University of Toronto

As an integral aspect of social service practice, Coaching has been widely adopted over the past decade in organizations both large and small.  This new way of providing supervision and management has now spread to the public sector, non-profit organizations and other human services as well, and emerging empirical studies continue to support the positive and brief approach of Solution-Focused practice.

Coaching builds on a strengths-based perspective to help people develop productive relationships and achieve valued solutions. Its application has impacted individuals and organizations in various forms – from employee motivation and performance management to community-building within an organizational setting, to name just a few. Modules in this innovative new program will encourage participants to delve into experiential and skill-building activities as they consider real-life situations and build a community of practice.

Professionals in consulting, coaching and training with individuals or groups will learn how to improve performance and productivity in the workplace, build and sustain smart and healthy teams, and facilitate organizational pursuit of positive workplace.

Prerequisites    none

Exemptions        Individuals with previous training in the Solution-Focused approach may apply for an exemption from the Basic Skills module, or one of the advanced modules.

Students are permitted to take Basic Skills (the introductory module of the Solution-Focused Counselling program) in place of Coaching 101.

Certificate Requirements            The first module, Solution-Focused Coaching 101 (SFBC110), provides the theoretical background (assumptions, philosophy, and principles) and hands-on practice of the solution-focused coaching approach. The topics of discussion will include coaching and managing situations, coaching (from life coaching to executive coaching) in private practice and other non-clinical mental health issues.

In the final module, the Coaching Masterclass, participants are required to demonstrate essential skills in Solution-Focused Coaching by presenting a coaching case from their own practice, either as a live coaching or a prepared videotape along with the reflective analysis report.  The format of the module is in Masterclass style, including peer reviews and feedback from experienced Solution-Focused coaches.  

Registrants will select four additional elective modules, three of which must be coaching-related, in order to complete the certificate. The one non-coaching-related module may be chosen from the list of classes offered in the Solution-Focused Counselling certificate program.

Successful completion of the six required modules qualifies the participant for a Continuing Education Certificate in Solution-Focused Coaching from the University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

Please Note  Students may take more than one year to complete the program, and may use coaching courses taken in previous years at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work as credits towards the certificate (pending approval by the department).