Trauma-Informed
Coaching Certification Level 1

Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification

Level 1

106 ICF participant contact hours

106 ICF participant contact hours

About This Course

When it comes to trauma-informed coaching, Moving the Human Spirit (MTHS) has set the global standard. As the world’s longest-running Trauma-Informed Coach training program, we are proud to offer a certification that not only meets but surpasses industry benchmarks. Our comprehensive program equips coaches with the tools they need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of trauma survivors, helping them navigate their recovery with confidence and resilience.

Participants who complete the Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification full Level 1 accredited program will be eligible to apply for credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) using the ACC LEVEL 1 Credentialing Applications. These applications do not require participation in the ICF Performance Evaluation Process.

Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification Level 1 is designed to enhance the learning of coaches interested in working with trauma survivors and coaching them in their recovery. It offers a unique opportunity to gain self-awareness and build confidence in your ability to recognize when the presence of trauma is impacting clients or preventing them from moving forward resourcefully. You will learn how trauma affects the body, how to coach trauma survivors effectively, when to refer a client and much more.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) has accredited this course at Level 1 – students who complete our course successfully and plus 100 hours of coaching experience can apply for the ICF’s Associated Certified Coach (ACC) credential.

Who is this training for?

Anyone who wants to become a trauma-informed coach with an ICF accreditation of ACC (accredited certified coach) and anyone interested in the basic principles of coaching and how to demonstrate coach competencies alongside in-depth learning about trauma, its effects on clients and how to coach the processing of trauma.

No previous coaching experience is required.

Success in our program requires total commitment by all participants. By enrolling in this course, participants agree to be fully present during all sessions and participate to the best of their ability. This includes arriving on time, abiding by the code of conduct, and engaging in course activities. The intensity of our training to become a Trauma-Informed Coach can stimulate difficult emotional situations. This training was developed to train coaches and is not a substitute for personal therapy. Moving the Human Spirit (MTHS) reserves the right to deny acceptance to an applicant and may withdraw a participant from the program at any time if a participant’s behavior, attitude, or views negatively impact the quality of the training program or the other participants.

• Our courses are designed to be interactive and engaging for our participants. Therefore, you are expected to participate in course activities, including dialogue with the course instructor and peers, practice coaching activities, and experiential learning exercises.

Participants are expected to conduct themselves professionally during all sessions. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Arriving on time for all sessions.
  • Attending all live sessions and mentor coaching sessions.
  • Have your camera on for virtual live sessions.
  • Participating fully in all sessions and mentor coaching sessions. This includes being prepared for the session, involving yourself in discussions and activities, assuming responsibility for your learning, and contributing to the learning of others.
  • Engaging in discussions with integrity and honesty.
  • Being respectful of your fellow participants and instructors, including silencing your cell phone, not texting, and other disruptive behaviors.
  • Embracing diversity and inclusion while respecting the dignity and humanity of others.

The blended learning experiences we use are as follows:

  • All classes are conducted virtually using the zoom platform.
  • The use of videos to review core competencies and ethical practice is required before receiving course manuals and zoom links for class.
  • Manuals for all sections are supplied so students may follow along and know exactly where they are at any given time. Manuals also serve as a review of learning for the students as they move to the final exams.
  • Audio-recorded coaching demonstrations are available to students so they can witness a full coaching demonstration using the Methodology.
  • YouTube videos on specific topics can be watched whenever the student desires.
  • Classes are recorded and sent out to students so they may review the day’s class at their leisure or review specific sections or demonstrations as needed. (Recordings are available for thirty days after the last day of class).
  • Class discussions focus on the material covered in that day’s session.
  • PowerPoint Slides in pdf are sent out to all participants before class so they may follow along and make notes on their slide printouts in the class.
  • Facilitators share experiences and stories of coaching; students are encouraged to share their practice and learned experiences within the class.
  • Facilitators do coach demonstrations.
  • Breakout rooms are created for participants to practice demonstrated exercises.
  • We require that the students participate in triads outside of class with their peers to witness different methods and manners of coaching from their fellow students.
  • We discuss the business component explaining best practices, how to engage companies.
  • We discuss niche markets, client engagement, and the intention setting of profit centers for business growth and encourage students to coach with their peers to achieve these outcomes.
  • Students beginning the program are encouraged to sign up and receive coaching from a student who has entered the mentorship section of their training.
  • Students who move into the mentor positions are asked to coach the students in the course’s first section for practice.
  • We share articles of interest to students throughout the course and a list of resource materials in the Manuals, which include books, videos, and web links.

Because of this advantage, it is extremely important that your participant records and communications clearly indicate what is required for completion of the full LEVEL 1. Only participants who complete all participant contact hours, participate in all observed coaching sessions and mentoring sessions, and pass the final oral exam process at a ACC credential level are considered graduates of the LEVEL 1.

Accredited and Respected by the ICF

We are proud to be an International Coaching Federation (ICF)-accredited Level 1 program. Graduates who successfully complete our certification, coupled with 100 hours of coaching experience, are eligible to apply for the ICF’s Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. This accreditation underscores the credibility and quality of our program, offering students a clear pathway to professional recognition and growth.

Course Materials

Students receive:

  • Welcome package with class links and videos to complete in advance
  • Course manual for review and notes
  • Student portal login where you can access class materials and assessments
  • Ten hours of ICF mentoring – three group mentor sessions and three one-on-one sessions.

Successful graduates receive:

  • Access to the course alumni page on Facebook
  • An invitation to include your coaching bio on our website

Course Hours

Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification Level 1 is 106 hours, consisting of:

  • 20 three-hour modules of online teaching: 60 hours
  • Self-guided triad practice: 14 hours (outside of class)
  • Online ICF Ethics course: 3 hours (outside of class)
  • ICF Core Competency video review: 2 hours (outside of class)
  • Prerequisite module bridge: 1 hour (outside of class)
  • Questions to examine: 10 hours (outside of class)
  • Exam allowance: 4 hours (outside of class)
  • Mentoring: 10 hours (3 hours outside of class)
  • ACC recording review and transcript development: 2 hours (outside of class)

Course Fee

Level 1

Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification

​$6,900
+ Tax (CAD)

  • TICC Basics Training Component 1
  • TICC Advanced Training Component 2
  • TICC (10 Hour ICF) Mentoring Component 3
  • ICF ACC Assessment Path

Beyond the Standard:
Over 100 Hours of Training

Our Trauma-Informed Coach Certification program exceeds the International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) Level 1 accreditation standards, which typically require 60 hours of training. By offering 106 hours of intensive, facilitator-led instruction, we provide participants with a comprehensive and immersive educational experience. This robust curriculum is tailored for coaches dedicated to supporting trauma survivors, enhancing their self-awareness and building confidence in their ability to navigate complex coaching scenarios effectively.

Participants gain essential knowledge about how trauma affects the mind and body, how to coach trauma survivors on their recovery journey, and when to refer clients to other professionals. Our program equips coaches with the tools to recognize when trauma may be preventing clients from moving forward resourcefully and to support them in finding clarity and resilience.

As an ICF-accredited Level 1 course, graduates who successfully complete the program and accumulate 100 hours of coaching experience can apply for the ICF’s Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credentia

    Building Confidence and
    Self-Awarenesss

    Coaching survivors of trauma requires a nuanced approach. At Moving the Human Spirit, we emphasize the importance of self-awareness for coaches, providing opportunities to reflect on their own relationship with trauma and how it may influence their practice. This self-awareness builds confidence, empowering our coaches to navigate challenging conversations with skill and empathy.

    Our curriculum is designed to:

    • Enhance your understanding of how trauma impacts the mind and body.
    • Equip you with strategies to support clients in their recovery journey.
    • Help you recognize when trauma might be affecting your clients’ ability to move forward.
    • Provide guidance on when and how to refer clients to other professionals.

      Level 1 Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification

      Training Components

      Component 1
      TICC Basics Training (TICCB)

      Level 1 Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification Basics is a 8 session component and is designed to deliver the basic principles as well as competencies of a coaching relationship in preparation for the advanced component.

      80% Attendance required along with three Triads/Dyads, one 15 min recording for written feedback and a final exam.

      Component 2
      TICC Advanced Training (TICCA)

      Level 1 Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification Advanced is a 12 session component designed to build the skill and confidence to work with clients who have experienced traumatic events and to facilitate growth in such an environment.

      80% Attendance required along with four Triads/Dyads, two 15 min recordings for written feedback and a final exam.

      Component 3
      TICC (10 Hour ICF) Mentoring (M)

      Level 1 Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification Mentoring is a 10 hour component consisting of 7 hours of group mentoring and 3 hours of one-on-one mentoring, over a three month period in preparation for your final assessment.

      100% Attendance required along with recordings for group learning review.

      ICF ACC Assessment

      In this component a coach recording will be required for assessment.

      Upon passing this assessment, plus collecting 100 hours of coaching in your “coach log”, you may apply for the ICF’s ACC credential after which you will be invited to complete the ICF Coach Knowledge Exam.

      Syllabus

      The course is divided into three components – Component 1 introduces the concept of coaching, the ICF Core Competencies Model (2021) and ICF ethical requirements, building the foundation for undertaking the coaching process. Component 2 focuses specifically on coaching trauma. Component 3 mentoring consists of coaching and feedback in a collaborative, appreciative and dialogued process based on an observed or recorded coaching session to increase the coach’s capability in coaching in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies.

      Component 1: Coaching Concepts

      • Welcome and Check In
      • Introductions
      • Setting Class Agreement
      • Course Curriculum
      • Course Completion and Triads
      • Coaching vs Trauma Coaching
      • Ethical Practice
      • Embodying a Coaching Mindset
      • TICC Methodology

      • CO-Creating the Relationship
      • Establishing and Maintaining Agreements
      • Working to Create an Alliance with the Client

      • CO-Creating the Relationship (continued)
      • Cultivating Trust and Safety with the Client
      • Searching for the Desired Change

      • CO-Creating the Relationship (continued)
      • Maintaining Coaching Presence
      • Working with Interested Inquiry

      • Learning to Communicate Effectively
      • Employing Active Listening
      • Working Within a Lens of Exploration

      • Learning to Communicate Effectively (continued)
      • Evoking Awareness with the Client
      • Working with Key Developments
      • Creating Action

      • Cultivating Client Learning
      • Facilitating Client Growth
      • Furthering Commitment with a Client

      • Reviewing Final Course Requirements
      • Ensuring Learning Outcomes
      • Final Questions
      • Celebrate Accomplishments

      Component 2: Coaching Trauma

      • Introduction and Welcome
      • Course Outline
      • Course Completion Requirements
      • Conduct, Professionalism and Confidentiality
      • Meeting Ethical Guidelines/Professional Standards in Coaching
      • Creating an Experiential Co-creative Learning Environment and Class Intention
      • Creating Trust and Safety
      • TICC Methodology

      • What is Trauma?
      • Causes of Trauma
      • Why Some Suffer More Than Others
      • Adverse Childhood Experiences
      • Emotional and Psychological Trauma
      • Trauma-Related Disorders (DSM5)
      • When to Refer a Client
      • Coach Preparedness

      • Levels of Listening
      • Introduction to Brain Science
      • Brain Activity and Trauma
      • Coaching Presence/Mindset

      • Creating Awareness
      • In Time and Through Time
      • The Timeline

      • Autonomic Nervous System
      • Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
      • The Window of Tolerance
      • Polyvagal Theory
      • The Vagus Nerve

      • The Moment of Trust
      • The Heart/Brain Axis
      • The Gut/Brain Axis
      • Neurotransmitters/Neuroplasticity

      • Authenticity
      • I AM ENOUGH
      • Empathy, Compassion and Sympathy
      • Values and Beliefs

      • Emotional Intelligence
      • Aligning Perception Positions

      • Spiral of Healing
      • Tools for Grounding
      • Client Regulation
      • Coaching Techniques to Consider
      • Power of Prevention

      • Managing Accountability
      • Post Traumatic Growth
      • Progressive Solutions Summary
      • Recognizing Wellness

      • Conversation on Suicide
      • Shame, Blame and Guilt
      • Boundaries and Triggers
      • Coaching Activation
      • Releasing, Reframing and Redirecting

      • Other Modalities for Trauma
      • What Next? (Practice, Business)
      • Course Review
      • Ensuring Learning Outcomes
      • Sharing Wins
      • Celebration

      Component 3: Mentoring

      Coaching and feedback in a collaborative, appreciative and dialogued process.

      Observed or recorded coaching sessions to increase the coach’s capability.

      Coaching in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies.

      Practice Coaching with Component 1 students and others.

      ACC Accessment

      TRAUMA-INFORMED COACH TRAINING

      Why Become a Certified Trauma-Informed Coach with Moving the Human Spirit?

      At Moving the Human Spirit, we believe that every coach has the potential to transform lives. By choosing our Trauma-Informed Coach Certification, you’re not just learning how to coach – you’re becoming part of a movement dedicated to healing, growth, and resilience.

      • Experience: With a legacy as the longest-running program of its kind, our expertise in trauma-informed coaching is unparalleled.

      • Comprehensive Training: Our program exceeds industry standards, providing over 100 hours of immersive, facilitator-led content.

      • Unique Learning Opportunities: We offer a blend of self-awareness exercises, practical tools, and in-depth knowledge to help you become a more effective coach.

      • Global Recognition: Our ICF accreditation ensures that your certification is respected worldwide, opening doors to a fulfilling career in coaching.

      What Do Our Graduates Say?

      TICC builds a safe learning platform for participants to engage in trauma-informed learning. The course offers updated scientific knowledge and practical tools to support learners applying effective coaching techniques in any workplace, and work field; at the same time, the learning journey itself can become a trauma healing process in both personal and professional level. The facilitators and organizers are supportive to everyone. I enjoyed the learning process and meet other great professionals who have similar interests.

      Keybi, TICC Graduate

      All I can say is: Wow. I enrolled in this course at the recommendation of a friend, hoping to gain some wisdom, skills, and insight into coaching in general, and wanted a trauma-informed lens. This course (TICB and TICC) gave me that and then some! Not only was I learning, but I was doing some own inner healing. This was one of the most eye-opening, mind-blowing and incredible experiences of my life!

      Marisa D, TICC Graduate

      Every person experienced trauma, whether they’re aware of it or not. The TICC coaching model enables coaches to FULLY meet their clients where they are. Whether you want to work directly with clients who are aware of their trauma or you want to work with the general public or even in a business or corporate setting…trauma will find its way into the conversation when the space is safe. It’s imperative to know how to hold that space. TICC shows you how. I left this program fully confident that I can coach anyone on anything.

      Amy, TICC Graduate

      Trauma-Informed Coach Training FAQs

      Trauma-informed coaches have training in client regulation, brain-body connection, behavioural reaction, different types of traumas, leading causes, and subsequent symptoms. They will have learned methods to help ‘regulate’ the nervous system, discard shame and guilt through powerful questions, and recognize and promote wellness as it starts to develop.

      Trauma-informed coaches have learned the proper channels for referral and the growing relationship between clinical professionals, therapists, and coaches.

      To become a trauma-informed coach, one must have authenticity, strong values, and beliefs that are not limiting to working in this area.

      Our course teaches you how to be clear about setting boundaries between therapy and coaching. Trauma-informed coaches do not treat trauma and do not diagnose. However, they understand the nuances of working with clients who have experienced trauma.

      Trauma-informed coaches help alleviate trauma symptoms in their clients by facilitating a safe space to create positive experiences, creating awareness of emotions, and supporting clients to envision and create the future they desire.

      As trauma-informed coaches, we acknowledge the past where it is, honour the person for who they are, and focus on bringing awareness to the present and the positive potential of the future, including post-traumatic growth.

      The goal of trauma-informed coaching is to support the client to move towards mastery of their situation and practice new ways of being while using learned tools and skillsets. You help them move towards creating a calm, peaceful and enriched life for themselves

      The intensity of our training to become a trauma-informed coach can stimulate difficult emotional situations in some students. This training was developed to train coaches and is not a substitute for personal therapy.

      Moving the Human Spirit reserves the right to deny acceptance to an applicant and may withdraw a participant from the program at any time if a participant’s behaviour, attitude, or views negatively impact the quality of the training program or the other participants. MTHS facilitators and their assistants assess the suitability of participants for the program during the first five training sessions. Participants will receive a full refund minus an administration fee if requested to leave during this period.

      Find out more about becoming a trauma-informed coach

      We would love to support you on your journey!

      Request more information or contact us with your questions.