Sometimes I am being asked about a coaching program I would recommend. So I decided to write a blog about it. As always, the answer is: “It depends …”
The coaching market has grown rapidly over the last decade. With that growth comes an overwhelming number of programs, institutions, and approaches each promising transformation, impact, or professional success. Choosing the right coaching institution, therefore, is less about finding “the best” program and more about finding the right fit for your context, goals, and stage of development.
Below are the most important criteria to consider before making your decision.
1. Clarify the context in which you want to use coaching
Before looking at institutions, be clear about where and how you want to apply coaching.
- Business and leadership coaching often requires strong organisational understanding, systemic thinking, and experience with decision-making under pressure.
- Non-profit, education, or social sector coaching may place more emphasis on values, facilitation, group processes, and social impact.
- Personal or life coaching often focuses more strongly on identity, meaning, and long-term life themes.
Different contexts demand different competencies. A good institution will clearly state which professional fields its program prepares you for and where its graduates typically work.
2. Key Learning Modules
Not all coaching programs cover the same formats. Core elements that should be covered in my perspective, include:
- As strong emphasis on self reflection and self experience
- Essential coaching skills such as deep listening and relational work
- Coaching process and tools including links to leadership research, neuroscience, and embodiment
- Working with roles, power, and systems
- Contracting and ethical boundaries
- Client Aquisition and positioning in the market / you identidy as a coach
The more you work with teams or organisations, it is essential that the program includes modules in team dynamics, group processes, organisational development (OD) and change managment. The deeper you want to dive deeper into these field, this may even be suject to addional programs / courses. The program should be aligned with the complexity of the work you want to do!
3. Certification and professional recognition
Quality coaching education is grounded in professional standards. A strong indicator of credibility is whether:
- The program, the trainers, or ideally both are certified or accredited by recognised coaching or OD bodies
- Examples include national and international organisations such as ICF or DBVC in Germany
Accreditation does not guarantee quality on its own but it ensures ethical standards, supervision requirements, and a clear competency framework.
4. Program length: depth takes time
Coaching is not a skill you can meaningfully learn in a few weekends. Sustainable development requires time for:
- Practice with real clients
- Feedback and supervision
- Personal reflection and integration
As a rule of thumb, a 12–24 month program allows sufficient space for professional learning and personal growth. Shorter formats may be useful as introductions, but they rarely lead to deep competence or confidence.
5. One clear modality or a method mix
Some programs focus on one core approach for example systemic, Gestalt, or psychodynamic coaching. Others combine several methodologies.
There is no right or wrong choice. What matters is that the program:
- Is grounded in a clear philosophy
- Can explain why it uses certain methods
- Avoids becoming a random collection of tools
Clarity and coherence are more important than the number of techniques you learn.
6. National vs. international orientation
Ask yourself where you want to practice coaching.
- National programs are often well aligned with local organisational cultures, legal frameworks, and business norms.
- International programs may offer broader perspectives, intercultural exposure, and transferable credentials if you plan to work across borders.
There is no “better” option only the one that fits your professional reality and ambitions.
A final thought
Some people looking for coaching programs that provides a toolset for coaching. I really recommend to look for a program that helps you with your personal growth. Because as a coach, you do not use tools, you ARE the tool. Too much focus on tools can lead to mechanical coaching. Of course, too much focus on personal growth without professional framing can limit applicability. The right program integrates both.
Choosing a coaching institution is a long-term investment not just in a qualification, but in how you think, relate, and work with others. Take your time, ask critical questions, and trust programs that are transparent about their philosophy, limits, and expectations.
So finally, what are my recommendations? There are many great programs out there and this article is not a systemtic research. But here are some programs I can recommend from my own experience or that are recommended by my network:
National programs:
International programs:
Good luck an all the best finding the institute and program that fits YOU!
Looking for a Leadership or Business Coach in Berlin?
In my coaching studio in Berlin-Charlottenburg, as well as through online/remote coaching, I support my clients in exploring their unique leadership style. Leadership coaching and business coaching are effective, scientifically proven ways to improve performance as a leader. To ensure the quality of my coaching, I am a member of the DBVC, Germany’s largest professional coaching association.