FAQs | Relationship Coaching Institute(RCI)

Who do I contact for more information about RCI?

We welcome your questions! Contact us here

How does Relationship Coaching Institute compare with other relationship coach training programs?

Founded in 1997, Relationship Coaching Institute is the first and largest relationship coach training organization. We are the pioneer and leader in the field of relationship coaching. While impressive, that’s just history.

Relationship Coaching Institute is the ONLY relationship coach training program that unapologetically specializes in personal relationships, relationship coaching for singles and couples. We are NOT a “coach training supermarket” and are proud that we do ONE thing VERY well.

And, what dramatically sets us apart is that we are a Business Development Program specifically designed to help you build a highly successful relationship coaching practice (see above FAQ). We don’t “sell” training by itself, EVERYTHING you need to be a successful relationship coach is included when you join RCI.

Warning- Do NOT select your coach training program by comparing price. In the real world you get what you pay for, and discount training programs are a waste of your time and money as they can’t possibly provide you the high quality training and support you need to be successful. For more information please review these Five Ways to Identify a Good Coach Training Program

Can I join RCI if I have no training or experience in coaching or other helping profession?

Yes! You would need to take our Professional Coach Training to learn foundational coaching skills in addition to our relationship coach training. This program is approved by the International Coach Federation and awards you certification as Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and applies towards ICF certification if desired.

How can I join Relationship Coaching Institute if I can’t afford the enrollment fee?

First, as an aspiring coach, it’s time for a mindset shift. Instead of “I can’t because….” it’s time to start asking yourself (and others) “How can I…?” There is always a way, and if you train your brain to look for new solutions to problems, you will be able to find the way to accomplish what you want. A bonus is that you will become a more positive person and more effective coach.

Affordable payment plans are available and be sure to check out these Creative Funding Options

When you’ve exhausted all possibilities, remember this- you haven’t.
— Robert Schuller

What’s included with your Self-Study Programs?

All members have access to self-study courses

RCI Premium Memberships includes access to live training, mentoring, supervised Practice Labs, and our amazing Coaching Business Success System™ of everything you need to build a highly successful coaching business. Having the self-study available allows you to get started right away while preparing to join our next live training, as well as serving as an always-available refresher if needed.
RCI Basic Memberships includes access to the self-study version of our singles or couples training (no live training or skills mentoring) as well as our Coaching Business Success System™ of everything you need to build a highly successful coaching business. This version is most appropriate for experienced, practicing coaches and other helping professionals who want to expand their existing business.

Please Note: "Self Study" has many benefits and advantages, but it is not "training" and isn't the best choice if you don't have a solid foundational coaching background. Training requires practicing the skills being learned with skilled mentors and trainers. Certification by ICF and other certifying entities requires live interaction with qualified trainers.

Click here for more information about our membership options

Why is RCI a member organization?

Our membership model allows us to provide our members with far more supports and benefits than any other coach training program, including:

Affordable and easy to access training programs and self-study course.
Proven, proprietary programs and materials you can use to help your clients create successful relationships.
RCI’s innovative “Business in a Box” and “Done for You” marketing programs make it easy to get clients and build your business.
Unparalleled support and mentoring to help you create a highly successful relationship coaching practice.

What do you mean by “live” training? Do I have to travel to attend?

RCI live training is accessed by telephone (or internet webcall) and online "classroom", so you can participate from the comfort of your home or office from anywhere in the world!

RCI Membership Includes…

World-class Relationship Coach Training and Certification (and be well compensated for getting dramatic results for your clients)
Licensing of RCI's Conscious Dating®, Radical Dating®, Couple for Life™ (pre-marital/pre-committed) and Radical Marriage® coaching programs (proven programs that clients, and our coaches, LOVE)
"Done for You" marketing programs professionally designed for singles and couples (saves you time, money, AND gets you clients!)
"Done for You" presentations, seminars, workshops and classes for singles and couples to use for your marketing and generate significant income from group programs (leverage RCI's "Client Creation Machine" to fill your practice)
RCI’s proprietary Coaching Business Success System™ (this step-by-step system allows you to build your business at your own pace in only 10 minutes per day!)
Unlimited downloads and use of Client Workbooks (clients and coaches LOVE our easy-to-use materials and structured programs)
Listing in RCI Relationship Coach Finder directory (we leverage our #1 Google-ranked marketing clout to drive traffic and clients to YOU)
A powerful “Free Call” Button on Your Website (Automatically book appointments to enroll clients!)
Referrals from RCI websites and public service programs (can we GIVE you clients? Pretty please?)
Mentored Success Teams (get hand-holding support, stay connected and NEVER get stuck)
And much more...

Couples 4: Coaching Advanced Partnerships (C4-CAP)

This program provides specific coaching tools and skills required for working with functioning, committed couples who want to deepen their level of intimacy and connection, and co-create a blissful union.

Prerequisite: C3-CCC
Meets for 7 weeks
Meets once per week for 1 hour for class with instructor
Lab Teams meet once per week for 1.5 hours to complete assignments and to practice skills
Additional time commitment to complete homework: Approximately 2-3 hours/week
9 contact hours

Couples 3: Coaching Committed Couples (C3-CCC)

This program provides specific coaching tools for working with Committed Couples.

Prerequisite: C2-PCPM
Meets for 6 weeks
Meets once per week for 1 hours for class with instructor
Lab Teams meet once per week for 1.5 hours to complete assignments and to practice skills
Additional time commitment to complete homework: Approximately 2-3 hours/week
7.5 contact hours

Couples 2: Coaching Pre-committed / Pre-marital Couples (C2-PCPM)

This program provides specific coaching tools for working with pre-committed and pre-marital couples, focusing on issues that are specific to these demographics.

Prerequisite: C1-CCF
Meets for 6 weeks
Meets once per week for 1 hours for class with instructor
Lab Teams meet once per week for 1.5 hours to complete assignments and to practice skills
Additional time commitment to complete homework: Approximately 2-3 hours/week
7.5 contact hours

Couples 1: Couples Coaching Foundations (C1-CCF)

This program provides the foundational relationship coaching tools and skills required to work with couples.

Prerequisite: PCT-CC or ICF Certification**
Meets for 8 weeks
Meets once per week for 1 hour for class with instructor
Lab Teams meet once per week for 1.5 hours to complete assignments and to practice skills
Additional time commitment to complete homework: Approximately 2-3 hours/week
10 contact hours

Singles 3: Conscious Dating Attraction (S3-CDA)

This program focuses on helping clients who are ready for a relationship find and attract their lifetime partner. Attraction Coaching involves helping the client implement their Conscious Dating plan, goals for living their vision, develop action plans, define attraction venues, practice effective dating skills, address any self-sabotaging attitudes and choices that may arise, identify social networking opportunities and enhance their social, dating and intimacy skills.

Prerequisite: S2-CDR
Meets for 6 weeks
Meets once per week for 1 hour for class with instructor
Lab Teams meet once per week for 1.5 hours to complete assignments and to practice skills
Additional time commitment to complete homework: Approximately 2-3 hours/week
7.5 contact hours

Singles 2: Conscious Dating Readiness (S2-CDR)

This program focuses on the individual's journey to self-discovery and helps singles get ready for a love relationship. It includes work on values, life purpose, life vision and relationship requirements. At the end of the program, coaches will be able to help clients increase their level of self-awareness about what they want in all areas of their life, including love relationships.

Prerequisite: S1-SCF
Meets for 8 weeks
Meets once per week for 1 hour for class with instructor
Lab Teams meet once per week for 1.5 hours to complete assignments and to practice skills
Additional time commitment to complete homework: Approximately 2-3 hours/week
10 contact hours

Singles 1: Singles Coaching Foundations (S1-SCF)

This program provides the foundational relationship coaching tools and skills required to work with singles.Prerequisite:

Prerequisite: PCT-CC or ICF Certification**
Meets for 6 weeks
Meets once per week for 1 hour for class with instructor
Lab Teams meet once per week for 1.5 hours to complete assignments and to practice skills
Additional time commitment to complete homework: Approximately 2-3 hours/week
7.5 contact hours

Professional Coaching Foundations (PC-PCF) *

Professional Coaching Foundations (PC-PCF)
The professional standard in the coaching industry is highlighted in this informative, and in-depth exploration of the ICF Core Competencies, including an in-depth look at the ICF Code of Ethics. Not only are these areas of focus the foundation for the most valuable professional coaching skills, but they also provide practical tools for maximizing the coaching relationship.

Prerequisite: none
Meets for 19 weeks
Meets once per week for 1 hour for class with instructor
Lab Teams meet once per week for 1.5 hours to complete assignments and to practice skills
Additional time commitment to complete homework: Approximately 2-3 hours/week
24 contact hours

* If you are an ICF Certified coach, or pass our coach placement test, this course is optional for you.

How much money will it cost to build my business?

There's no easy answer for this. Not only do you need to acquire the skills needed to coach your clients, but start and grow your business.

So, you need to invest now to get started and continue to invest in your business to make it thrive. The good news about a coaching business is that the overhead is typically a lot lower than a traditional "brick-and-mortar" business. Most coaches work from home, don't carry a large inventory - if any at all, and don't have staffing costs.

But, that also doesn't mean you pay for your training and that's the end of your business costs - not at all. If you want a successful business, you should also expect to spend time, money, and energy on:

Coach Certification
Website (design, hosting, security, SEO)
Social media presence
Equipment (computer, headset, wifi, mobile phone)
Business coach or mentor
Business and marketing training
Coaching forms and assessments
Coaching programs
...and more

How your RCI Membership can help

It's simple. Our mission is to help you build the business of your dreams. Your RCI membership includes many of these items for free - with optional low-cost "Business Accelerators" available to you when you want to invest a bit more to grow faster.

How soon can I quit my job and coach full-time?

It takes most new coaches at least 2 years to replace their income and rely on their coaching income.

I already “coach” my therapy clients. Do I really need additional training?

Yes. Professional coaching is a distinct methodology very different from any other helping profession. While most of clinicians strongly value personal growth, most are trained to diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and psychological disorders, not help functional people. For example, coaches are trained to help their clients without giving advice or “professional opinions,” as our clients typically know what they need to do they just have tremendous challenges to doing it. Being directive and giving advice as an “expert” actually disempowers our clients when our goal is to empower them. So how do you help your clients without giving advice? That is the art and science of coaching.

How soon after I join can I start coaching my clients?

As soon as you want to! We strongly advocate a “Learning by Doing” approach to training and our self study programs make it easy to start coaching almost immediately after joining RCI. You’ll have access to our mentors and trainers even before you start live training so you get get started as soon as you wish knowing that your support system is in place. Many of our trainees prefer to complete their training before marketing their coaching services, but you can get started as soon as you wish.

Will self-study courses work for me or will I need to take live training?

Self study is not “training,” which requires mentoring and supervised practice. Knowing how to coach by reading books or viewing video programs is not the same as learning coaching skills to help real coaching clients. We strongly recommend live training, but it is up to you to decide if you can learn a whole new helping methodology via self study or not. You can always start with self study and add live training later if needed.

Should I take live training or will self-study work for me?

We truly believe a solid foundation is critical to becoming a professional coach. At minimum, you'll want to have a solid foundational live training that covers coaching core competencies. Self-study courses may be all you need for advanced courses, but they are not “training,” which involves live mentoring and supervised practice.

Our self study courses can be very effective for the busy, self disciplined, successful coach who wants to expand into relationship coaching.

I’ve been a coach for 3 years, but still don’t make any money. How can you help me?

Most new coaches fail because they’re trying to figure out how to build their business without the support and guidance of experienced mentors. Just as you can’t learn a whole new profession by yourself, you can’t build a brand new successful by yourself. We want our clients to hire us to get the support they need to be successful, and we need support as well.

Here at RCI we provide all the support and mentoring you need to be successful, let us help you!

I know how to coach but don’t have confidence in my coaching skills. How can you help me?

When you graduate your training your professional development is just beginning, but most coach training programs fall short in helping you become a skilled, confident, well paid professional coach who gets results for their clients. This is where our membership system shines as we continue to support you after your training and provide many ways to practice your skills and develop the confidence you need to be successful.

It’s too time consuming to create materials to use for marketing and with my clients. What do you have available for me to use?

We’ve been developing marketing content and relationship coaching programs for more than 20 years and have assembled a vast resource bank of customizable “done for you” marketing campaigns, presentations, webinars, seminars, workshops, classes, coaching program complete with workbooks, and more.

Can I use RCI training towards my ICF certification?

YES! You can use RCI live training towards your ICF certification. Although you can use self-study courses towards your RCI Singles or Couples Coach certifications, self-study courses do NOT apply towards ICF certification.

Can ANYONE become a relationship coach?

Almost anyone, especially if you have the following characteristics:

Passion: you are passionate about relationships
Purpose: you have a strong desire to help others
Experience: you have enough life and relationship experience to relate to and mentor others (you don’t have to be perfect, our struggles are our best teachers)

For more information, check out Do You Need to Be Perfect to Be a Coach?

Can I join RCI if I have no prior training or experience as a coach or helping professional?

Yes! Our program begins with a foundational coach training which provides you the skills needed to become a certified professional coach. It is an entry level training and the pre-requisite for our advanced Relationship Coaching for Singles and Couples courses.

How can I help singles if I’m married or single myself? How can I help couples if I’m single or divorced?

Nobody is perfect and we are all on our own path of personal development, and as long as you are walking your talk and committed to your path towards personal and relationship fulfillment, your passion (and training) is all that’s needed to help others. Your clients care much more about the results you help them achieve than your personal relationship status.

I already took a coach training – where do I start my training with RCI?

There are COUNTLESS Numbers of organization who provide "coach training". Since the profession isn't regulated there isn't one definitive definition of professional coaching, the program you took may or not provide you the foundation of coaching that aligns with our definition and not give you the foundation needed for our advanced programs.

If you are already an ICF certified coach:
you have the option of taking our Professional Coaching Foundations training as a refresher or an begin right away with our advanced training for coaching Singles or Couples.

If you aren't an ICF certified coach, but took a foundational coach training elsewhere:
you have the option of taking our Professional Coaching Foundations training as a refresher or take our coach placement test to determine if you have the foundation to begin right away with our advanced training for coaching Singles or Couples.

I’m a coach, but never took a live coach training

Coaching is an unregulated profession and anyone can call themselves a coach. Professional Coaching as its evolved today is a distinct helping profession requiring specialized training. In our 20+ years of providing coach training and meeting many who use the title of coach without training, none of them understand or practice professional coaching as recognized by ICF or any other credible coaching organization. Typically, these self-styled coaches are practicing some form of consulting and calling it coaching, which is OK, but not the same and not nearly as effective. If you're reading this you must see value in training to become a professional coach, so THANK YOU and WELCOME!

Will your program be compatible with my faith?

Our coaching programs are designed to be universal and applicable to all faiths. Since our founding in 1997, for more than 20 years, our programs have been used successfully in all major faith communities. In addition, our coaches find it easy to customize our programs to their particular faith or culture, which we encourage and support.

How long will it take to add coaching services to my business?

It really is your judgment call. There are some exercises and assessments you will be able to use immediately. We encourage you to start applying what you learn to serving your matchmaking clients right away, but you may want to complete your training before adding paid coaching services to your business. Your mentor can help you effectively integrate your coaching services into your existing business and design new packages and programs for your matchmaking clients.

Is it a conflict of interest to market my private coaching services to my congregation?

Most of our graduates who are faith leaders believe that it is a conflict of interest to actively market your private services to your constituents, and we agree that it could be a perceived conflict that would hinder both the private coaching relationships and the faith community relationships to do so.

However, the keyword here is "Market," which means you have two important options to consider:

Serving Non-Constituents: Being a leader in your community, once you become a coach, most of your clients will seek you out by word of mouth, and we'll help you design your business so that no active marketing is necessary, however, you are free to actively market to your local community by conducting classes, workshops, retreats and presentations/seminars, which are very effective for being of service to your local community and reaching potential clients.
Serving Selected Constituents: Successful coaches are selective in who they accept as clients, and by accepting clients from your constituency who 1) Specifically request your private services, and 2) Are functional and you have good rapport with them. As long as you are not actively marketing to your own constituents and only accept clients who are a good fit for your private services, you will set yourself up for success.

How can I charge for my coaching services when I provide individual relationship help as part of my job?

Great question. Let's make a distinction between a "consultation" and "coaching."

A "consultation" can be defined as one or two meetings to problem-solve a situation.

"Coaching" (or counseling) is a long term professional relationship to accomplish a significant goal or overcome a significant problem.

When a constituent contacts you for relationship support, do you provide unlimited individual counseling sessions?

We don't know any faith leader who does, as they couldn't do their job if they didn't have boundaries around how much time and help to provide individual constituents. Most faith leaders would meet a few times and make a referral if more help was needed.

So the relationship help you provide as part of your job is probably limited, and those boundaries should be well defined and communicated. You can leverage the resources of your faith community by organizing relationship support groups, classes, seminars and workshops (we show you how and provide the materials needed) that are free to your constituents or request a small donation from participants.

[Sidebar: Conducting a relationship seminar, workshop, class or retreat for your faith community and opening it up to the local community is great outreach and a great way to reach potential clients who are not your constituents. Charging non-members for the event is a great fund-raiser!]

But your private time is precious and limited, and after providing a consultation to a constituent you can choose to refer them to appropriate resources inside or outside your faith community, and discuss the possibility of private coaching if they are a good fit for you. If you do so, we suggest providing names of 2 or 3 other relationship professionals you can recommend to ensure that you have been provided all possible choices and options before they make their choice. Since their connection and trust is with you, it is most common that they would choose to work with you over someone they don't know.

How can RCI membership help my faith community?

Here's our Top 5 Ways RCI Membership Can Help Your Faith Community:

Provide powerful relationship support services for your singles, couples, and families
Most faith leaders tell us that couple and family relationships are the most important part of their ministry and your ability to provide effective relationship support for your constituents will promote a strong, successful faith community.
Easily provide group programs for singles and couples
We provide all the materials and support needed to conduct relationship support groups, workshops, classes, seminars and retreats for your faith community.
RCI can train your staff and volunteers
With an Organizational Membership, RCI can train your staff and volunteers to provide individual and group relationship coaching to support the singles, couples, and families in your faith community.
Easily organize outreach and fundraising campaigns
Inviting your local community to your relationship classes, workshops, retreats and seminars can be great for outreach and fund-raising. We provide the materials and show you how.
Provide positive support and connection for your singles
In many faith communities, singles often feel surrounded by couples and families and feel left out and disconnected. Providing group programs and events for your singles will support them to connect with each other and enhance feeling like they're important and belong in your faith community. And, since singles become couples, you will be promoting successful marriages and families within your community. Here at RCI we make it easy for you to organize group events and programs your singles will love, and provide highly effective individual and group coaching services to promote successful relationships.

How can I fund my RCI training?

Here's our Top 5 Ways to Fund RCI Training for Faith Leaders:

Fundraisers: Immediately after you join RCI you'll have access to all the resources you need to conduct relationship classes, workshops, seminars, and retreats. Just one of these events can potentially fund your RCI training. Plus, these are great for on-going fundraisers as well.
Pre-paid Services: Announce availability of individual and group relationship coaching services and accept first-come pre-registration deposits for a limited number of spots for the first scheduled programs. Constituents typically jump to sign up because they trust you, want to benefit from these new services, and are excited to be among the first to participate. And don't worry, we'll make sure you are fully prepared and supported to provide these services within a month after starting your training.
Sponsors: Most faith community memberships include prominent members of their local business community who would be happy to support their faith community to expand services and programs to promote successful relationships. Sponsors can also be from outside your faith community.
Joint Venture: Most faith communities have strong relationships with other local faith communities who might be open combining resources for mutual benefit.
Just ask: You have access to abundant support and resources all around you and there are always ways to make things work and people willing to help if you were to simply ask, which includes us here at RCI! Let us know if we can support you to find a way fund your RCI training.

Why would my constituents pay for coaching when we have free programs available?

Here's our Top 5 Reasons Why Faith Community Constituents Would Pay for Coaching:

Free programs tend to be structured and educational and not designed to help constituents with their individual goals and challenges.
Free programs tend to be limited in duration and scope, while coaching is longer term and can be tailored to address individual goals and challenges.
One word- results. Free programs can be interesting, supportive and educational, but are not designed to deliver a concrete, tangible, life-changing result for regular folk.
Privacy- many people prefer individual services because they don't want to share their problems in a group setting, and most free programs are conducted in group settings.
Individual support- when they are stuck and want help, most people prefer individual attention to address their unique situation and needs, which is typically not available in free programs.

How will joining RCI help my matchmaking business?

Here's our Top 5 Ways RCI Can Help Your Matchmaking Business:

Matchmaking and relationship coaching go together like peanut butter and jelly. More than just finding someone, your matchmaking clients want a successful, fulfilling relationship, so packaging matchmaking with relationship coaching provides what they really want and need.
Credibility and professionalism. Let's be honest, many if not most potential clients are skeptical you can really help them and it can be hard to earn their trust and convince them to hire you. By training with RCI, the industry pioneer and leader, you demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence and their success beyond simply finding matches.
Marketing synergy. By leveraging RCI's "done for you" marketing campaigns, presentations, seminars, webinars, workshops, etc., marketing your relationship coaching programs will attract potential matchmaking clients, and marketing your matchmaking services will attract potential relationship coaching clients.
Multiple revenue streams. Many singles who need your help can't afford your matchmaking services (yet), but with our help you can provide lower cost, entry level group services and programs that will increase your revenue streams and profits.
Practical, experienced help building your business. RCI is the industry pioneer and leader in helping our members build successful businesses helping singles. Many of our members and some of our mentors are matchmakers, so we really understand your business and are uniquely positioned to help you.