The Best Somatic Coach Certification Programs

Last updated on February 26, 2024

Somatic coaching still has a level of mystery to it for most, but due to its unique approach to relieving stress, boosting productivity, and enhancing leadership skills (quite popular goals among the masses), it is becoming increasingly in demand.

Do you want to learn about the art of somatic coaching and reach financial independence as a successful somatic coach? Earning a somatic coach certification can be your golden ticket.

Choosing a credible certification program is the first step toward your somatic coach career, so we’re here to dig deep and highlight the best ones.

• IWA Integrative Somatic Practitioner Certification Course – Best Overall
• The Somatic School – Best for Body-Oriented Coaching
• Somatic Coaching Academy Somatic Coaching Certification Program – Best for Learning the Cross-Mapping Method & Sensation-Based Motivation Coaching
• Strozzi Institute Somatic Coaching Certification Program – Best for Immersive Learning

What Is a Somatic Coach?

The word “soma” has a Greek origin and means “the physical body.” In somatic coaching, practitioners observe people holistically and base their assessments on the intelligence that we store in our bodies. Somatic coaches help their clients tune in to their bodies and draw connections from their bodily sensations and emotions to increase their emotional intelligence.

“Can I be a somatic coach without certification or a degree?” is one of the most common questions for aspiring coaches. The truth is that you can… but how many clients will actually choose a life coach without certification over the ones who have it? A certification demonstrates that your coaching skill set is aligned with certain standards, and it also serves as proof of your experience as a somatic coach. 

Knowing how to coach people in this field is only a part of being successful; the other part is embodying crucial skills for a somatic coach:

• Patience
• Attention to detail
• Self-confidence
• Empathy 
• Problem-solving skills
• A strong connection to the body

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Somatic Coaching Certification

There are other aspects to consider in addition to choosing a curriculum that covers somatic coaching. The cost of the program, the length of the program, and whether the course is accredited also play a crucial role in making your decision.

Program Cost

The predominant factor for many is the cost of training. Accredited somatic coach programs can be on the expensive side, even upwards of $15,000. In addition to the tuition fee, you should also take into account extra expenses such as books, materials, personal coaching sessions, etc. If you earn a somatic coach certification online, you can cut down on travel costs.

Course Length

How long does it take to become a somatic coach? There isn’t a definite answer to that question since the lengths of the courses vary widely. If you need flexibility, you can choose a self-paced course that allows you to learn on your own time. 

Accreditation

Life coach certifications don’t need to be accredited; however, accreditation does bring credibility. The most recognized accreditation in the field of coaching is that of the International Coach Federation (ICF), the leading global organization for coaches. 

However, non-accredited certifications issued by recognized entities can provide credibility as well, so whether you’ll choose an accredited program or not depends solely on your preference.

Best Coaching Certifications for Becoming a Somatic Coach

Without further delay, these are the best somatic coach certification programs available today.

Top Pick: IWA Integrative Somatic Practitioner Certification Course

Integrative Wellness Academy is a coaching school with a unique integrative approach to life coaching. Thousands of coaches have launched their careers with the help of IWA.

Their Integrative Somatic Practitioner Certification Course covers the ins and outs of somatics, from kinesiology and anatomy to the somatic tools and techniques you’ll utilize when coaching clients. In addition to classes, the course includes practice hours working on yourself, practice sessions with fellow IWA students, a full intake session, and a full somatic session. 

• Course Length: Up to 6 months 
• Program Cost: $1,200
• Accreditation: None
• Mode of Delivery: Online

Body-Oriented Coaching Option: The Somatic School

As they explain on their website, The Somatic School “exists to create opportunities for experiencing attunement to ourselves, each other, and the environment, and in doing so – embrace our wholeness.” If you want to become a body-oriented coach, their ICF-accredited diploma in Body-Oriented Coaching can be a great start.

The program will help you learn somatic practices, teach you how to apply body-oriented coaching successfully, and will simplify your work with clients. The somatic coaching school also provides practice sessions learning Strategic Use of Perception (SUP), five interactive webinars, ICF mentor coaching, and an online community of body-oriented coaches. 

• Course Length: 5-6 months
• Program Cost: £5,210
• Accreditation: ICF
• Mode of Delivery: Online

Cross-Mapping Method & Sensation-Based Motivation Coaching Option: Somatic Coaching Academy

The Somatic Coaching Academy aims to help its students become experts in human behavior. They are ICF accredited and perfect for coaches, human development professionals, holistic health professionals, kinesiologists, and more.

The Somatic Coaching Certification Program consists of two levels: the Cross-Mapping Method Practitioner Training (level 1) and Sensation-Based Motivation Coach Training (level 2). Depending on what you want to specialize in, you can choose one level or both. There’s also a bonus training about business building. 

The program is mainly focused on developing your coaching abilities and learning more about how to effectively apply somatic practices with clients. 

• Course Length: 9 months (both levels)
• Program Cost: Level 1 tuition is $2,997; Level 2 tuition is $11,997 
• Accreditation: ICF
• Mode of Delivery: Online plus an in-person retreat (3 days)

Immersive Option: Somatic Coaching Certification Program

As the original somatic training institute, Strozzi Institute is a leader in the world of somatics. Their Somatic Coaching Certification Program was the world’s first and most comprehensive somatic coaching program (it was established in 2001). It is recognized by ICF as an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) at the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) level. 

The course consists of four sessions. For a sense of community and cohesion, you’ll be with the same group of students during all four sessions. This is quite an elaborate program that includes one-on-one mentor coaching, webinars, mentoring groups, and four 4-day retreats. 

• Course Length: 8 months; includes 165.5 contact hours
• Program Cost: $14,500
• Accreditation: ICF
• Mode of Delivery: Online and in-person retreats

Alternatives (non-niche)

Somatic coaching is only a small segment of life coaching. You can combine it with other niches to expand your expertise and attract more clients. To complement your somatic training, Transformation Academy offers over 35 niche life coach certifications, including a mindfulness certification program, NLP practitioner, CBT cognitive behavioral program, and more. 

For additional coaching training, the best choice is the Coach Training Alliance since it has an apprenticeship-style program. We discuss all the ins and outs of CTA in our full review. 

FAQs

• How much does a somatic coach make?

According to SimplyHired, a somatic coach’s salary varies depending on the experience, skills, and exposure, but the average in the USA is $77,108 per year.

• Do you need a certification to be a somatic coach?

You don’t need a certification to be a somatic coach, but certification can help you earn credibility and make your sessions, workshops, or retreats more appealing to clients. 

• How much does a somatic coach certification cost?

The cost depends on the length of the program and what it entails. Prices can be anywhere from a thousand dollars to over $10,000.

• Does accreditation matter in a somatic coach certification program?

Accreditation isn’t necessary, but it can add another layer of credibility to your certification. What matters the most when choosing a program is that the issuing body is reputable and credible.

Conclusion

Besides the obvious client-attracting benefits, earning a certification will also help you gain more confidence in your coaching competencies. You can learn from experienced professionals, get hands-on experience, and meet like-minded professionals. The abundance of knowledge combined with structured learning is the perfect formula for a successful somatic coaching business. 

Some of these programs are a big investment, but our top pick, Integrative Somatic Practitioner Certification Course, allows you to earn your certification for somatic coaching without spending tens of thousands of dollars. 

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