LifeCare Course Syllabus

Welcome to LifeCare! We’re excited to equip you with tools that will benefit those you serve and lead.

All of the modules in this course are offered free of charge to anyone who would like to watch or listen to them in order to glean new people helping skills.

In the training videos, the LifeCare workbook and book will be referenced frequently. You will get more out of the training videos if you have the books, which are available for purchase on the previous page: https://forwardcce.com/equipping

There are several different ways to go through the LifeCare course. Each student can interact with the material in the way that helps them achieve their goals for taking the course. Some options are:

  1. Watch the videos without the LifeCare books. You will be able to watch and learn skills you can use with those you serve or lead as you see fit.
  2. Watch the videos with the LifeCare books. Do all the reading and exercises as you go, but not the practice sessions. This will give you a greater familiarity with the tools, help you retain the new information, and provide written materials to refer back to in the future.
  3. Do everything in the option above, and do the practice sessions. You will need to recruit someone to allow you to coach them in the practice exercise at the end of each module, and grant you permission to record the session. You will review the recording afterwards, critique yourself, submit your critique through the course website, and delete the video recording.
  4. Do everything in the option above, and the additional reading, writing and practice exercises for each module as you go through the course in order to learn as much as possible. You may also find the two additional books listed below to be very informative. They can be found online to purchase.
  5. This final option is only for those whose goal is to become an accredited coach with either the ICF or AC. You will do everything you would have done for the option above, plus register for a live, 2.5 day training to be taken once you’ve completed all coursework.

Course materials if you just want to do LifeCare and are not interested in additional reading or accreditation:

  • LifeCare Workbook (big book)
  • LifeCare Self-Guided Study (small book)

Additional course materials for those who want more recommended reading just for the sake of learning, OR for those who will be seeking professional coach accreditation:

  • Cognitive-Behavioural Coaching by Neenan**
  • Motivational Interviewing 3rd Edition by Miller and Rollnick**

Course content for each module is listed below. You are only responsible for assignments that pertain to your goals for taking the course - either for ICF or AC accreditation, or not for accreditation.

If, at some point in the future you decide to seek accreditation, you can always go back and complete any reading, writing or practice sessions you didn’t do the first time through the course. You may then register for a live 2.5 day training to for accreditation.

Finally, in the syllabus you will notice an estimated amount of time for reading, writing, and practice sessions. All assignments together with video content, practice, the extra 2.5 day training and all associated work, etc., total 120 hours of study - which is relevant only for those seeking accreditation.


Students pursuing accreditation

Before beginning the video modules:

Pre-course reading:

  • Read LifeCare Book, pages 1-254. Complete all journaling exercises. (12 hours reading, 4 hours journaling)
  • Read Motivational Interviewing Pages 1-84. (4 hours reading)
  • Read Global Code of Ethics for Coaching
  • Read LifeCare Coaching Contract and intake documents in the back of the LifeCare training manual

Pre-course writing:

  • Complete Missional Vision Exercise found in the back of the LifeCare Training Manual.
  • Critical reflection regarding the application of confidentiality and its limits, unconditional positive regard, empathy, building trust and rapport, injunctions against ‘fixing’ clients. No more than 250 words. Email to equip@forwardcce.com. (1 self-study hour)
  • Critical reflection regarding past struggles that would inhibit ability of coach to demonstrate ‘person-centered’ characteristics towards clients. No more than 250 words. Email to equip@forwardcce.com. (1 self-study hour)

Students not pursuing accreditation

No pre-reading required.


Module 1 

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • Chapters 1-3 of LifeCare Workbook, pgs. 1-24, and Workbook Appendix 2 (1.5 hours self-study)
  • Global Code of Ethics & Client/Coach Contract (.5 hour self-study)

WATCH

  • Module 1 videos

Students pursuing accreditation:

  • Select one point of ethical practice from the Global Code of Ethics and client contract and explain its importance in 250 words or less. Send to equip@forwardcce.com. (1.5 hours self-study)

Module 2 

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • Chapter 4 of the LifeCare Training Manual, pgs. 25-44  (1 hour self-study)

Students pursuing accreditation:

  • Read pages 1-24 of Cognitive Behavioral Coaching (1 hour self-study)

WATCH

  • Module 2 videos

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)

Module 3 

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • Read LifeCare Training Manual Chapters 5-6, pgs. 45-68 - 1 self-study hour

Students pursuing accreditation:

  • Motivational Interviewing pages 85-161 - 4 self-study hours
  • Think about a change process that you have personally experienced. Map your experience onto the 6-part change process described in Chapter 6 of the LifeCare workbook, using no more than one page. Include any personal reflections you have on the process of change. Send to completed exercise to equip@forwardcce.com.

WATCH

  • Module 3 video

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)


Enjoying the course? Our vision is to see an army of Christian coaches and counselors equipped to minister to people facing life's critical challenges alone.  Please consider donating to make LifeCare free for the majority, and low cost for those called to professional accreditation. Your one time or recurring gift can make a huge difference in the lives of people facing every kind of struggle, and struggling towards every kind of goal!

Please prayerfully consider giving here now: https://forwardcce.com/donate


Module 4 

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • LifeCare Workbook, Chapter 7, pgs. 69-92 (1.5 hours)

Students pursuing accreditation:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Coaching pgs. 66-84 (1 hour)

WATCH

  • Module 4 video

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)

Module 5

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • Read LifeCare Training Manual Chapter 8, pgs. 93-134  (2 hours)

Students pursuing accreditation:

  • Read Cognitive Behavioral Coaching, pgs. 85-119  (1.5 hours)

WATCH

  • Module 5 video

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)

Module 6

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • Read LifeCare Training Manual Chapter 9, pgs. 135-142 (.5 hours)

WATCH

  • Module 6 videos

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)


Module 7

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • Read LifeCare Training Manual Chapter 10, pgs. 143-150 (.5 hours)

WATCH

  • Module 7 video

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)


Enjoying the course? Our vision is to see an army of Christian coaches and counselors equipped to minister to people facing life's critical challenges alone.  Please consider donating to make LifeCare free for the majority, and low cost for those called to professional accreditation. Your one time or recurring gift can make a huge difference in the lives of people facing every kind of struggle, and struggling towards every kind of goal!

Please prayerfully consider giving here now: https://forwardcce.com/donate


Module 8

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • LifeCare Training Manual Chapter 11, pgs. 151-158 (.5 hours)

WATCH

  • Module 8 video

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)

Module 9

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • Read LifeCare Training Manual Chapter 12, pgs. 159-166  (.5 hours)

WATCH

  • Module 9 video

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)

Module 10

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • Read LifeCare Training Manual Chapter 13, pgs. 167-174 (.5 hours)

WATCH

  • Module 10 video

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)

Module 11

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • Read LifeCare Training Manual Chapter 14, pgs. 175-182 - .5 self-study hours

WATCH

  • Module 11 video

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)


Enjoying the course? Our vision is to see an army of Christian coaches and counselors equipped to minister to people facing life's critical challenges alone.  Please consider donating to make LifeCare free for the majority, and low cost for those called to professional accreditation. Your one time or recurring gift can make a huge difference in the lives of people facing every kind of struggle, and struggling towards every kind of goal!

Please prayerfully consider giving here now: https://forwardcce.com/donate


Module 12

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • Read LifeCare Training Manual Chapter 15, pgs. 183-190 - .5 self-study hours

WATCH

  • Module 12 video

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)

Module 13

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • Read LifeCare Training Manual Chapter 16, pgs. 191-196 - .5 self-study hours

WATCH

  • Module 13 video

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)

Module 14

All students, prior to watching video modules:

READ (or review)

  • Re-read GCOE and Client Contract documents (1-hour)

WATCH

  • Module 14 video

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)

Module 15

All students, prior to watching video modules:

  • No new reading

WATCH

  • Module 15 video

PRACTICE

  • Complete, record and review practice session per instructions on course page - (2 hours)
  • Complete and submit session review feedback form - (.5 hours)
  • Post something you learned from the practice session on the LifeCare Coach community message board without violating the confidentiality of the person you coached. Comment on at least one other students practice session post.- (1 hour)

You've come a long way - great job! Please consider helping to make our vision a reality - that we would see an army of Christian coaches and counselors raised up to minister to people facing life's critical challenges alone. You can help make it happen by donating. Your gift keeps LifeCare free for the majority, and low cost for those called to professional coaching and counseling work - yes counselors take LifeCare too, because many have graduated from secular schools that have not taught how to integrate faith with professional counseling practice! Your one time or recurring gift can make a huge difference in the lives of people facing every kind of struggle, and encourage those struggling towards every kind of goal!

Please give here: https://forwardcce.com/donate


Module 16

All students, prior to watching video modules:

  • No new reading

WATCH

  • Module 16 video to conclude the course


Congratulations!  You have completed the LifeCare course.

Potential Next Steps

Sign up for the next 2.5 day live training if either of the following apply to you:

  • You want to continue your coach education journey through live teaching and practice sessions
  • You want to work towards accreditation, and add a professional coaching credential to your resume.
  • Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram to get course dates when they are announced. 

Once the training event is complete, you will have met training qualifications for the following certification levels/organizations:

1) Association for Coaching (AC):  Foundation Coach, Coach or Professional Coach level certifications.

2) International Coach Federation (ICF):  Associate Certified Coach via portfolio path.

Note: 

1) There are additional requirements for professional coach accreditation beyond training. Please review specific requirements for the certification level you are pursuing from either the ICF or AC to get the most up-to-date information.

2) To use LifeCare training to qualify for an ICF credential, you must use ICF’s portfolio pathway of accreditation

This will require you to submit additional documentation regarding the structure of LifeCare training to demonstrate that it meets ICF criteria for professional coach training. Past graduates have navigated this process successfully, and the Forward Foundation can provide the additional documentation you will need.