Last updated on November 27th, 2023.
The quest for inner calm and clarity has become a cherished pursuit in a world perpetually in motion. Like a gentle whisper in the clamor of modern life, mindfulness offers a profound pathway to self-discovery and well-being. As the demand for mindfulness coaching burgeons, the online realm unveils a treasure trove of opportunities to embark on this transformative journey. Welcome to our exploration of “The 6 Best Mindfulness Coaching Certifications Available Online,” a curated selection that beckons those eager to guide others toward serenity. In this digital age, where the virtual and the spiritual converge, we seek to discover the best certifications that empower you to inspire, uplift, and lead others to self-awareness and inner peace. Here is a quick overview of the best mindfulness coaching certifications:
Whether you seek to harness your leadership skills, explore the depths of your creativity, or find inner peace and balance in a bustling world, the offerings in this list are designed to empower, inspire, and help you flourish on your unique path of personal development.
Article Topics
How do you become a mindfulness coach?
To embark on this journey, one must undergo training in mindfulness techniques and cultivate a deep understanding of the practice. Typically, this involves obtaining certification. The importance of certification extends in two crucial directions: it facilitates the acquisition of clients and fosters your growth as a coach.
While you might believe that your extensive experience in yoga or meditation makes you inherently qualified to become a mindfulness coach, it’s vital to recognize that teaching skill is distinct from personal practice. Consider professional basketball players who excel on the court but struggle to impart their skills to others.
Even individuals who have already acquired certification may pursue additional training before embarking on a mindfulness coaching career. This other certification ensures comprehensive mastery of the subject matter and the ability to convey it to students effectively. Teaching, after all, is a distinct skill, and learners vary in their needs and preferences.
Conversely, you wouldn’t want to seek guidance from someone lacking genuine expertise, would you? Formal certification shows potential clients that you’ve undergone rigorous training and take mindfulness coaching seriously. The proper certification attests to your authenticity and dedication, assuring clients that you’re not simply seeking to profit from them.
What does a mindfulness coach do?
Mindfulness is the capacity of one’s mind to devote awareness to the current world by becoming conscious of the moment at hand. A mindfulness coach helps their students learn to be mindful of their surroundings and appreciate each moment as it happens. A mindfulness coach falls under the giant umbrella of life coaching.
Unlike a meditation coach who teaches students to clear their minds and focus on nothing, mindfulness coaches help their students practice focusing on one thing at a time. Many people’s minds are constantly scattered in multiple directions throughout the day. This multi-tasking can lead to problems working on one thing at a time and doing it well.
A mindfulness coach acts as a mentor. They hold their students accountable for practicing mindfulness daily and give them hints or strategies to improve their mindfulness. Mindfulness coaches are also partly therapists because they work with the human mind to relieve stress and ease tension.
A mindfulness coach may have individual plans and advice for each student or a general course they recommend to all of their students. These can be administered through videos, audio files, or Zoom meetings between the coach and the student. When coached properly, mindfulness can help people:
- Sleep better and for longer
- Improve their concentration throughout the day
- Decrease the amount of stress they feel
- Reduce anxiety and depression
The 6 Best Mindfulness Coaching Certifications Available Online
Consider one of these mindfulness coaching certifications, assuring you won’t fall prey to dubious coaches or counterfeit credentials. They’re valuable not only for deepening your knowledge but also for your ability to effectively impart mindfulness to students.
1. My Vinyasa Practice
The coach for My Vinyasa Practice, Michelle Young, has been practicing for nearly two decades. It is a self-paced online course, so feel free to take your time as you learn how to coach others. Anyone can fit this course, even during a busy time in their life. The flexibility of the course only adds to the benefits of the certification course.
Their Mindfulness Coach Certification offers opportunities to interact with participants one-on-one to help them conquer constraining attitudes and understand their value. Their innovative curriculum enables you to use awareness resources to practice controlling thoughts and emotions, avoid restricting values, and discover a beneficial connection with the world.
From the first, students understand how to recognize the restrictive values that slow them
down and how to use the resources used in mindfulness to explore their creative strength. Once they have learned about mindfulness in their own lives and seen how a professional coach teaches, they will be ready to become coaches themselves.
Finally, this course includes marketing yourself to the right clientele and growing your practice. Whether that means meeting with clients in person or over the internet, My Vinyasa Practice gives you the tools to become a successful mindfulness coach and help people improve their awareness.
Check out My Vinyasa Practice review for everything you need about this fantastic program!
2. School Of Positive Transformation
This Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher Training teaches you how to lead others through meditation and coaches them about being mindful in their daily lives. Dr. Itai Itzvan leads the School of Positive Transformation, which is accredited by the International Mindfulness and Meditation Alliance and is continuing professional development accredited.
It is a detailed program developed to provide you with the training and expertise required to be a professional meditation instructor. As many know, meditation and mindfulness often go hand in hand in training courses.
By signing up for this course, you can access guided meditation scripts, exercises, and activities to demonstrate and practice mindfulness and a host of videos showing you the proper techniques for practicing and teaching these topics. That material belongs to you forever, even after the program ends. The program is intended for those who are:
- Studying meditation or other yogic disciplines
- Trained yoga and pilates instructors
- Alternative therapists
- Life coaches
- Fitness practitioners
- Psychologists
As well as people who wish to extend their training or profession to include meditation instruction, methodology, and techniques. There is also a Facebook group that you can join to talk with other mindfulness and meditation coaches. This network gives you access to tips and tricks from hundreds of coaches wherever they are in their careers.
3. PositivePsychology.com: Mindfulness X
PositivePsychology.com presents Mindfulness X, an extensive 8-session program for mindfulness training, meticulously crafted to provide practitioners with the essential tools to teach mindfulness under their brand name. This program is $1,150 and is underpinned by robust scientific research carefully curated by Dr. Hugo Alberts, a seasoned psychologist and researcher with over 14 years of dedicated expertise in mindfulness.
Drawing from a methodology developed more than a decade ago, Dr. Alberts has chosen to share his insights, extending the reach of mindfulness and its profoundly positive impact on individuals’ lives. The program includes engaging videos, thoughtfully designed worksheets, practical exercises, and compelling presentation slides conveniently accessible through a dedicated website.
Participants are introduced to the enlightening exploration of the 8 Pillars of Mindfulness:
- Attention and the now
- Automaticity
- Judgment
- Acceptance
- Goals
- Compassion
- The Ego
- Integration
These pillars are meticulously dissected, emphasizing practical techniques and illuminating insights to guide practitioners in nurturing mindfulness. The program features an instructive teach-the-teacher module to ensure the seamless transmission of mindfulness principles. This module imparts knowledge on creating a conducive learning environment, adeptly guiding meditation sessions, and adeptly managing challenges that may emerge during instructional sessions.
The holistic curriculum of Mindfulness X extends beyond the foundational concepts. Complete with lifetime updates and an array of supplementary resources, and this program offers a comprehensive and professional avenue to share the abundant benefits of mindfulness.
4. YogaRenew: Mindfulness Certification Online
The YogaRenew Mindfulness Certification is an immersive and comprehensive certification course that delves into the science, application, practice, and facilitation of mindfulness and mindful meditation. This program is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to develop their personal mindfulness practice and gain the expertise to guide others in their mindfulness journey. YogaRenew is a registered school with Yoga Alliance, and upon completion of the program, graduates qualify for 20 hours of Continuing Education credit.
The program covers various aspects of mindfulness and meditation:
- Introduction to mindfulness and mindfulness meditation. Participants will learn the fundamental concepts of mindfulness and mindfulness meditation. They will explore the attitudinal foundations of mindfulness and the origins of these practices. The program includes guided meditation sessions on awareness of breath.
- Stress. Understanding the origin and biology of stress is essential to the program. Students will be educated on the psychology of stress and learn how mindfulness can help manage stress reactivity. The body scan meditation, a technique to cultivate mindfulness, is introduced here.
- Neuroscience and mindfulness. This section explores the relationship between mindfulness and the brain. Participants will learn about neuroplasticity and how mindfulness can affect brain function positively. Loving-kindness meditation, a practice to foster compassion, is introduced in this module.
- Mindful living. Integrating mindfulness into everyday life is crucial for its practical application. Participants will learn about mindful communication and mindful eating. The “3 Minute Breathing Space” meditation, a quick practice to bring mindfulness into daily activities, is included in this section.
- Mindful movement: The program introduces mindful movement practices, including yoga or other forms of gentle exercise combined with mindfulness techniques.
- Posture and facilitation. Participants will learn about different meditation posture options and how to guide mindfulness meditation practices effectively.
- Guided meditation practices: The program includes several guided meditation sessions to help participants deepen their understanding and experience of mindfulness techniques, such as awareness of breath, body scan, loving-kindness, breathing space, mindfulness of emotions, walking meditation, and more.
- Teaching mindfulness. For those interested in becoming mindfulness teachers, the program offers guidelines on becoming an effective mindfulness instructor. It covers integrating mindfulness into yoga classes, planning mindfulness programs, leading mindfulness sessions, and addressing common questions and concerns from students or clients.
- Introduction to mindfulness and mindfulness meditation. Participants will learn the fundamental concepts of mindfulness and mindfulness meditation. They will explore the attitudinal foundations of mindfulness and the origins of these practices. The program includes guided meditation sessions on awareness of breath.
The YogaRenew Mindfulness Program provides a well-rounded and in-depth exploration of mindfulness and meditation, preparing graduates to use these practices personally and professionally to enhance well-being and promote mindfulness in others.
5. Siddhi Yoga: Mindfulness Teacher Training Certification
The Mindfulness Teacher Training Certification from Siddhi Yoga is an online course open to all individuals. This course offers 70 Hours of Yoga Alliance CEUs, is self-paced, and highlights various benefits of mindfulness, including improved mental health, increased focus and concentration, stress reduction, and enhanced self-awareness.
Here’s a look at a detailed module breakdown
- Introduction. Introduces mindfulness as the practice of grounding the mind in the present moment. It highlights the benefits of the course for participants’ daily lives and explores both conventional and unconventional mindfulness practices.
- Theory of Mindfulness. Explores the definition, features, and emergence of mindfulness. It also covers the science behind mindfulness and its impact on the brain.
- The Practice. Learn about the necessary mental attitude for cultivating mindfulness and common mistakes beginners make. The module emphasizes the purpose of mindfulness meditation and methods to align the body with the mind.
- How to Organize Your Practice. Offers instructions for creating a conducive practice environment, including location, timing, and duration. It emphasizes the importance of a preparatory mindset and cultivating love and empathy.
- What is Mindful or Conscious Breathing. Explores mindful breathing, its relationship with the mind, and its role as an initial stage of meditation. The module presents specific exercises by THICH NHAT HANH and guides participants in locating the breath within the body.
- Dealing with Obstacles in your Meditation Practice. Addresses challenges faced during mindfulness practice and provides strategies to overcome them. It is divided into two sections, focusing on dealing with intruding challenges.
- Conventional Practices of Mindfulness Meditation. Learn traditional mindfulness practices, including breath management, body scan, releasing emotions, and building focus. The module also offers guidance on handling a wandering mind.
- Non-Conventional Practices of Mindfulness Meditation. Explores unique mindfulness practices, such as mindful chores, walking meditation, gratitude meditation, and loving-kindness meditation. It also covers mindful listening, self-observation, and mindfulness in daily life.
- Mindfulness Teacher Training Resources. Teaching methodology, the impact of mindfulness on body and mind, and various social demographics are introduced.
This training program will equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources to teach others mindfulness effectively. It can be a valuable asset for individuals wishing to deepen their mindfulness practice or become certified mindfulness teachers.
6. iNLP Center: Mindfulness Practitioner Training
The Mindfulness Practitioner Training from iNLP Center is fully accredited and comprises 13 modules, each offering diverse resources, including audio, videos, exercises, and journal assignments. This training is entirely accessible online, eliminating the need for any travel.
It incorporates live mindfulness training sessions conducted weekly in an online classroom led by Certified Mindfulness Training Instructors. Students can learn at their own pace, with ongoing trainer support available, and they enjoy 24/7 access to their learning materials.
Module outline
- Module 1. Introduces mindfulness, exploring its historical roots and its contemporary significance as a stress management and wellness practice.
- Module 2. Discusses the scientific and traditional benefits of mindfulness, including stress reduction, mood improvement, and enhanced focus
- Module 3. Covers the practical aspects of mindfulness, including formal and informal practices, and how to manage one’s thoughts during mindfulness.
- Modules 4-7. The four foundations of mindfulness involve being mindful of the body, feelings, mind, and objects of the mind.’
- Modules 8-12. Offer advanced mindfulness practices, including walking meditation, informal mindfulness techniques, and exploring mindfulness with NLP, time perception, ego, and self-concept
Live mindfulness training sessions are critical to this course, where students learn, practice, and interact with trainers and peers. If you want a direct line to mindfulness and mindfulness coaching, check out the iNLP Center.
7. Mindfulness Training
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program from Mindfulness Training is an eight-week yoga, meditation, and awareness course. Although the course is designed to be completed in eight weeks, you can access all of the material, like lectures and readings, forever so that this course can accommodate a busy schedule.
The instructor, G Ross Clark, has worked with various well-respected institutions and has a lot to share with mindfulness coaches in training about connecting with students and conveying the proper techniques so that everyone can practice mindfulness. The course includes various yoga positions and tips to help students focus on the world around them.
It also covers proper breathing practices and using them to overcome physical pain to concentrate and stay in the moment. It acknowledges how easy it is to become distracted and caught up in thinking about the past or the future but shows coaches how to gently bring their students back into the present if that happens.
Most importantly, this curriculum deals with complex topics like learning to accept yourself, body, and mind and grounding yourself with gratitude. By incorporating physical and mental exercises, this course focuses on the coach’s internal and spiritual welfare to ensure they are in the right mind to help their students best.
How do I get continuing education credited for a mindfulness coaching certification?
A Continuing Education Unit (CEU), also known as Continuing Education Credit (CEC), is a program designed to educate and enhance the skills of professionals such as coaches and teachers. These programs offer academic courses to build on existing skills or acquire new ones, with the number of credits per course determined by the course content and duration.
It’s important to note that the completion time for these courses isn’t a personal timeframe but rather varies based on your profession, associated organizations, or national boards. Some courses may qualify for continuing education credits, while others may not. Qualified courses will indicate their eligibility on the website and specify the number of credits they offer.
Many certifications have expiration dates, requiring professionals to renew them by completing new continuing education courses to demonstrate their up-to-date knowledge. This practice ensures that professionals don’t rely on outdated methods in their respective fields.
Continuing education isn’t exclusive to mindfulness coaches; it applies to various professions. Typically, your school or organization will guide you through the registration process, help you prove course completion, and provide you with the appropriate credits for your records.
How much does A mindfulness coach make?
According to ZipRecruiter, the reported average salary for mindfulness coaches in the United States hovers around $55,000 annually, translating to roughly $27 per hour. However, it’s crucial to recognize that your income as a mindfulness coach is influenced by several factors, including your student base’s size, demographics, and location, mainly if you provide in-person coaching.
One of the most influential factors to consider is the demographic of your students. If your coaching primarily targets young adults still in the early stages of their careers or education, they may have limited financial resources. Consequently, you might need to adjust your rates below the national average of $27 per hour to make your services more accessible, potentially resulting in a lower overall income.
On the other hand, if you market your services to older adults or individuals with high-stress occupations, you may discover that you can charge higher rates than the national average. This is often because your target audience may have more disposable income to invest in mindfulness coaching. Additionally, many clients are willing to pay a premium for in-person coaching sessions, so many mindfulness coaches prefer this approach.
However, while in-person coaching can yield higher earnings, your geographical location can also significantly influence it. For instance, mindfulness coaches in Wyoming report an average hourly rate of $29, whereas those in North Carolina might command approximately $20 per hour. These discrepancies can be attributed to variations in the cost of living and the demand for mindfulness coaching services in different regions.
Although mindfulness coaching may not be the highest-paying profession, it often provides a livable income. Moreover, the intrinsic reward of positively impacting individuals’ lives can be deeply fulfilling.
Concluding Thoughts on the Best Mindfulness Coaching Certifications Available
The world of mindfulness coaching certifications offers diverse options, each with unique strengths and focus areas. Your best choice depends on your specific goals, background, and the type of coaching you aspire to provide. Each program equips you with valuable knowledge and skills to guide individuals on their mindfulness journeys.
Remember, the effectiveness of your coaching goes beyond certification; it hinges on your passion, empathy, and dedication to helping others lead more mindful, balanced lives. As you embark on this transformative path, consider your prospective students’ unique needs and preferences and continuously expand your knowledge to stay abreast of the evolving field of mindfulness. With the proper certification and a commitment to personal growth, you can make a meaningful impact and inspire positive change in the lives of those you coach.
