REINVENT YOUR FUTURE
Once you've enrolled in the ACC-Course, your first two steps are to read the Coaching School Manual and to watch 10 short videos. These resources serve as a foundation for learnings that take place during live training sessions. Students should read and watch the videos before the first ACC-level Course. During the third session of the ACC course, students will be asked to share 3 learnings and 3 questions they have related to the videos below. In the meantime, simply soak in as much of the content as possible as you read and watch, listing your learnings and questions as they arise. 
MANUAL | CHAPTERS 1-4
 1  |  What is coaching?
2  |  The 8 Core Competencies
3  |  Common Coaching Models
4 |  Appreciative Inquiry Coaching
MANUAL | CHAPTERS 5-8
5  |  Coaching Groups & Teams
6  |  Coaching Tips and Truths
7  |  Develop Your Coaching Capacities
8  |  Marketing Your Coaching Business 

ACC-Level Training Topics

101 - What Coaching Is and Isn't
102 - Create Safe Space for Coaching
103 - Demonstrate Ethical Practice
104 - Develop Coaching Presence
105 - Active Listening Skills
106 - Powerful Questioning Skills
107 - Appreciative Inquiry Coaching
108 - Set Coaching Norms
109 - Evoke New Awareness
110 - Coaching Clients Through Change
111 - Design Action Steps & Accountability
112 - Assess Coaching Skills & Impact
113 - Facilitate Client Growth
114 - Direct Communication Strategies
115 - Helping Clients Set Goals
116 - Coaching Groups & Teams
1 17 - Managing Multiple Clients
118 - Prepare for the ICF Exam
119 - Practices Labs (5 sessions)

TRAINING  VIDEOS

LESSON 1 | Introduction to Coaching

Welcome to the beginning of your coaching journey with Dr. Felix C. Villanueva, Master Certified Coach and Co-Founder of Surface to Soul Coaching School. This introduction outlines the transformative power of coaching, its distinction from therapy, mentoring, and consulting, and the empowering belief that clients already hold the answers within themselves. Get ready to explore coaching as a future-focused, action-driven partnership that unlocks potential and sparks lasting change.

Outcomes | Concepts

OUTCOMES
  • Learn and memorize ICF's definition of coaching.
  • Understand what coaching is and isn't.
  • Understand the history and growth of the coaching profession.
  • Learn more about the the International Coaching Federation.

CONCEPTS
  • Coaches abide by ICF's Code of Ethics - confidentiality is essential.
  • Coaches draw out the wisdom of their clients through powerful questions.
  • Coaching is about facilitating change.
  • Know when your coaching and when you're not. - stay in your lane!

Questions, Actions & Applications

QUESTIONS
  • How would you describe coaching to your friends?
  • What differentiates coaching from other helping professions?
  • How will you use coaching in your personal life?
  • How will you use coaching in your professional life?
  • What types of transformation are you most excited about facilitating?

ACTIONS & APPLICATIONS
  • Surf the ICF's Coaching Federation site.
  • Memorize ICF's coaching definition.
  • Start making a list of people you'd like to coach.

LESSON 2 | Introduction to Core Competencies

In this video, we introduce the Eight Core Competencies of Coaching as defined by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the global leader in advancing the coaching profession. We take a focused look at Core Competency #1: Demonstrates Ethical Practice, exploring the key behaviors that uphold professionalism, integrity, and trust in coaching relationships. Viewers will gain practical insight into applying coaching ethics and understanding the boundaries of their professional role.

Outcomes & Concepts

OUTCOMES
  • Learn about and memorize ICF's 8 core competencies.
  • Understand and consistently apply the Code of Ethics to all coaching conversations.
  • Understand the importance of roles, agreements, and confidentiality when coaching.
  • Learn to trust the coaching process and learn to refer.

CONCEPTS
  • There are more than 35,000 ICF-certified coaches in the world.
  • Ethics are the cornerstone of ICF coaching.
  • Your communications should reflect professionalism and cultural awareness.
  • Maintain distinctions between coaching and other helping professions.

Questions, Actions & Applications

QUESTIONS
  • What are the 4 categories of coaching skills found in the Code of Ethics?
  • What will you/do you share with clients about honoring confidentiality?
  • What questions do you have about ICF's Code of Ethics?
  • What "trust the process" mean to you at this time?

ACTIONS & APPLICATIONS
  • Find out if you are a mandatory reporter.
  • Begin memorizing & regularly reviewing ICF's Core Competencies.
  • Make note of which competencies you're most unfamiliar with.
  • Begin making a list of questions you wish to ask Coaching School instructors.

LESSON 3 | Embodying a Coaching Mindset

In this video, we explore ICF Core Competency #2: Embodying a Coaching Mindset, a foundational element of effective coaching. You'll learn practical ways to develop a mindset that is open, curious, flexible, and client-centered—highlighting the importance of reflection, cultural awareness, emotional regulation, and continuous learning. Whether you're a new coach or a seasoned professional, this lesson offers meaningful insights to deepen your coaching presence and support lasting client transformation.

Outcomes & Concepts

OUTCOMES
  • Recognize that clients are responsible for their choices and outcomes.
  • Recognize that coaching mastery is a lifelong process.
  • Coaches improve their skills by inspecting their results.

CONCEPTS
  • Pay attention to the "skinny branches
  • Avoid a "one size fits all" approach to coaching.
  • Great coaches reflect on their practice
  • Coaches need coaches and need to be part of a community.

Questions, Actions & Applications

QUESTIONS
  • How will you remain grounded and fully present when coaching?
  • How will you self-regulate your emotions when coaching?
  • What does a safe space look like for you and your clients?
  • Who is, or could be, part of your coaching community?

ACTIONS & APPLICATIONS
  • Stay client centered - focus on the person, not the problem.
  • Clarify with clients your role in the coaching process.
  • Create rituals for being grounded before & during coaching sessions.

LESSON 4 | Establishing & Maintaining Agreements

In this video, we explore ICF Core Competency #3 – Establishing and Maintaining Agreements, a foundational skill in co-creating strong coaching relationships. You’ll learn how to create clear coaching contracts, co-develop goals, and craft meaningful session agreements that keep the process aligned and client-centered. Through practical examples and guidance, this lesson helps you build confidence in managing expectations, responsibilities, and evolving client needs throughout the coaching journey.

Outcomes & Concepts

OUTCOMES
  • Learn how to co-create the coaching relationship with clients.
  • Learn how to explain coaching & the coaching process with clients.
  • Learn the 3 primary coaching agreements.
  • Recognize that the client is always in the driver's seat.

CONCEPTS
  • Don't assume the client knows what the coaching process is.
  • Establish goals for the coaching process, and for each session.
  • Not every clients is coachable. You may not be the right coach for your client.
  • Check-in with the client to "recalibrate" the coaching relationship.

Questions, Actions & Applications

QUESTIONS
  • What types of coaching agreement templates do you need?
  • How do the three agreements reinforce each other?
  • How does establishing clear norms/expectations improve the client experience?
  • What information would you provide a client before an initial coaching session?

ACTIONS & APPLICATIONS
  • Review Felix's sample coaching agreement.
  • Register for "Do Your Best" coaching course.
  • Review the "3 Agreements" Handout

LESSON 5 | Cultivating Trust and Safety

In this video, we explore ICF Core Competency #4: Cultivating Trust and Safety, a vital element in co-creating a meaningful coaching relationship. You'll learn how to create a supportive, respectful environment that honors the client’s identity, emotions, and unique contributions. Through practical insights and reflective examples, this lesson emphasizes the coach’s role in building authentic, trust-based partnerships.

Outcomes & Concepts

OUTCOMES
  • Explore ways to create a safe, supporting coaching relationship with clients.
  • Learn to understand your client's (see the clients' world through their lens).
  • Demonstrate respect, support, and empathy for the client.

CONCEPTS
  • Learn ways to dance in the moment with your clients. - follow their lead.
  • Respect the clients perspectives, values, language,
  • Avoid offering solutions or seeking to fix or persuade the client.

Questions, Actions & Applications

QUESTIONS
  • Are the questions you ask clients for you, or for your client?
  • What would dancing with your clients look like in your settings?
  • What might you say or do that would diminish a client's trust and safety?

ACTIONS & APPLICATIONS
  • List ways you'd "present yourself" to create a trusting atmosphere.
  • Review ICF's Code of Ethics through the lens of trust and safety.
  • Ask other coaches what they do to help ensure a safe environment.

LESSON 6 | Maintaining Presence

In this video, we explore ICF Core Competency #5: Maintaining Presence, a foundational skill in co-creating a powerful coaching relationship. You'll learn how to stay fully conscious and grounded with clients, respond with empathy, and confidently hold space for strong emotions and silence. Discover why true coaching impact comes not from expertise, but from being deeply present in the moment.

Outcomes & Concepts

OUTCOMES
  • Learn to be fully present with your client, and in the moment?
  • Learn to remain focused on the who as well as the what.
  • Learn to demonstrate curiosity and how to best understand your client.

CONCEPTS
  • Trust the coaching process - be fully present, in the moment.
  • Pay attention to a client's body language and tone of voice.
  • Hear your client's stories without getting caught up in it.

Questions, Actions & Applications

QUESTIONS
  • How can a coach be fully-present, yet sufficiently detached?
  • How might you maintain a mindset of curiosity?
  • How might you create more moments of silence and reflection for clients?

ACTIONS & APPLICATIONS
  • Practice being fully present for your friends, family, and co-workers.
  • List things that could distract you or your clients when coaching.
  • Keep a journal that lists what you are observing about the people you meet each day.

LESSON 7 | Active Listening

In this video, we dive into the sixth ICF Core Competency: Active Listening—an essential skill that goes beyond hearing words to deeply understanding clients in the context of their unique identities, environments, and experiences. You’ll learn how to tune into tone, emotion, and body language, reflect authentically, and recognize patterns that lead to client breakthroughs. Mastering Active Listening, alongside Powerful Questioning, will elevate the depth and impact of every coaching conversation.

Outcomes & Concepts

OUTCOMES
  • Learn to demonstrate listening behavior that use all sense
  • Learn to recognize patterns that show up in a coaching conversation.
  • Learn to summarize and clarify what clients share with you.

CONCEPTS
  • Tune into more than just words. Listen for what's not said.
  • Invite clients' insights using phrases such as "Tell me more."
  • Notice without naming what you observe.

Questions, Actions & Applications

QUESTIONS
  • How might you engage all of your senses to listen deeply?
  • How does providing silence support active listening?
  • Add

ACTIONS & APPLICATIONS
  • Practice active listening skills with 3 or more people this week.
  • List what you noticed about a client following a coaching session.
  • Watch a TV show without sound; pay attention to people's body language.

LESSON 8 | Evoking Awareness

In this lesson, we explore Core Competency 7 of the ICF framework: Evoking Awareness—a transformative coaching skill that helps clients generate insight and clarity. You'll learn how to use powerful questions, silence, metaphors, and real-time observations to deepen client self-awareness and spark meaningful change. Through practical examples and key behaviors, this video equips you to guide clients toward fresh perspectives and empowered action.

Outcomes & Concepts

OUTCOMES
  • Learn to  facilitate client insights through powerful questions.
  • Learn to facilitate client insights through rethinking assumptions and approaches.
  • Identify strategies for evoking awareness in coaching conversations.

CONCEPTS
  • What works for one client may not work with others.
  • Help clients reconcile internal contradictions and competing commitments.
  • Ask questions that stretch the client's perspectives.

Questions, Actions & Applications

QUESTIONS
  • How can you help clients note what's working and what isn't working?
  • How can you help client's build on past patterns of success?
  • How would you know if a client is stuck?

ACTIONS & APPLICATIONS
  • List ways you evoke new awareness among friends and co-workers.
  • List habit you've developed that prevent you from fully engaging.
  • List where, when, and with whom you evoked awareness this past week.

LESSON 9 | Facilitating Client Growth

In this final video of the ICF Core Competency series, we explore Competency 8: Facilitating Client Growth, which focuses on helping clients transform insight into action. Using the metaphor of landing a glider, the lesson illustrates how coaches support clients in designing meaningful steps, embracing autonomy, and building sustainable momentum. You'll learn practical strategies for guiding clients toward lasting change, celebrating progress, and closing sessions with clarity and intention.

Outcomes | Concepts

OUTCOMES
  • Learn to help clients "land the plane."
  • Develop strategies for facilitating client growth and intentional actions.
  • Address ways to help clients find ways to hold themselves accountable.

CONCEPTS
  • Start small, Build momentum. Celebrate your successes.
  • Acknowledge the clients' autonomy in developing their plans
  • Coaches empower, not direction. 
  • Help clients recognize ways they sabotage their best efforts.

Questions & Applications

QUESTIONS
  • How might you help clients gain clarity about their approaches and next steps?
  • Where do you see client getting "stuck?" What would help them become unstuck?
  • How do you know if a clients is sufficiently motivated to act on their intentions?

ACTIONS & APPLICATIONS
  • Ask clients to summarize their next steps and who will hold them accountable.
  • Note obstacles that may hinder your client's next steps.
  • List the things that prevent you from being your best self.

LESSON 10 | Powerful Questions, Approaches, and Practices

This video explores the essential coaching skill of powerful questioning, rooted in the ICF Core Competency of Evoking Awareness. You’ll learn how to craft open-ended, agenda-free questions that spark insight, deepen reflection, and move clients toward meaningful change. Through examples and practical tips, this lesson shows how the right question—asked at the right time—can transform a conversation.

Outcomes & Concepts

OUTCOMES
  • Develop strategies for using powerful questions to frame coaching conversations.
  • Learn to ask questions that help client be future-oriented, seen new pathways.
  • Practice using short questions and then providing silence for clients to reflect.

CONCEPTS
  • The best questions are usually less than 8 words long.
  • Ask questions that help clients explore new assumptions, approaches, and actions.
  • Avoid question-stacking. Ask one question at a time.

Questions, Actions & Applications

QUESTIONS
  • How can coaches get to the crux of the issues more quickly?
  • Do you have a tendency to ask questions that are not essential?
  • What questions have your found to be most helpful when coaching?

ACTIONS & APPLICATIONS
  • Review Felix's list of 100 Powerful Questions.
  • Begin making a list of your "top 10" questions to ask when coaching.
  • List questions other people have asked you that you found helpful.