Transformational Coach Careers
What Is Transformational Coaching?
As children, teenagers, and young adults, many of us had big plans for the rest of our lives. These dreams are usually unique to every individual. For example, some dreamed of starting a family, some dreamed of having successful careers, and some dreamed of having both.
Unfortunately, as we get older, some people will take a good look at their lives and realize that not everything went according to plan. Many times, life gets in the way. Somewhere between each mundane yet necessary daily task, they got turned around on their intended path in life. A person’s attitude and perception of himself, however, also usually plays a part in this. Because of this, changes in attitude are often very helpful for transforming their lives and getting back on track.
Transformational coaching is similar to life coaching. It involves helping people bettering themselves and their lives by bringing about necessary changes. Instead of changing how they act, however, as with life coaching clients, transformational coaching clients work on changing the way they see themselves. This might involve changing their self-image, or perceptions about themselves and their limitations.
Individuals seeking a transformational coaching career should have a few important characteristics. First of all, they should be veritable expert in both verbal and non-verbal communication. They should also be motivational, inspirational, understanding, and non-judgmental.
How Do I Become a Transformational Coach?
To become a transformational coach counselor you will need to go through a rather rigorous amount of schooling. This includes obtaining a Bachelor's Degree, then a Master's Degree, and finally entering into a Doctorate or PhD program. If you are serious about entering into this field of study, request information from programs available for you here.
Why Do We Need Transformational Coaching?
Not realizing their dreams can have quite a negative effect on a person. A person who feels as though they have not accomplished everything they have set out to do in life will often feel disappointed, frustrated, and possibly depressed.
On the other hand, realizing our dreams and seeing them unfold in front of our eyes obviously has quite the opposite effect. People who realize their dreams typically feel happier and more fulfilled in life. Transformational coaches can help people transform themselves and their lives into what’s right for them.
What Does a Transformational Coach Do?
People may seek the help of a transformational coach when they feel that they need help reaching their goals in life, or they need help chasing a more fulfilling life. Usually no matter what area of life people need help with, a transformational coach will be able to help. These professionals work with all types of problems, from relationship problems to career problems to financial problems. A transformational coach will typically work very closely with his clients and help guide them back to where they want to be in life. This often involves a good deal of intense talk therapy.
Talk therapy is just that - therapy through talking. A transformational coach will typically talk with each of his clients to determine their goals and aspirations for their lives. For the most part, the clients will do most of the talking, but the coach will also ask questions where appropriate in order to find out more about his clients’ lives. During this talk therapy, a transformational coach can learn a great deal about his clients, from what they wanted to be when they were children and where they see themselves in twenty years.
Observations are also very important during talk therapy. While his clients are talking, a transformational coach will also watch them closely for signs of any unspoken thoughts. Certain gestures or expressions will often give the coach clues about clients’ insecurities, problems, and attitudes.
As a transformational coach, you will be responsible for learning each of your patients’ goals and perceived limitations, spoken or not. With this information, you can then attempt to steer them toward a more fulfilling life.
A transformational coach will typically help each of his clients work around and bad habits, negative self-images, bad attitudes, and perceived limitations that are holding them back. Instead, a transformational coach will usually help his clients focus on their positive talents and abilities. Working with a transformational coach can help most people put their past - including all of their failures or perceived failures - to rest, charge forward with new goals to better their lives, and transform into the amazing people they were always meant to be.
Where Do Transformational Coaches Work?
It can sometimes be a bit difficult finding salaried positions as a transformational coach. However, many hospitals and mental health facilities might hire transformational coaches. Churches and social service offices might also have transformational coaches on their payrolls as well.
In general, though, the majority of transformational coaches work as self-employed individuals. They typically choose to open their own private practice, and take on clients on their own.
What Are the Education Requirements to Become a Transformational Coach?
| Education Requirements | Education Length | Available Programs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Work | Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Counseling | 4 Years | Online or Campus |
| Graduate Work | Earn a Master's Degree in Counseling | 5-6 Years | Online or Campus |
| PHD or Doctoral Work | Earn a Doctorate in Counseling | 7-8 Years | Online or Campus |
As with life coaching, there is no clearly marked educational path for individuals interested in starting transformational coaching careers. Some individuals, for instance, may complete life or transformational coaching certificate programs. Others may earn associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degrees in areas such as counseling or psychology.
What Is the Average Salary For a Transformational Coach?
The salary of a transformational coach can also be somewhat difficult to pin down, and salaries in this field typically vary. Transformational coaches in more densely populated areas with higher rates and more clients, however, typically earn the most money.
The field of transformational coaching, though, would most likely fall under the category of social and human assistance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals in this field earned a median salary of $38,520 in 2022.
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for social and human service assistants are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.