End of Life Coach Training
A Guide for Students
Welcome!
from Dr. Don Eisenhauer, MCC, Founder and President
Thank you for enrolling in the End of Life Coach Training.
The vision of Coaching at End of Life is to “Boldly go where most don’t want, but some day all will.”
Our mission is to train and equip coaches to provide “End of Life Safe” places where people can face their end of life issues, and can live life fully in this world.
We want to instill in our students not only the coaching skills that are needed to bring this about, but also a much needed coaching mindset, and a healthy grief mindset.
I am excited that you are becoming a part of the Coaching at End of Life family.
What is End of Life Coaching?
End of life Coaching is a process of being with people who are dying and those who are grieving. This process, also known as The Coach Approach, recognizes the person (the one who is dying or the one who is grieving) as the expert of his/her life. An End of Life Coach is responsible for creating a ‘safe place’ in which the person feels free to share without self-censorship. The End of Life Coach asks powerful questions: questions that are born out of the coach’s deep listening. These questions invite the person to look within to find the answers that are already there yet have gone unacknowledged. The Coach affirms the normalcy of the process of dying and the process of grieving. This particular form of being with another offers a person someone to walk alongside them without offering advice, fixing them, or assuming to know what is right for them. The Coach Approach honors the person’s wisdom and explores ways for them to live from it. Transformation occurs when the person is seen and heard in this deep way.
The role of an End of Life coach is one of honor and privilege. It demands self-awareness in the presence of emotionally uncomfortable circumstances. The training for this unique position allows students to become intimate with what is required to embody it.
What is a Healthy Grief Mindset?
We have spent the last years experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic. In the process, we are experiencing a grief pandemic – a global outbreak of grief. We have all experienced loss and continue to do so on a regular basis.
The way we will face this grief depends in large part on our mindset – our way of thinking. A mindset arises out of a person’s worldview or philosophy of life; likewise, a grief mindset arises out of our view or philosophy of grief. Church leaders not only care for themselves by tending a healthy grief mindset, but can learn to coach others into one as well.
What is your mindset concerning grief?
When asking that question, the answers I often receive are,
“Don’t even talk about that. It’s not something I even want to think about.”
“Grief is the worst thing one can experience.”
“Grief is something people need to ‘get over’ as soon as possible.”
In contrast to the typical responses I hear, allow me to suggest 8 core elements of a healthy grief mindset.
- Acknowledge that loss is an inevitable reality
There is no one who escapes the experience of loss. From the moment we are born, our lives include losses. We are nursed by our mothers and then we are weaned. We attach to our families and then we must detach to go to school. Pets die. Relationships are broken. Parents divorce. Loved ones die. We lose jobs. Covid-19 is unleashed. Although most losses surprise us, it is not a surprise that there are losses. Loss is an inevitable reality of life on this earth.
- Understand that grief hurts
Because we do not talk much about grief, most people do not realize how painful it can be – physically, emotionally, spiritually – in every way. Embodying a healthy grief mindset means understanding this reality. Then one will not be shocked by extreme hurt. It is expected as the norm.
- Give yourself permission to be raw and real
The best thing one can do when experiencing the pain of grief is to express it – to let it out. Some common ways of expressing grief are crying, talking about our loved ones who have died, or describing the “living losses” we experience as a result of the pandemic. Yet many feel embarrassed to express their grief in this way. They feel it is not proper, or not the “Christian” thing to do. Embodying this grief mindset means giving ourselves permission to be ourselves. It means being raw and real. It means not hiding what we are feeling or experiencing, but rather sharing without self-censorship.
- Seek continually the “safe” places where you are always welcome
In order to be raw and real and to share without self-censorship, one must find safe places to do so. This can include “safe” people, meaning people who let us share without telling us to stop, trying to fix us, or trying to make us feel better by shutting down our feelings. It also includes “safe” places: churches, hobby groups, work environments, family units, etc. One must continually seek out and find those safe people and safe places. Most of us are surprised to discover those who truly are “safe” and those who are not.
- Engage regularly in “end of life” conversations
Unfortunately, having preemptive conversations about the end of life is not very common. In many circles, it is taboo. Many of us don’t like to talk about the fact that we will all die. Thus we avoid talking about grief, and the effects of loss in our everyday lives. The reality, however, is that it is healthy to talk about such topics. Being reminded that we will all die enables us to live more fully. Relationships can be stronger and more intimate when end of life conversations are the norm. Embodying a healthy grief mindset means engaging regularly in these conversations, and knowing it is healthy to do so. It includes having these conversations whenever the opportunity arises, whether in the home, in the workplace, or in the faith community. Adults and children, couples and groups will all benefit from these conversations.
- Develop communal support
Everyone must grieve their own losses. Mourning is not something that anyone else can do for you. Yet being surrounded by others who are also grieving a loss can be a great source of comfort. Listening to others share their stories reminds us that we are not alone. Doing so alerts us to the fact that what we are experiencing is not unique. Being with others who have experienced loss provides an outlet for mourning and for sharing our personal stories. Grief groups are an invaluable gift for many in grief. The comment I hear over and over from people experiencing loss is, “I would not have made it if it wasn’t for my grief group.” Embodying a grief mindset means developing that communal support, so when it is needed, we know where to turn.
- Continue to do your own work
Grief is not something that we get over – nor is it something that ends. I have no doubt that long after this Covid-19 pandemic is over, many will continue to grieve the losses that have occurred during this time. Even when we are living life fully, and finding a regular smile on our face, there are many things that can stir up our sense of loss. In a moment we can find ourselves crying, or feeling really sad and alone. Experiencing another loss can bring up past losses. Being with someone else who is grieving can stir up our loss. A smell, a familiar place, a song, a favorite food, a holiday or special day, and many other things can stir up our feelings of grief. It is wise to not to be caught off guard when that occurs. Embodying a grief mindset means that we are continually in the process of doing our own work concerning our grief.
- See grief as an opportunity
Rarely does one choose to experience loss. Grief, to most people, is an inevitable, unwelcomed reality. Yet the fact remains, grief is most often a source of incredible growth for people. It provides opportunities that can be found nowhere else – personally, relationally, spiritually, and financially. Some grieving people learn how to do things they could never do before. Others find themselves caring for other grieving people, using what they learned from their own experience. Many find that life is now fuller and richer, because of the new mindset they have adopted. Even given the growth, most would choose to have their loved one still with them, if they had the choice. But the opportunities for growth and enhancement are there nonetheless. Seeing grief as an opportunity is the final part of embodying a grief mindset. It is the part that gives us hope.
Reviewing these 8 core thoughts, how healthy is your grief mindset?
The International Coaching Federation recently updated their Core Competencies, including adding a new competency, “Embodies a Coaching Mindset.” This was the inspiration for this post.
Learning Philosophy
Our goal is for every student to be successful, to graduate from this program, and to earn their ICF Credential. For that reason, the classes will be live and interactive, allowing for questions, discussion, and a lot of practice time. Please respect those students who have a different learning style than yours. We want to support each other in achieving our learning goals.
Our goal is to create a learning environment which meets the needs of each individual student. We are able to accommodate a variety of learning disabilities to make our program more accessible.
Please contact Don Eisenhauer at don@coachingatendoflife.com before enrolling to determine if your needs can be met.
At the current time, this program is only delivered in English. However, plans are currently underway to offer this program in numerous other languages. Check back for updates.
You are so much needed in this world! The fact that you will be trained as both a life coach, and grief and end of life coach, makes you invaluable. You are the reason I became a coach education provider. I know no greater privilege in all the world than being present with people in life and in death. There are not many who are willing to hold the space for individuals, no matter what life brings.
General Disability Policy
Coaching at End of Life supports individuals with disabilities and is committed to providing disabled individuals access reasonable accommodations. In addition, Coaching at End of Life prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and ensures equal opportunity for all qualified individuals with disabilities. Coaching at End of Life is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in compliance with all local, state/territory, and federal laws. Individuals with questions about this policy, or who wish to request accommodation should contact Don Eisenhauer at don@coachingatendoflife.com.
DEIJ Statement
At Coaching at End of Life, we commit ourselves to the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice, both in our training programs as well as our internal organizational development of faculty, mentor coaches, and staff. We are an international organization, and we celebrate and elevate the differences we bring when we gather in or out of the classroom. The topic of End of Life Coaching is one that is relevant for all countries and cultures, and we are enriched when we share personal experiences from our culture, family, religion or belief system. We believe diversity brings invaluable richness and depth to our training programs. We seek to foster an environment where all people are included, valued, heard, and respected.
Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of Coaching at End of Life that:
- Recruitment and hiring of all personnel is conducted without discrimination against any individual with regard to race, age, religion, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or veteran status.
- All staff and personnel will not discriminate against any employee or participant because of race, age, religion, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or veteran status.
- All individuals are welcome to participate regardless of race, age, religion, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or veteran status.
- All employees, students, and other participants should be able to enjoy an environment free of discrimination and harassment. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination or harassment in the areas of race, age, religion, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or veteran status. Our organization does not and will not tolerate conduct by any employee, student, volunteer, contractor, visitor, or vendor which unreasonably interferes with an individual’s ability to learn in a welcoming environment.
Participants who wish to report discrimination are encouraged to follow the grievance policy outlined below. Coaching at End of Life will promptly investigate all claims and reports of inappropriate conduct.
Grievance Policy
Coaching at End of Life seeks to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to attempt to solve any grievances in a timely and fair manner. Participants have the right to file a grievance regarding presentation or content, facility concerns, or faculty behavior. All grievances will be addressed to the best of our ability to prevent further problems. A process for filing grievances can be found below:
- A participant should first attempt to resolve the issue directly with the instructor, staff, or participant with whom they have an issue. If participants are not comfortable approaching the individual, they can proceed to step 2.
- If participants are not comfortable approaching the individual with whom they have a grievance, or are unable to resolve the issue directly, participants should submit a written grievance to the program manager within 10 days. The program manager will review the issue and talk to the student within 10 days of receiving the complaint. The program manager will work with all parties involved to resolve the issue.
Participation Policy
Success in our program requires full commitment by all participants. By enrolling in this course, participants agree to being fully present during all sessions and participate to the best of their ability. This includes arriving on time, abiding by the code of conduct, and engaging in course activities.
Attendance
In order to provide you with the minimum required training hours for certification, it is important that you are present at all class sessions.
If you have an emergency or become ill and are not able to attend a coaching session, please contact your instructor as soon as possible. You will be expected to complete the session materials and review the session recording.
If you need to miss more than 10 classes, you will have the option to work with the instructor to cover the missed material at your own expense or register for another course. If you miss more than one hour of group mentor coaching, you will need to arrange and pay for individual mentor coaching sessions to meet the required 10 hours.
Petitions to this policy are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted in writing to the instructor and Coaching at End of Life.
Course Engagement
Our courses are designed to be interactive and engaging for our participants. It is therefore an expectation that you participate in course activities, including dialogue with the course instructor and peers, mock coaching activities, and experiential learning exercises. If you are unable to participate in an activity, please inform your instructor as soon as possible. Please refer to the code of conduct for additional details.
Code of Conduct
Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner during all sessions. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Arriving on time to all sessions.
- Attending all live sessions and mentor coaching sessions.
- Having your camera on for virtual live sessions.
- Participating fully in all sessions and mentor coaching sessions. This includes being prepared for the session, involving yourself in discussions and activities, assuming responsibility for your learning, and contributing to the learning of others.
- Engaging in discussions with integrity and honesty.
- Being respectful of your fellow participants and instructors, including silencing your cell phone, not texting, and other disruptive behaviors.
- Embracing diversity and inclusion while respecting the dignity and humanity of others.
Payment Policy
Most of Coaching at End of Life’s programs require a non-refundable deposit to register.
All registrations are secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Your registration in a course is dependent upon receipt of full payment.
These policies are effective as of the time you submit your deposit or register for your training program.
Coaching at End of Life Online Classes – Refund Policy
- Students who have been enrolled in an online training may cancel 31 days or more prior to the starting date of the program, and your tuition is fully refundable minus the non-refundable deposit. If you cancel between 15 and 30 days prior, we will refund 50% of the program fee. No refunds are possible after 14 days prior to the starting date. Refunds are to be made by sending written notification via email to: don@coachingatendoflife.com
- If you are on a payment plan, the financial obligation for the tuition is incurred at the time of registration. If you cancel between 15 and 30 days prior, and you are on a payment plan and have not yet paid in full, 50% of the tuition fee becomes immediately due and payable. If you cancel less than 14 days before the program starts and have not yet paid in full, the full tuition fee becomes immediately due and payable.
- Coaching at End of Life reserves the right to reschedule or cancel any scheduled training or to replace personnel due to low enrollment or circumstances beyond our control. If a training is rescheduled or cancelled, participants will be given notice by Coaching at End of Life at least five business days before the start of class. Students may then enroll in the next available offering of the program. Should this occur, if desired by the student, all tuition collected to date will be refunded.
DEPOSIT: The deposit for the program is non-refundable and non-transferable.
PAYMENT PLANS: Payment Plan options can be found on the Registration/Pricing and Payment Options page on this website. Monthly automatic credit card billing is required. Applicable service rates are posted on the Registration/Pricing and Payment Options page on this website. Credit cards accepted for payment: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, JCB and Diners Club. Billing information will be collected during the registration process to facilitate payment on the service renewal date. A payment receipt will be emailed each billing cycle.
TRANSFERS: There is the possibility of transferring hours from this program to another program, or from another program to this one. Each request will be taken on a case by case basis. Please contact Don Eisenhauer at don@coachingatendoflife.com to discuss possibilities.
SUBSTITUTIONS: You may not substitute another person in your place, without gaining approval from Don Eisenhauer. You may contact him at don@coachingatendoflife.com.
WITHDRAWALS: If you withdraw from the program at any time for any reason, we will not refund your tuition. If your tuition is being paid by payment plan, the full amount becomes immediately due and payable.
PARTIAL COMPLETION POLICY: Coaching at End of Life will offer credit for partial completion of a course. The number of hours awarded will depend on the number of hours of curriculum received. If you are interested in receiving partial credit for a course in which you are currently or were previously enrolled, please contact Don Eisenhauer at don@coachingatendoflife.com no more than 30 days after the course has ended. Please include details about the course in which you were enrolled, the number of credit hours you are seeking, and any additional relevant information. If approved, you will receive a certificate of credit from Coaching at End of Life indicating the number of training hours completed.
EMERGENCIES: We will always try to accommodate absences resulting from emergencies such as severe illness, accidents, etc. However, adjustments can be challenging. Therefore we are not able to accommodate requests for withdrawals for any other reason, such as work scheduling issues, family vacations, or personal reasons, etc.
Coaching at End of Life On-Site Training Events – Refund Policy
- 31+ days before the start of the training – a full refund will be offered.
- 15-30 days – a 50% refund will be offered.
- 14 days or earlier – no refund will be offered.
Group Mentor Coaching – Refund Policy
- 31+ days before the start of the program – a full refund will be offered.
- 15-30 days – a 50% refund will be offered.
- 14 days or earlier – no refund will be offered.
Individual Mentor Coaching – Cancellation Policy
- 24 hour notice is required when canceling an Individual Mentor Coaching session. Those who do not give 24 hours notice will be charged the full amount for the session.
Illness Policy
In order to provide you with the minimum required training hours for certification, it is important that you are present at all course meetings. If you have an emergency or become ill and are not able to attend a coaching session, please contact your instructor as soon as possible. Please refer to the attendance and refund/cancellation policies outlines in the paragraphs above.
Exceptions to this policy are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted in writing to the instructor and Coaching at End of Life.
Statement on Ethics, Integrity, Transparency
As an ICF Accredited provider, our organization adheres to and emphasizes the International Coaching Federation Code of Ethics. The ICF Code of ethics describes the ICF core values, ethical principles, and standards of behavior for all ICF professionals. Meeting these ethical standards of behavior is the first of the ICF core coaching competencies. You can read more about the ICF Code of Ethics here.
Additionally, Coaching at End of Life commits to acting with integrity and transparency. We hold ourselves and our participants to the highest level of integrity and strive to be as transparent as possible by explicitly stating measures being taken to provide programs in an ethical manner. We do not believe in using manipulative or dishonest sales tactics and strive to provide a safe and ethical sales process. Further, we work to provide fair and equitable pricing for all programs to ensure access and quality of coaching education.
Graduation Requirements
Requirements to graduate from the End of Life Coach Training:
- Complete all 142 hours of the training.
- Complete at least 10 hours of mentor coaching with Don. This can be done in one of two ways:
Individual Mentor Coaching: includes ten 60-minute individual sessions
Group Mentor Coaching: includes 8 group sessions and 3 individual sessions.
- Read and agree to uphold the ICF Code of Ethics.
- Have paid in full all tuition fees.
- Submit to Don a recording of a life coaching AND end of life coaching session, along with a written transcript, that meets CEOL and PCC standards.
- Complete the Graduation Application. (To receive the Graduation Application, please contact Don.)
Once you have successfully completed the above requirements, we will provide you with a graduation certificate. You will use this certificate to apply for your ICF credential.
When applying to ICF for your ACC or PCC credential, the ICF will require:
- A separate, additional application fee
- A copy of your graduation certificate from Coaching at End of Life.
- Attestation of 100 hours of coaching for your ACC/ 500 hours of coaching for your PCC beginning after the start of your coach-specific training. (Refer to the ICF websitefor details and a SAMPLE log.)
- A written exam, the Credentialing Exam. (Refer to the ICF websitefor details.)
