because we are dealing with human beings, it’s important to have some sort of training or coaching methodology to lean on, especially if you have no previous experience with coaching.
If that’s your case, a coaching certification could be the best way to start as it provides a more in-depth understanding of coaching, a solid coaching methodology you can start using, and the practice hours you need to get started as a coach.
If you already have some coaching experience or are not ready to commit to a certification, you can enroll in online courses or attend events that will train you in more specific areas. For example, you could take a program on behavioral psychology, coaching models, coaching skills, conflict resolution, counseling skills, and so on, which will expand your knowledge and contribute to your growth as a coach.
Still not sure if a coaching certification is right for you? Watch this video below to find your answer.
What Relationship Coaching Methodology Should I Use?
It’s obvious to say that you can’t start coaching without a solid coaching methodology to back you up! But, which one to use?
If you’re a new coach, the best way to get started is borrowing an existing coaching model that has been tested, proven, and has created results. For example, you could use the popular GROW Coaching Model by Sir John Whitmore or follow The Gottman Institute’s relationship methodology as foundation for your coaching sessions.
On the other hand, if you’ve been coaching for a while, you’ve probably already started combining elements from different coaching methodologies and models based on what resonates with you most and what creates most results for your clients.
This is when you start creating your own coaching methodology.
For example, you might’ve started incorporating Dr. Gary Chapman’s 5 Love Languages into your coaching sessions with clients or perhaps added elements from Christine Hassler’s 4 Levels of Life Coaching Methodology into your own.
Finding the right coaching methodology for you is all about learning from different sources and coaches, testing them, and choosing what works best for you.
Watch this video below to learn more about how to create your own relationship coaching methodology.
Are Coaching Niches Necessary?
Although having a coaching niche is not obligatory, it’s definitely recommended for all coaches especially when they’re just starting out.
Many believe that having a coaching niche might limit your possibilities and potential clients. But that’s actually not true.
Identifying a specific niche can help you find clients faster and communicate more effectively. If you are clear about who you’re serving and how you’re serving them, it makes it easier for potential clients to understand what you offer and decide if it’s what they are looking for.
For example, as a relationship coach, you could choose to work with individuals or couples, or focus on dating and finding a partner, or building relationships, or maybe even marriages and families. And you can get even more specific than that.
Based on your life experiences, skills, or knowledge, you can specialize by age groups, gender, marital status, and so on. The more specific you are, the easier it will be to find your potential clients.
But it’s not only about being specific, you also need to ensure it’s a profitable and sustainable niche. Watch the video below to discover how to find the right coaching niche for your business.
How To Enroll Your First Client
Now that you’ve defined your relationship coaching niche, you’re ready for the next step.
Enrolling your first client!
This is the part where most coaches struggle. They don’t know where to find potential clients, how to approach them, how to start a conversation, and especially, how to close the enrollment.
But you can overcome all these challenges by knowing the 3 simple steps to get clients.
The Client-Getting System
Because you have a specific relationship coaching niche, you can identify who your ideal clients are. And the next obvious question is, Where do they work? Where do they hang out? What do they do in their free time?
Once you find them, approach them and start a conversation. The key here is to be curious! It’s about them, understanding their dreams and challenges, and identifying how you can help them.
Last step? Impress them and enroll. Coach them in that conversation, create some insights or aha moments that will already create some shifts and results for them. And when they’re ready, offer your coaching packages.
Learn More
Dive deeper into each step of the client-getting system with our ultimate guide on How to get clients.
How To Get Clients Online
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole world has gone online. School, work, social life, grocery shopping, everything went virtual. And so did coaching!
Coaches started offering their services through Zoom calls and social media. They started innovating on ways to attract potential clients and serve them during these changing and challenging times.
How did they do that, you might ask?
Watch the video below to get the best insights and strategies on how to get clients online.
Learn More
Read on to discover how to set up your relationship coaching business.