Become a Certified Compassion Focused Coach

Ethical Hearts, Lasting Impact.

Next Cohort Commencing October 2024
Spots are limited. Due to the intensive and intimate nature of this training program, we limit each cohort to 10 students only.

This 6 month qualification is for the heart-centered coach who wants to do it right.

Finally, a trauma informed, compassion focused coaching framework which teaches you how to effectively and confidently guide your clients through their unique self development journey without worrying about re-traumatizing them or questioning your capabilities to hold space for big or difficult emotions. Learn a holistic combination of top-down AND bottom-up techniques to ensure lasting client transformation.

This certification combines somatic psychotherapy, life coaching & mindfulness all into one!

Do any of these thoughts cross your mind?

 “I know I’m meant to help others, but I just don’t feel confident enough to do it” 
 “Even though I’m a qualified wellness practitioner already, I just don’t have the tools I need to make significant changes.” 
“Every time my clients get upset, I feel like I freeze and don’t know what to do.”
“I want a training program which offers practical experience & in depth support so that I can feel confident when I graduate.”
 “I feel like an imposter in this industry. There are too many coaches - how will I offer a point of difference?” 
 “The framework I already learned stops me from using my intuition with my clients.” 
“I want a training which offers a holistic approach. One which addresses the mind, body, and spirit.”  
 “Every time I finish with a client I worry that I should have done something different or better. I'm not confident yet.” 

Now Imagine how it would feel to…

✨ Completely trust in yourself as a guide and in your client’s capacity for healing
✨ Have confidence during every single session you hold
✨ Be able to navigate client’s big and difficult emotions with ease and compassionate curiosity
✨ Advertise yourself as a trauma-informed coach who is well versed in what trauma means and how it presents itself
✨ Be able to access an entire toolbox of ways to help your clients heal from both top-down and bottom-up approaches
✨ Trust your own intuition and let go of following a ‘set plan’
✨ Grow a practice based on genuine referrals because you truly know what you’re doing and how to operate within your scope of practice
✨ Become the safest space for your clients to learn, grow, and transform
✨ Meet yourself and your clients with profound compassion
✨ Have a community of like-minded professionals to connect with, learn from, and be supported by during and after the program completion
✨ Receive ongoing support and mentoring well after you have graduated

Our Compassion Focused Coaching Certification teaches you all of this, and more.

Embark on a transformative 6 month experience which up-levels, expands, and honors your unique gifts through a two-way approach of looking inward at self and tending to your own wounds, limiting beliefs, and internalized barriers, and then by looking outward at how you can confidently, compassionately, and safely show up for human service.

Here at The Soul Institute we recognize what an honor and a privilege it is to be able to help others... a privilege which should not be taken lightly. A privilege which comes with it, a huge amount of responsibility.

Compassion in Action: 

A Journey of Transformation

Being a children’s social worker, I’ve had quite a few challenging conversations with both adults and young people. I already know that I care, so much I find it very difficult to let it go if I feel like I can’t help in the way I would like. And quite often I’ve found myself as the good listener, not knowing what to do with the things I hear, and desperately wishing I did.

At the point of finishing this course, this has completely changed. I have a much deeper understanding of trauma, the mind and the nervous system and how it’s all connected. I have an array of different tools, from ways of being present and asking
Being a children’s social worker, I’ve had quite a few challenging conversations with both adults and young people. I already know that I care, so much I find it very difficult to let it go if I feel like I can’t help in the way I would like. And quite often I’ve found myself as the good listener, not knowing what to do with the things I hear, and desperately wishing I did.

At the point of finishing this course, this has completely changed. I have a much deeper understanding of trauma, the mind and the nervous system and how it’s all connected. I have an array of different tools, from ways of being present and asking
questions, to specific exercises and worksheets. I have so many books I’m eager to read, as this course has fuelled my enthusiasm and passion in a way I haven’t experienced in a long time. And most of all I have new trust in the value of simply providing a safe, compassionate space.

The focus on compassion has been transformational for me. I love how we started working on ourselves, understanding ourselves in the role as coach and having compassion for our triggers and insecurities. Having worked on my own self-compassion, becoming aware of it and learning to actively and mindfully strengthen it, it made so much sense to further this angle to my clients. In our case-studies with clients, I sensed such relief with them when they realised I wasn’t going to tell them what is wrong with them or how to get rid of the bad stuff. It instantly brought trust and a lightness to our relationship.

Another thing I deeply appreciate is how thorough this course has been when it comes to safe and ethical practice. Facing, acknowledging and talking about the insecurities and the tempting shortcuts, both in terms of ourselves when we are outside of our scope of knowledge or in a space within ourselves where we are unable to provide a safe space, and in terms of the business side; marketing, contracts and general ethics, has been a big relief. Having talked it all through and discussed how to handle different situations and how it makes us feel, gives me so much more confidence in myself and my trust that what I provide is solid and that it’s a part of being professional to set boundaries and know your limits. And that there lies value in running your business ethically, despite watching others taking shortcuts.

I also need to mention the group and all our practice coaching sessions. Throughout the course we have had running dialogue in our WhatsApp group where we have shared our progress and thoughts. It has been a space of constant support and love that I will miss a lot now that the course is finished. The amount of peer practice sessions and case studies we had to do seemed daunting at first, but I have grown to love both the ones I do as a coach and the ones where I am the client. The sessions have allowed me to practice new skills with a safe partner and also to see how my fellow students coach. There has been so much learning from this and I am so happy there were so many!

This course has changed me as a person. I have learned to understand my own ways of thinking and how to navigate it with compassion. I have a new, broader and more personal understanding of mindfulness and listening to my body. I used to do what I thought was right, thinking that it has benefits I don’t really understand, but I believe in it. Now I can feel the benefits, I can listen to my body in a completely new way that actually brings me clarity, and I can consciously acknowledge and process my emotions through being present with myself. And I can use it with clients, which currently feels like my most powerful tool.

I think this course might be the most valuable piece of education I have had (after over 6 years of higher education). Completely in line with my heart and my values and solid in terms of being aligned with current research and science. I am so grateful I invested in this and will carry it closest to my heart in my future work."

Runa Weidemann,

Social Worker, Coach & Facilitator

Over the course of 6 months of intensive, intimate training and learning, you will receive: 

  • 24 x weekly 90 minute live webinar learning sessions with our Lead Facilitator along with associated reading and reflection practices 
  • 24 x guided meditations themed to each module designed to help you better understand each topic, and release any inner blockages that you may hold 
  • 24 x weekly self-reflection accountability submissions
  • 24 x graded quiz submissions designed to test your understanding
  • 14 x personal hypnotherapy & coaching sessions with our in-house therapist to foster your own personal and professional self development and integration
  • 12 x live practicum & feedback sessions with fellow students designed to put your new skills to practice 
  • 6 x 90 minute spotlight coaching sessions with facilitated feedback and learning discussion
  • Over 50+ worksheets, activities, somatic practices, and tools to use immediately with your clients across all topics and theories
  • 180+ page student handbook to refer back to whenever needed
  • 24/7 access to group community for continued support and learning
  • Lifetime access to all content, recordings, and worksheets
  • Access to our Compassion Collective Community Hub upon graduation - a space for ongoing learning, free workshops & guest teachings, group mentoring, and accountability

Over the course of 6 months of intensive, intimate training and learning, you will receive: 

  • 24 x weekly 90 minute live webinar learning sessions with our Lead Facilitator along with associated reading and reflection practices 
  • 24 x guided meditations themed to each module designed to help you better understand each topic, and release any inner blockages that you may hold 
  • 24 x weekly self-reflection accountability submissions
  • 24 x graded quiz submissions designed to test your understanding
  • 14 x personal hypnotherapy & coaching sessions with our in-house therapist to foster your own personal and professional self development and integration
  • 12 x live practicum & feedback sessions with fellow students designed to put your new skills to practice 
  • 6 x 90 minute spotlight coaching sessions with facilitated feedback and learning discussion
  • Over 50+ worksheets, activities, somatic practices, and tools to use immediately with your clients across all topics and theories
  • 180+ page student handbook to refer back to whenever needed
  • 24/7 access to group community for continued support and learning
  • Lifetime access to all content, recordings, and worksheets
  • Access to our Compassion Collective Community Hub upon graduation - a space for ongoing learning, free workshops & guest teachings, group mentoring, and accountability

Hear From Our Recent Graduates...

"I cannot thank this course enough for the incredible transformation it has brought to my mentoring approach. The insights and tools provided have allowed me to support clients with a newfound depth of understanding. The curriculum seamlessly blends trauma-informed practices with compassion-focused techniques, offering a powerful and holistic framework for mentorship. Our facilitator Nikki's expertise and unwavering support were instrumental in my journey through the course, drawing from her training with renowned specialists like Dr. Gabor Mate. The growth and self-discovery I've experienced are truly invaluable, teaching me not only to mentor with compassion but also to extend that same compassion to myself. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone eager to enrich their people skills and make a meaningful difference in others' lives."

Jamie Lynn Jacobson,

Cancer Patient Mentor, Teacher & Coach
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"This course went above my expectations and was truly transformational. Not only did I gain the knowledge and techniques to help others but I am walking away from this course as a better person. I feel like for the first time in my life I am my true authentic self and that is thanks to this incredible course. Nikki is an inspiration and to have the opportunity to learn by her side is a privilege."

Mia Taffin,

Compassion Focused Coach
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"This course has given me so much information and knowledge around supporting clients with trauma and difficult experiences, regulating their nervous system, understanding themselves and how to support them in a way that is safe, accepting and building on their own sense of self. It's been a great addition to my Kinesiology qualifications and given me more confidence in navigating how I support my clients throughout our sessions. I can see this course would be a good foundation for someone new to thing kind of work also. Nikki is supportive, available throughout the course, full of knowledge and wisdom and it constantly evolving the course. I am grateful to have worked with Nikki and will continue to mentor with her in the future."

Holley Blossom,

Kinesiologist & Compassion Focused Coach

Meet Your Facilitator

Nikki Heyder is a qualified, trauma informed Psychotherapist (MC), E-RYT Yoga Therapist & Somatic Coach, and former Nutritional Therapist (BHSc Nut) who has worked for over a decade within the wellness industry. She has also completed additional training under trauma expert Dr Gabor Mate and his team - completing over 240 hours in Compassionate Inquiry (a psychotherapeutic somatic approach to healing trauma) along with additional trauma treatment training & certifications with Dr West-Olatunji, Dr Dan Siegel, Arielle Schwartz, and Dr Albert Wong.

Nikki is deeply committed and driven by a heart centered approach of healing meaning that compassion, safety, and trust in her clients is of utmost importance to her successful, growing practice.

Having worked extensively with clients suffering with eating disorders, addiction, PTSD and complex trauma, she has fine tuned her unique holistic approach of attuning to mind, emotion, body and spirit through a multi-modality framework which incorporates talk therapy, CBT, somatic experiencing, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices.

As an entrepreneur Nikki has set up and run her own businesses across the span of these years and has hosted successful workshops, masterminds and mentorships for new and experienced professionals. She actively supervises and mentors fellow therapists and coaches, and is dedicated to helping her peers to create a ripple effect of responsible healing.

"I truly believe that through the learning and embodiment of responsible, safe, and compassionate space holding, we can make a significant impact on the healing of humanity as a whole."

- Nikki Heyder

Meet Your Facilitator

Nikki Heyder is a qualified, trauma informed Psychotherapist (MC), E-RYT Yoga Therapist & Somatic Coach, and former Nutritional Therapist (BHSc Nut) who has worked for over a decade within the wellness industry. She has also completed additional training under trauma expert Dr Gabor Mate and his team - completing over 240 hours in Compassionate Inquiry (a psychotherapeutic somatic approach to healing trauma) along with additional trauma treatment training & certifications with Dr West-Olatunji, Dr Dan Siegel, Arielle Schwartz, and Dr Albert Wong.

Nikki is deeply committed and driven by a heart centered approach of healing meaning that compassion, safety, and trust in her clients is of utmost importance to her successful, growing practice.

Having worked extensively with clients suffering with eating disorders, addiction, PTSD and complex trauma, she has fine tuned her unique holistic approach of attuning to mind, emotion, body and spirit through a multi-modality framework which incorporates talk therapy, CBT, somatic experiencing, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices.

As an entrepreneur Nikki has set up and run her own businesses across the span of these years and has hosted successful workshops, masterminds and mentorships for new and experienced professionals. She actively supervises and mentors fellow therapists and coaches, and is dedicated to helping her peers to create a ripple effect of responsible healing.

"I truly believe that through the learning and embodiment of responsible, safe, and compassionate space holding, we can make a significant impact on the healing of humanity as a whole."

- Nikki Heyder

A personal message for you from Nikki…

"If you're anything like I was, perhaps you've got an internal dialogue which tells you that you don't know enough, or can't help enough, or aren't as qualified as the next person... and these beliefs knock down your confidence, your willingness to show up and share your unique gifts and ideas with the world, and your trust in yourself to truly be the space holder you know you are born to be.

If you're anything like I was, perhaps you really value education, practical knowledge, and want to have the proper tools to operate ethically and responsibly for your clients.

And perhaps (like I was), you weren't initially trained in trauma and yet you see it arise time and time again within your sessions. You want to be trauma informed (not just aware) because you recognize the importance and prevalence of it. So you feel a bit stuck, and a bit limited, and a bit frustrated because you want to do the 'right' thing, but haven't found the 'right' program...

It took me many years, many qualifications, and a lot of money to develop the knowledge and skills I now have which helps me confidently work with my client base.

And I WISH, I had back then what I have created here. This certification is everything I have learned when it comes to compassionate space holding, trauma informed care, and conscious guidance, simplified into an intensive 6 month training experience. It's what I believe all helpers and healers need to know regardless of whether you are a therapist, breathwork facilitator, coach, or yoga teacher.

If this resonates with you, I look forward so much to supporting you on your journey to becoming a certified, trauma informed compassion focused coach!"
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Hear From Our Graduates...

"I have loved this coaching certification so much. It has given the confidence I needed to better help and support my clients. I learned a lot and was able to apply the learnings in clinic straight away. Not only has it improved me as a practitioner but it has also helped me a lot with my imposter syndrome and shame. I was so exited to attend the call each week and the 24 weeks flew by. I would highly recommend this program and can’t wait to see what else Nikki creates in the future."

Lara Blackman

Kinesiologist, Yoga Teacher & Complimentary Medicine Practitioner | 2023 Graduate | @yinandkin | www.yinandkin.com.au 
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"Nikki is wealth of knowledge I always say that. She’s inspiring, with how much she knows, creates, the structure she brings to everything and with such ease. Always makes me smile with her uplifting attitude and laugh. Nikki also makes herself available to support us, any advice someone has needed she takes her time to read every message and be as helpful as she can. Never made me feel like she’s on a pedestal which some other courses I’ve felt that with the teacher. Which reflects the course being heart led. I’m very grateful, thank you The Soul Institute!"

Jade Brown

Breathwork Facilitator & Anxiety Coach | 2023 Graduate | @jadebrownwellness
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"I really am totally blown away by Nikki's trauma informed certification. I started this journey because I wanted to learn how to be a better coach, and I got way more for my return on investment. Not only have I uncovered limiting beliefs I was unaware of, but I feel I’ve grown and this course has helped me become more authentic which is so important in this space. I have learned so much more than I have ever learned on any other course in the self-help space. I feel I can now confidently and safely guide clients with a heart led and compassionate approach, realising I am not there to fix them, no one is broken. I am here to help people reconnect with their own healing capacity and remember who they are. This course has changed my life. It has confirmed how much I absolutely love this industry and I am so fascinated by psychology and holistic modalities to helping people heal and reconnect to wholeness. Nikki, I cannot thank you enough"

Rochelle Knowles

Life Coach | 2023 Graduate | @mindful__eyes
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"Without a doubt the best money I have spent on a my personal and professional development. When I found this course via Nikki's instagram, it was an instant full body YES, it was everything I had been thinking I needed and wanted. The content, the other women on the course, the knowledge, the guests were all so amazing. I never resented spending my time studying or going to sessions, I was excited every week to attend sessions. Nikki is such a wonderful leader and guide, I felt so supported and even though I felt like such a novice and such a student at times, I never felt insecure or judged or unable to ask questions. The topic each week was so powerful and it was so much fun to learn. I hugely enjoyed the live coaching/therapy sessions, seeing Nikki in action was inspiring and also motivating. I honestly have zero negative things to say about this course, other than the fact it's ending! I wish we could study together for another 6 months. Every coach needs to take this course, to deepen their understanding of themselves and also their own practice. It was so useful personally and professionally. I feel i have grown as a coach and as a human, i honestly feel like a better mother to my daughter from taking the course. Thank you Nikki."

Joanna Barber

Transformational Life & Recovery Coach | 2023 Graduate | @iamjoannabarber

As a qualified Compassion Focused Coach you will feel confident to work with clients who:

  • Have a loud inner critic
  • Struggle with anxious thoughts
  • Struggle with depressive thoughts

  • Feel suffocated by their own perfectionistic tendencies

  • Are burnt out or experiencing chronic stress
  • Have unresolved trauma
  • Battle with low self worth
  • Feel a strong sense of shame
  • Have unresolved complex or relational trauma
  • Lack emotional regulation tools
  • Feel a strong sense of shame

Draw on Nikki’s diverse background and holistic approach. The modalities explored in this certification are:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Developmental Psychology
Neuroscience
Inner Child Healing
Nervous System Regulation
Energetics & The Chakra System
Nutritional & Lifestyle Support for Mental Health
Therapeutic Ethics
Compassion Focused Therapy
Buddhist Psychology & Theory
Parts Work
Trauma Informed Education
Yoga & Somatic Experiencing
Mindfulness Based Meditation
Emotional Safety & Attunement

Draw on Nikki’s diverse background and holistic approach. The modalities explored in this certification are:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Developmental Psychology
Neuroscience
Inner Child Healing
Nervous System Regulation
Energetics & The Chakra System
Nutritional & Lifestyle Support for Mental Health
Therapeutic Ethics
Compassion Focused Therapy
Buddhist Psychology & Theory
Parts Work
Trauma Informed Education
Yoga & Somatic Experiencing
Mindfulness Based Meditation
Emotional Safety & Attunement

Next Cohort: October 2024

Your 6 Month Curriculum & Learning Objectives

Inward Attunement

The first part of the Academy focuses on YOU - who you are as a healer or helper and how self-aware, objective, and regulated you are. Our own self-awareness and self-regulation is what makes us truly safe and compassionate space holders.

Outward Attunement

The second part of the Academy focuses on HOW you hold space - enriching you with education, resources, tools and techniques for compassionate, safe, and trauma-informed care.

More Feedback From our Alumni...

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Nikka Gribanovsky

Tantric Yoga Teacher & Pleasure Coach | 2022 Graduate

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Danika Gillis

Naturopath & Feminine Vitality Coach | 2022 Graduate

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Camila Godoy Dosono

Cacao Practitioner & Compassion Focused Coach | 2022 Graduate

Start Your Application Process

Please read through the following carefully. 

Step #1: Submit Your Application Form

All students MUST submit an application form prior to being accepted into the course or making any form of payment. The application form ensures that you are suitable for the program and enables our facilitators to get to know more about you before the application call. You can access the form here.

Step #2: Have A Call With Our Lead Facilitator

Once your application form has been received, you will receive an email to organize a phone call with our lead facilitator. The purpose of the call is to answer any questions you may have and ensure that the program is right for you. You can choose to opt of enrollment at any stage during these first two steps of application.

Step #3: Choose Your Payment Preference

We try to prioritize as many flexible payment options as possible. We do not charge interest on our payment plans. Students can opt to pay in full or discuss longer payment plan options during their call. If you decide to opt for a payment plan, you will be required to sign a Payment Plan Agreement document outlining the specifics of your payment preferences.

Step #4: Access Your Student Portal!

You're in! You will be granted immediate access to your student portal but won't have access to any course content until the commencement date of your specific cohort. You're ready to go and can eagerly await the commencement of your journey towards becoming a certified Compassion Focused Coach!

Accredited Compassion Focused Coaching Certification

Your Investment:

The total investment in the 6 month, 100 hour certification program is USD $3,488.

Once you have completed your application form and had your enrollment call with our lead facilitator you will be able to discuss payment options as follows:

Option 1 : Pay in full
Option 2: Payment Plan of 3 months
Option 3: Payment Plan of 6 months
Option 4: Payment Plan of 10 months

All of our payment plans are interest free.

Need a different payment plan option?

We’re here to help! Simply contact us with any questions you have and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
We do offer ONE full scholarship spot per cohort, and ONE 50% scholarship spot per cohort for those experiencing financial hardship - if you'd like to learn more about our scholarship, feel free to contact us for more information.
If you are an Indonesian citizen, please ensure you ask us as about our adjusted tuition fee rate for local citizens.
Remember spots are limited. Due to the intensive and intimate nature of this training program, we limit each cohort to 10 students only.

But wait, there's more...

When you enroll you not only get access to the 6 month certification program, but you also receive the following add-ons:

✨Immediate and lifetime access to BASELINE - our Self Regulation Program valued at $347 ✨
✨Access to our Gut/Brain Online Webinar training valued $200 ✨
✨2 x 1:1 Free 1 hour Mentoring sessions with Nikki to be used at any time up to 1 year post completion of certification USD $400 ✨

Our Guarantee To You:

We believe in this course so much that we are very happy to offer you a PARTIAL REFUND guarantee if you decide that it’s not for you. The only thing we ask is that you stick around until Week 12 to ensure you truly get to experience it, before opting to leave.

Questions & Answers

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