[The photo is of the “Labyrinth” at Duke Integrative Medicine]
It’s hard to believe, but Sunday my training came to an end and my friends and I were sent out into the world, certificates in hand, as Integrative Health Coaches. This last four-day module flew by, but fortunately we had plenty of time and space to reflect on and celebrate our four months together.
As with the previous modules, there were fascinating presentations (on Genomics, Spirtuality and Health, Business and Marketing) and opportunities to learn, practice and review coaching skills. It was the final module, though, so the major theme was “next steps,” as in: “What are you all actually going to do with this training, and how are you going to do it?” Of course, each of us has a unique answer to that question, and some of us (me!) are still trying to figure it all out.
To all those who’ve been following these posts to get the “inside scoop” on the training program, here’s the bottom line: It’s excellent. If you came across the description on the Duke website and thought to yourself, “This sounds amazing, but I wonder if it’s really worth it”—It’s totally worth it. There were a few participants who struggled at times and voiced some minor criticisms of the program privately, but everyone of them also expressed deep gratitude for the experience as a whole. Of course, no training will meet everyone’s needs and expectations. That said—I’ve been around the block a few times and have participated in trainings sponsored by mainstream, respected institutions, as well as a few interesting, yet kinda New-Agey/Woo-Woo affairs. This Integrative Health Coaching training at Duke Integrative Medicine has been hands-down, THE BEST. Solid, grounded in rigorous research, expertly crafted and delivered, and yeah, a little touchy-feely at times. But the mushy stuff came from a place of such open-heartedness and authenticity that it softened even the prickliest of us.
Most of all, though, this training was about the people—both those who instructed us and the forty or so of us who came from all over the country to form this community of kindred spirits. Many of us will continue to network and work together as we carry our visions forward in the world. What an amazing group of people! Thank you all.
If anyone has further questions about anything, feel free to comment here or email me at “isaacdust at gmail dot com.” You can also check out my professional website-in-progress, Integral Health Resources.com.
Hello fellow Integrative Health Coach! Great pic of the labrynth and I love your comments about module 4. I also agree that the program was awesome. Attending was one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and consider you and others from our group as life long friends. I’m excited about my new career as an Integrative Health Coach. My website should be finished in a couple of weeks and then I’ll be good to go! Keep in touch and good luck with everything. Love, Candace
Good luck to you too, Candace! Looking forward to checking out your website and keeping in touch in the future. Soon we Integrative Health Coaches will take over the world! Bwah ha ha haaaa!!!!
Hi Bob, we missed you on the call Thursday night. I hope you will be able to join us on some calls in the future. I am so excited…my website has been published! Check it out and let me know what you think. I value any input or suggestions you might have. The address is http://www.mymindbodyspiritcoaching.com. It is still a work in progress and two more pages will be added shortly. One of which will be the personal health assessment. It’s official….I’m open for business!
Hi Bob, went back to Duke last week to mentor during Module I of the next class. It was an amazing experience. It was great to be back on the Integrative Medicine campus and reconnect with the staff. I picked up so much information that I missed the first time just by being able to sit through it again. I have been attending triad calls and I am in awe at the calibur of coaching going on just after one Module. Sadly, Duke won’t need me for the additional Modules as they have plenty of volunteers. I hope to get back maybe for the group that starts in January. How have you been?
Candace, I will be in the group starting in January :) So excited!
I just want to thank you all for this blog. I am about to embark begin this training in July and the exchange here is quite encouraging. Thanks for all of the positive remarks. I am really looking forward to the experience!