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Coaching to Boost Self-Regard

A Strategic Perspective Shift

Low self-regard often appears as a significant driver of learning and academic performance challenges, with causes ranging from society-induced stereotype threat to internalized negative messaging from families to fixed-mindset K-12 environments. Promising students who have low expectations of success often live in the uncomfortable gap between what people tell them they should be achieving and what the results are on paper. Over time this serves as additional "evidence" that supports feeling one doesn't deserve high regard.


Carl Rogers' concept of unconditional positive regard has become a core element of coaching. As an academic coach displays this regard for a coachee that is unconditional, nonjudgmental, and supportive, they model what the coachee can show themselves. To help a student shift self-regard, coaches can ask questions that:


  • Train the focus on a friend. "If someone you care about were in this situation, how would you support them? What perspective do you think would help them best?"


  • Investigate values. "Think about what you most deeply value: How can your actions (in this class, with this project, etc.) reflect those values?"


  • Highlight exemplars. "For whom in your life are you an exemplary person? What do they admire in you? Who do you consider an exemplary person? How might you take action to model yourself after that person?"



  • Nonjudgmental self-confrontation. "If you were your own boss and were having a meeting with yourself, how would you respectfully define your most important areas for change?"


As self-regard grows, the cognitive load drain of self-criticism can lessen, making more of that valuable brain power available for the challenge of learning. 


If you’d like to practice these skills and learn how to integrate unconditional positive regard into your coaching, LifeBound offers various trainings to help you apply these strategies effectively. Through our coaching programs, you’ll gain the tools to empower students, foster self-regard, and support their academic and personal growth.

Make 2025 the Year Coaching Solves Higher Ed’s Toughest Challenges


Higher education is grappling with unprecedented challenges—rising mental health crises, the need for greater career readiness, and the unfortunate reality that many students struggle to secure meaningful employment or are let go shortly after starting. These issues affect not only individual students but also university outcomes like enrollment, retention, and long-term institutional success.


By equipping your staff with coaching training, you can help students build resilience, achieve meaningful employment, and address many challenges that universities face today.  Allocate your budget toward LifeBound’s training options this year and plan ahead to ensure your institution is prepared to address these critical needs effectively.  Let’s create a campus-wide culture of coaching and make an impact in 2025! 


LifeBound offers multiple ways to train academic coaches, faculty, or staff: 


3-Day Virtual Training

Next Class: Feb 7, 14, 21

A dynamic, interactive course focused on practical coaching techniques.


Self-Paced Inclusive Coaching Success Course

Choose Your Own Dates!

A flexible, 15-hour program designed for those who want to deepen their skills at their own pace. The course dives deep into foundational and advanced coaching techniques as well as motivation, resilience, career readiness, cultural competence and coaching diverse student populations, and includes private sessions with a LifeBound Coach. Institutional packages are available for group training.


LifeBound Certification Program

Summer Session: May 27 – August 26 

For coaches ready to take their skills to the next level, the LifeBound Certification Program offers an in-depth dive into advanced coaching practices and strategies, culminating in certification as a LifeBound Coach.


Sign Up Today or Contact Us to Learn More


Let’s make 2025 a year of transformation for your institution and the students you serve!


Learn More at lifebound.com

Live 3-Day Course



Format

Online


2025 Dates

February 7, 14, 21

March 14, 21, 28

April 4, 11, 18

May 2, 9, 16

(view all 2025 dates online)


Time

3 days, 6 hours each


Cost

$1,500 per person

Contact us about group rates.


LEARN MORE

Sign up for Live 3-Day Course

Self-Paced Course


Format

Online


Dates

Choose the dates that work best for your schedule


Time

15 hours (self-paced), plus 3 hours with LifeBound Coach


Cost

$1,500 per person

If you’ve already completed the 1-Day or 3-Day program, email contact@lifebound.com to receive a discount code for $500 off the new Self-Paced Course. Contact us about group rates.


LEARN MORE

Sign up for Self-Paced Course

Coaching Certification


Format

Online or in-person as available


Dates

Spring, Summer, and Fall Cohorts


Summer 2025 Session

May 27 - August 26


Cost

$5,000 per person


LEARN MORE

Register for Coaching Certification


LifeBound coaching is used at top colleges & universities across the US and worldwide

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