Optimism Coaches
Our Optimism Coach programme was developed in response to repeated requests from parents we’d worked with to offer a training to allow them to share our unique approach with others. Optimism Coaches are not play therapists, but coaches who can support and empower parents to help their children grow through connection and compassion.
Optimism Coaches are supporters, mentors and cheerleaders. They inspire parents to look at life through the lens of optimism and are a safe space for parents to share their thoughts and feelings with.
Optimism Coaches are usually parents or practitioners who are already really experienced in following a compassionate, heart led, relational approach. Our comprehensive Optimism Coach training programme equips them with the skills they need to help others to embody these values when working with children. Optimism Coaches are inspiring, non-judgemental and empathetic.
The focus of the work of Optimism Coaches is not our children, but rather ourselves. We know that parenting can bring up a range of complex emotions, and sometimes choosing a heart led approach can feel countercultural and lonely - Optimism Coaches are here to support you in this journey, cheer you on and inspire confidence.
The training
Optimism Coach training is delivered online, over the course of 18 months. As part of the course you are provided with handouts for each session and you will be equipped with all of the tools and knowledge you need to be an Optimism Coach.
You will be given the opportunity to practise your skills as well as to complete “homework” to extend your learning beyond the sessions. You will learn how to provide a non-judgemental and compassionate space to listen to your clients and support them through their autism journey. You will be trained on and expected to uphold our strict code of ethics, including maintaining client confidentiality.
At the end of the course you will be awarded and Optimism Coach certificate which will entitle you to advertise that you have been trained by Autism Optimism International.
Please note the Optimism Coach certificate is not externally accredited and does not qualify you to practise as a play therapist. It is an Autism Optimism International qualification that indicates that you align with our values, comply with our code of ethics, understand our approach and we certify that you have been educated to our own high standard on supporting parents.
To find out more about our Optimism Coach training programme, or to apply for entry onto this course, please get in touch with us using the button below. We’d love to hear from you.