I began training as an Individual Coach in 2008. Because the Coaches Training Institute/Co-Active Training Institute (CTI) program requires coaching students to practice with clients immediately, I started coaching my first client that same year. (BTW, she remained a client for close to a decade.) I obtained my Coaching Certification from the CTI (now called Co-Active Training Institute) in 2009. That same year, I applied for my Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation and also began training in Organization & Relationship Systems Coaching at the Center for Right Relationship. A few years ago, I upgraded my credential to Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and renew my PCC credential every three years.

Unlike most healthcare and mental health professionals (e.g., physicians and therapists), coaching is an unlicensed profession. That means that, theoretically, pretty much anyone can call themselves a “coach,” and offer coaching services regardless of training, certification, or credential status. When someone indicates they are a Certified Coach, that usually means they completed a coaching certification program. Unfortunately, such programs range from online courses that last a few hours (or less) to months-long or years-long programs with many hours of instruction, a peer-based coaching practicum, professional coaching supervision by an instructor who listens to, evaluates, and provides feedback on recorded coaching sessions with clients, as well as written and oral exams. A credential is a designation provided by one of the following entities: The Center for Education and Credentialing, The European Mentoring and Coaching Council, and The International Coaching Federation (ICF). Requirements for an ICF Credential, including the PCC, include completion of a rigorously reviewed Accredited Coach Training Program—such as those offered by the Coaches Training Institute/Co-Active Training Institute and Center for Right Relationship—passing a written credentialing exam, and coaching clients for hundreds of hours. To maintain an ICF Credential, you must complete a designated number of ICF-approved continuing education hours, including a course on ICF Code of Ethics. An ICF Credential is eligible for renewal every three years.

I have an eclectic professional background: I am a recovering academic—I taught at the University of California, Irvine for none years, three of which as an Associate Professor and Department Chair—I held senior executive positions—Strategic Marketing, Customer Care, Client Service, and Community Development—and had my own online marketing consultancy for a few years. I also tried my hand at screenwriting: I co-wrote an episode for network television many years ago and had a couple of scripts place in the finals of screenplay competitions. Both creative and professional writing remains a passion.

Unfortunately, life coaching services are not covered by health insurance.

Unfortunately, life coaching does not qualify as an HSA expense.

Sessions with individuals are 55 minutes, and most Relationship Coaching sessions are 85-minutes in length. I indicated “most” because on those occasions when I’ve coached a relationship system consisting of more than two people, sometimes two-hour sessions prove beneficial to ensure that all participants have time to express themselves, and there’s adequate time to practice tools and review concepts in-session.

If you’re interested in exploring coaching with me, please schedule a complimentary consult. At that time, we can discuss coaching fees. Please note: I reserve a small number of sliding scale slots for clients in financial need.

I do not offer in-person coaching services, though some of my workshops are in-person. I coach individuals by phone or Zoom, and I coach relationships–whether personal or professional–solely via Zoom.

Please see the Privacy Policy for Rhona Berens, Inc. for a preliminary response to this question. The following confidentiality stipulations appear in my Coaching Agreements with clients: Rhona Berens, Inc. and its representatives hold a Client’s personal information confidential. By signing below, a Client understands and agrees to the following exceptions to that Confidentiality Policy: (1) Client discloses intent to endanger themselves or others, or for any other Client-related matter that Rhona Berens, Inc. deems an emergency; (2) Client’s name, contact info and total hours coached may be provided to the International Coaching Federation (ICF) for credentialing purposes only.* (3) Client’s name, email &/or phone number may be used by Rhona Berens, Inc.’s associates, including a third-party scheduling app/software, to schedule Coaching sessions; (4) a Client or a Client’s friends, relatives &/or associates directly or indirectly harass or threaten Rhona Berens, Inc., or its representatives, and/or its representatives’ family; (5) Client provides Rhona Berens, Inc. with written permission to speak to other professionals, e.g., a Client’s therapist; and (6) a Client is under investigation or under arrest by authorities, at any time during or subsequent to Coaching with Rhona Berens, Inc., including but not limited to investigatory, arrest, or censure efforts by law enforcement, government or other legal/judicial agencies.

Years ago, when I was undergoing fertility treatments, I felt as if I’d boarded a train that I couldn’t (or wouldn’t) get off of until I reached the final destination: giving birth to a baby. I was so focused on that destination that I rarely bothered to look out the window; meaning, I rarely looked up from treatments, from worry, from the grief of failed efforts to notice other aspects of my life, to care for my wellbeing gently or compassionately, and to tend lovingly to my relationship with my partner. Despite her incredible support throughout that time, I felt lonely and isolated, even though I wasn’t alone on the ride. I don’t regret my fertility journey, though I wish I’d known how to better care for myself and my relationship while I was on it. That desire to better navigate infertility—the physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and relationship stresses—inspired me to become a coach. That said, my professional passions before then—e.g., I taught undergrad and graduate students, and managed teams of direct and indirect reports at online community portals—align with what I enjoy most about coaching: Helping people enhance their strengths, grow their skillsets, and increase their fulfillment.

If you have any other questions not addressed in these FAQs, please email rhona@rhonaberens.com for more information.