Positive Psychology Coaching Certification: 11 Opportunities & Options

Introduction

Positive psychology coaching focuses on cultivating wellbeing, fulfillment, and meaning in life. As an emerging field, it takes inspiration from positive psychology research on topics like happiness, self-actualization, gratitude, mindfulness and more.

For those interested in incorporating these concepts into their coaching practice, a positive psychology certification can provide the necessary knowledge and skills. This type of training is especially valuable for life coaches, career coaches, and other coaching professionals.

Benefits of Positive Psychology Coach Certification

Some key benefits of positive psychology coach training include:

Learning evidence-based techniques to improve client wellbeing
Understanding the psychology of motivation, goal-setting and behavior change
Developing skills to coach clients through life transitions
Creating empowering practices like mindfulness, self-compassion and resilience

Types of Positive Psychology Coach Certifications

If you’re considering positive psychology coach certification, there are a few options to choose from:

Graduate Degree Programs

A small number of universities offer master’s degrees in positive psychology. These intensive, academically-focused programs provide comprehensive training in positive psychology theories, tools, and applications.

Specialty Certificate Programs

Offered by coaching schools and positive psychology organizations, these certificate programs provide training tailored specifically to using positive psychology in coaching. They range from 5 days to 6 months long.

Continuing Education Workshops

Coaches can also gain exposure to positive psychology tools and interventions through single workshops focused on gratitude, mindfulness, resilience, etc. These are typically 1-2 days long.

11 Positive Psychology Coach Certifications

Here are 11 well-regarded positive psychology coaching certification programs:

1. University of Pennsylvania

UPenn’s Master of Applied Positive Psychology is taught by many pioneering researchers in the field. The 30-credit program can be completed part-time over 2 years.

2. Sofia University

Sofia’s online MA in Positive Psychology and Coaching combines academic study with hands-on coaching skills. The 30-unit curriculum prepares graduates to apply positive psychology in coaching and consulting settings.

3. WholeBeing Institute

This 70-hour certificate focuses on using positive psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness in personal and professional coaching. Graduates earn the Certified Positive Psychology Coach designation.

4. Institute for Life Coach Training

The 130-hour Positive Psychology & Coaching certificate from ILCT teaches core coaching competencies along with positive psychology interventions for enhancing wellbeing.

5. Coach Training Alliance

This accredited program offers two levels of positive psychology coach training: a 5-day Essentials workshop and an in-depth certification curriculum spanning 4 months online.

6. Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

Kripalu offers continuing education workshops like Positive Psychology: Practices for Personal Growth & Professional Development. This 4-day on-site workshop provides experiential positive psychology training.

7. TalentSmart

Emotional intelligence experts TalentSmart provide a science-based certification in EQ coaching. Their 15-hour online program teaches how to coach clients in emotional intelligence skills.

8. APECS

The Applied Positive Psychology Coaching Course from APECS is a self-paced 7-week program focused specifically on positive psychology coaching tools and interventions.

9. evidencebasedcoaching.com.au

This Australian provider offers an online Certificate in Positive Psychology Coaching. The 5-module course takes 6 months part-time to complete.

10. Positive Acorn

Based in the UK, Positive Acorn offers a 5-day classroom-based training focused exclusively on applying positive psychology in coaching. Graduates earn the Positive Psychology Practitioner credential.

11. Berkeley Life Coaching Institute

Berkeley Life’s 65-hour curriculum prepares coaches to apply positive psychology, mindfulness, and wellness principles with clients. Training is provided through online self-study.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is positive psychology coaching?

Positive psychology coaching uses evidence-based techniques to help clients achieve greater wellbeing, meaning, self-actualization, and a more positive mindset to reach their goals.

How long does it take to become a certified positive psychology coach?

Typical positive psychology coach certification programs range from 5 days to 6 months depending on the depth and extent of the training provided.

What jobs can you get with a positive psychology certification?

With credentials in positive psychology, coaches are qualified for private practice coaching roles, consulting, workplace wellbeing program development, instructing positive psychology workshops, and more.

Can a life coach become a positive psychology coach?

Yes, a certified life coach can absolutely gain specialized training in positive psychology and incorporate these tools into their existing coaching services.

Is a PhD required to be a positive psychology coach?

No, a PhD is not required for positive psychology coaching. Reputable certificate programs and graduate degrees provide the necessary credentials to effectively apply positive psychology techniques in coaching contexts.