The Intersection of ICF Core Competencies and Motivational Interviewing (MI)
A few of our posts about the International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) Gold Standard of Coaching and Motivational Interviewing (MI) might leave you wondering about the intersection of ICF Core Competencies and MI. MI is a respectful style of communication, a particular way of talking with people about change and growth to strengthen their own motivation and commitment. Well, here is the intersection and our experience as an ICF LEVEL 1 Coaching Education Program.
MI is the secret sauce to embodying the ICF Code of Ethics and Core Competencies. You might be wondering how. In a nutshell we’ll attempt to connect the dots!
- Back in 2011 when Life Coaching Institute of America (LCIA) was founded, the founders, Gina Barritt, PCC, CMC and Leslie Schultz, ACC, CMC,LPC wanted to ensure coaching students had tools to implement the highest level of coaching for their future clients. To make the greatest positive impact.
- Gina and Leslie had already been introduced to MI. Thus, their intentional experiential training was launched. Experiencing over hundreds of combined hours of MI training, including an advanced training with the founder of MI, Dr. William Miller, in 2015, it was apparent that MI supported the ICF definition and vision of coaching. Dr. Miller stated the same!
- MI is a respectful communication style that evokes the client’ language of change. Not coercive because it is the client’s language, not the coach’s influence. It truly was and is the secret sauce.
- MI cannot be learned through book knowledge alone. It is a communication skill that needs practicum and experiential learning that provides training, employment of technique and observation. That is what sets LCIA apart from other Coaching Education Programs. This is what we do, who we are.
- LCIA ensures small class size so individualized attention, training and feedback is provided for all students. LCIA will not exceed 7 students to one (1) coach trainer. And, LCIA founders provide all the training. We do not hire our adjunct coach trainers. MI is the heart of our ICF Coaching Education.
- MI is the tool kit to ensure the ICF Core Competencies are provided to clients, thus delivery of the ICF Gold Standard of Coaching.
We wanted to share the evidence based communication skill-set of MI and how this supports and allows coaches to exceed and excel in their coaching skills and competencies. At the end of the day the client’s best interest is always first and foremost. MI is the avenue in training that allows for the ICF Gold Standard.
Are you ready to begin your journey of becoming a Life Coach?
