Seek spiritual coaching to connect with your inner self.
Spiritual coaches call these discovery journeys life-changing because they believe a spiritual life leads to a successful life. They help clients become self-aware by venturing deep into human wellness.
Spiritual coaching embodies psychological pioneer Sigmund Freud’s most well-known hypothesis — the iceberg theory. Freud specialized in psychoanalysis and argued that the human mind is divided into three levels: the conscious, the subconscious, and the unconscious.
In this analogy, consciousness is the tip of the iceberg — the part we can see. But the subconscious and unconscious are still uncovered. Similarly, the human mind has endless capabilities –– such as creativity, problem-solving, intuition, and more –– but we haven’t accessed most yet.
Learn all about what a spiritual coach is and how they explore the immersed iceberg and discover the full potential of the human mind, body, and soul.
What is a spiritual coach?
A spiritual coach, also called spiritual life coach, helps people discover who they are by supporting their self-discovery journeys. Coaches harness spiritual growth by encouraging clients to love themselves and shatter limiting beliefs.
A spiritual coach acts as an individual’s metaphorical scuba instructor and helps them look into their soul’s submerged sections to uncover their full potential.
Note: People often confuse religious leaders with spiritual coaches and use these terms interchangeably. But they are entirely different entities. Working with a spiritual coach doesn't require clients to be religious. Instead, these coaches help people live more fulfilling lives with gratitude, peace, and purpose. They also help clients access more profound thoughts and unaware feelings.
How do spiritual coaches work?
Spiritual coaching goes beyond daily routines, weekly goals, and monthly reviews. Coaches adopt a holistic strategy that helps clients connect with their inner selves.
They provide internal and external guidance. First, they focus on a client's inner beliefs and offer methods, strategies, and spiritual exercises to help them better understand those beliefs and their relation to the world around them.
Spiritual coaching is a highly personal and tailored activity, so coaches have one-on-one — and often in-person — sessions with clients or work with small groups. This allows coaches to individualize their instructions.
That said, coaches don't necessarily hold the same values as their clients. But shared beliefs may result in higher productivity levels. It all depends on the client–coach relationship — each is unique. However, with a holistic approach, spiritual coaches comprehend the deeper aspects of a client's inner workings and lead them to personal growth and empowerment.
Are there different kinds of spiritual coaches?
Since spiritual coaching is individualized based on client needs, different kinds of coaches suit distinct people. Here are a few:
- Energy healing and vibration: These coaches help clients balance inner energy levels and vibrational frequencies, which are "rhythms" like heartbeats, breathing, and circadian cycles. Coaches employ Reiki therapy, chakra balancing, and guided meditation to help clients achieve a deeper mind-body connection.
- Manifestation: Manifestation coaches help clients channel their thoughts in a specific direction. They use strategies, such as affirmation and visualization, to "will" their intentions into reality.
- Intuitive painting: In this coaching, clients and coaches use art to discover the inner self. Clients paint freely and, metaphorically, let their minds “spill” onto the canvas. Coaches analyze the results and use the art for personal development.
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How to become a spiritual coach
In a seemingly vague coaching niche, how does one become a spiritual coach? Here are a few things to know:
1. Obtain a spiritual coach certification
The first thing to do as an aspiring spiritual coach is to earn accreditation, specifically a certified spiritual counselor (CSC). Formal education gives you skills to execute your job correctly and helps new clients trust you in this sensitive line of work.
Ensure you research properly before choosing a course. While most programs provide a solid understanding of various methods, techniques, and exercises, be sure you're in the right program for the specific coaching type you want to offer.
Udemy’s spiritual coach certification and World Coach Institute’s certified spiritual coach (CSC) program are two solid courses that offer the necessary credentials and skills to start a spiritual coaching career.
2. Choose a platform for your spiritual coaching business
Most coaching sessions occur online, so how do you help clients efficiently achieve their objectives from the other side of a screen? We recommend using a collaborative platform that provides all-in-one coaching solutions, such as Practice. Our system helps you schedule appointments, manage payments, and store client data, letting you focus on what you do best — coaching.
3. Communicate your services clearly
In a profession highly dependent on intuition, pick a niche that comes to you naturally. Play to your strengths and competencies to give your clients high-quality coaching services. For example, if you're adept at analyzing problems, consider becoming an intuitive life coach.
It's essential to be clear about the services you offer. Different types of spiritual coaching often overlap, so highlighting your niche is important in marketing and branding.
4. Set charges
Pricing depends on a coach’s expertise level. Some spiritual coaches charge $50 hourly, while others charge hundreds or thousands per session. Analyze your target audience and price accordingly. For example, if you cater to college students, they won't be able to spend $500 for a session.
But don't undercharge to outbid the competition. Build a network of loyal clients, and value your time and abilities. As you grow your business and establish credibility, you'll find the pricing sweet spot.
5. Spread the word
Put yourself out there. Network at events and workshops, exchange business cards, and use email marketing to attract clients. The internet is a powerful platform, so use it to your advantage. Respond to forum queries, run online ads, start a podcast, and post social media content.
And don't hesitate to post free content when starting. Post LinkedIn tips and Instagram stories, and use Twitter threads to spread knowledge.
Spiritual coach vs. life coach
Spiritual and life coaches help clients set a path to live the most meaningful life possible. So what's the difference between them?
Spiritual coaches
Spiritual coaches rely on intuition and inner guidance. Their main objective is to help achieve a balanced mental state, allowing clients to accomplish personal goals. This coaching niche includes internal and external factors working in tandem, which means coaches try to connect clients to their environment. These coaches like to evoke an affinity to nature, the universe's energy, and the human soul’s essence.
For a spiritual coach, success is being at peace with oneself. These coaches are neither worried about the future nor upset about what has transpired. They're receptive to questions, ideologies, beliefs, and values — what they might call the "inner voice."
This success is subjective, as every individual's inherent system is unique, with a direction that works best for them. These coaches don’t force. Instead, they nurture, support, and encourage clients to grow.
Life coaches
Life coaches take a different approach. They focus on the tangible world and help clients, such as entrepreneurs, achieve personal and professional goals. These coaches prompt self-development and provide sessions on discipline, confidence, motivation, and more, helping clients balance their personal and professional lives.
Unlike spiritual coaches, who work with the laws of the universe, life coaches' methodology revolves around things grounded in "reality." As a result, they often provide support in social and workplace-related matters besides traditional coaching for personal, emotional, and financial reasons.
Advance your career path with Practice
Spiritual coaching guides you to discover life’s meaning, while life coaching helps you achieve. Both are equally important and give life purpose and substance.
Learn more about spiritual and life coaches as well as other types of coaches in The Practice Blog. Our in-depth guides teach you about personal growth, conducting sessions, growing a business, and more.
And your growing business needs the right coaching tools to manage clients. At Practice, we offer professional Customer Management Software to track progress, draft contracts, and receive feedback on your sessions –– all in one place. Try it today.