Do you want to be a Master Coach?

• Understanding the Hero’s Journey framework
• Building trust and deepening relationships
• Personal growth and transformation techniques
• Navigating coaching dilemmas and challenges
• Maturing as a coach through introspection
• Learning from rich coaching traditions
• Enhancing relational skills in coaching
• Exploring ethical case studies
• Cultivating coaching mastery and best practices
• Personal Assimilation & Integration

The Masterful Coach Training-Retreat Programme focuses on personal growth, deepening coaching skills, and developing mastery in the coaching field. The learning journey consists of three immersive training-retreats:

1. Immersion Training-Retreat 1: Reinventing oneself and exploring the abundance of choices.
   Key learnings:
   • Understanding the Hero’s Journey framework
   • Building trust and deepening relationships
   • Personal growth and transformation techniques
   • Personal Assimilation & Integration

• Immersion Training-Retreat 2: Embracing one’s identity and exploring coaching dilemmas.
  Key learnings:
  • Navigating coaching dilemmas and challenges
  • Maturing as a coach through introspection
  • Learning from rich coaching traditions
  • Personal Assimilation & Integration
• Immersion Training-Retreat 3: Developing clarity and discernment in a noisy world.
  Key learnings:
  • Enhancing relational skills in coaching
  • Exploring ethical case studies
  • Cultivating coaching mastery and best practices
  • Personal Assimilation & Integration

Throughout the programme, participants engage in personal assimilation and integration, allowing them to absorb, reflect, and apply the learnings in their coaching practice.

Immersion Training-Retreat 1: Reinventing oneself and exploring the abundance of choices.

Our first in-person session is a Retreat in the stunning hills of Antequera Spain ~ with its ancient history and majesty! For this first immersion experience, we will all stay in the same place as we work together, dine together, retreat together, and get to know one another in our strengths.

To join us: Easiest to fly into Málaga, Spain (though Madrid works fine too, just a longer drive) and rent/share a car so that you can explore the area. We will meet up at Convento La Magdalena, where we will stay in their beautiful rooms and experience the retreat and training on-site. Located in the old convent of San Pedro de Alcántara, Convento La Magdalena stands out for knowing how to combine the majesty and elegance of the historic building with services designed for your comfort. Your accommodation includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as described below. There will be time to explore the area and experience what the Antequera region has to offer.

Immersion Training-Retreat 2: Embracing one’s identity and exploring coaching dilemmas.

When & Where: 2-6 June 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Our second session is in striking Albuquerque New Mexico! At the intersection of natural and man-made energy and with the hallmarks of historic and current indigenous peoples, we gather for learning, deepening, and exploring. For this immersion experience, you have flexibility! We will be together for learning and practice sessions and you will have time to get to know the area with cohort peers or on your own. You will make your own accommodation arrangements at the place of your choice. We will recommend a hotel, plus there are many, many more, including Air BnB’s, depending upon your tastes. The training venue will be at a stunning private AirBnB home that is centrally located to area hotels and cultural activities.

To join us: Easiest will be to fly into Albuquerque [or Santa Fe (an hour away)] and rent/share a car. As we get closer to session 2, we will share the exact address and venues for our training-retreat. All lunches will be provided. You will be on your own to explore the fantastic international flavors for dinners! There will be time to experience the wonders of nature, mountains, museums, and galleries that Albuquerque offers!

Immersion Training-Retreat 3: Developing clarity and discernment in a noisy world.

When & When: 13-17 October 2024 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Our final immersion training-retreat will be in the majestic and sometimes wet (smile) Niagara Falls, Canada! What a view ~ and what a cacophony the rapids and falls make… perfect for the theme of our final in-person time together. For this immersion training-retreat, we have time together and time to take in the dramatic landscape that is just steps away from our hotel and training venue.

To join us: Easiest way is to fly into Buffalo NY (a 40-minute drive across the Peace Bridge from the USA to Canada) or arrive at Toronto Canada airport and drive (just over an hour). There may be transportation to the venue, and you may wish to rent/share a car so that you have the flexibility to enjoy all that the USA Niagara Falls side and the Canadian Niagara Falls side, have to offer (yes, they are VERY different!) Though you may stay where you wish, we will be staying and training at the lovely boutique Sterling Inn & Spa. All breakfasts and lunches will be provided, and we will have time to get to know the wonders that this amazing site has to offer.

Schedule and plans may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please ask from the organiser the most recently updated program.

1. Pre-work to establish a baseline, including baseline data, coaching recording, conversation with faculty mentor
2. Four readings with reflections in your specific area of interest for your coaching
3. Learning Journal Reflections, at least one entry each month
4. 1.5-hour Whole-cohort Zoom working sessions X 4
5. 1-hour check-in meeting with your Learning Group after each Session X 3
6. Six Practice-Trio Meetings: After each in-person Session, two coaching trio meetings for practice X 3
7. Watch coaching demo videos and provide written assessment and reflection submitted via Moodle X 3
8. Write a Coaching Supervision Case using a specific format to present in Session 1
9. Prepare a 10–20-minute presentation on an assigned topic to present in Session 2
10. Write a Coaching Ethics Case using a specific format, to present in Session 3
11. Submit one recording of your coaching after Session 3: Submittal with self-assessment; Meet with mentor to review your tape
12. Final Project & Paper: Videotaped presentation/intervention in your community/organization with a 500 words reflection
13. Final submittal of all Requirements (All Assignments, Reflection Journal, Final Project)

1. Speak with a Faculty member
2. Fill in the Registration Form
3. Attach a short bio
4. Your registration will be confirmed via email, along with a document that describes “what’s next.”
5. You are ready

Accepting registrations until February 15.

This unique international deeper MCC Programme is comprehensive and allows you to sink into your own masterful coaching in three countries ~ in innovative, inspiring and creative spaces.

The Masterful Coach Programme price, including all materials, on-line and in-person training-retreats and many meals on-site:

• Registration is: $9,735 (€8.850)

For your own planning, what is included and what is your responsibility, is indicated in the chart below. Note that prices listed are the informed estimates for 2024 prices at March 2023 currency exchanges. 

Please note: When you register for the Programme, we will automatically schedule your room for the Spain Immersion Training-Retreat 1, and will invoice you for the non-refundable payment for that room.

Tuition covers access to lectures, workshops, mentoring & supervision, some meals, retreats, online classes, LMS, and materials for all three in-person retreats. Travel costs and room accommodations are not included. For all the details, please read the schedule file.

Instalment plans might be available with major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) at a slightly higher total.
You can also pay by Wire Transfer, Cheque, Venmo, Stripe, and Viva Wallet.
You can split tuition into 4 payments. You can also choose to attend only 1 or 2 retreats and not the whole program.
Completion Certificates are issued only when the full tuition amount is paid. Upon successful graduation, you will be awarded a certificate for 110 hours.
The program will be submitted to ICF to be accredited at Level 3.
There is no penalty for early payment of tuition in advance.

Υοu can find a detailed clarification for the three retreats here and find out what’s included and what’s not

Read here our Programs policy.

Schedule and plans may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please ask from the organiser the most recently updated program.

Level 3 accreditation is for 75 contact learning hours and is designated as MCC Accredited Education.

Graduates from a Level 3 education and training program may apply for the Master Certified Coach (MCC) Credential using the MCC application path if they meet the credentialing application requirements.

Our program is no ordinary training – it’s a journey towards Mastery, pending Level 3 Education, a recognition known worldwide. With our progressive, learner-centric curriculum and expert mentorship, you’ll immerse yourself in the advanced strategies of professional coaching. Not only will you emerge a more competent professional, but you’ll also transform on a personal level, gaining the confidence and insight to inspire change in others.

Upon successful completion of the program, you’re ready to set your sights even higher. Graduates can apply for the Master Certified Coach (MCC) Credential using the MCC application. This prestigious title isn’t simply handed over; it’s earned through dedication, grit, and our top-tier education.

Imagine the doors that could open with the MCC Credential next to your name. You’ll set yourself apart in the coaching industry, demonstrating a level of expertise and commitment that’s sought after by clients and employers alike.

Embark on your journey towards mastery with our Level 3 accreditation program. Because you’re not just learning – you’re ascending towards the pinnacle of your potential. Are you ready to take the leap?

To apply for the MCC Credential, you must currently hold or have previously held a PCC Credential, in addition to meeting further requirements specific to the MCC Credential. ICF offers two application paths to obtain the MCC: the Level 3 path and the Portfolio path.

Level 3 Path

Level 3 programs are open to individuals who hold a PCC and have built into their program the education hours and mentor coaching required to earn an ICF MCC Credential. If you have completed a Level 3 program, you will submit your Level 3 certificate, coaching experience hours and recorded coaching sessions for the performance evaluation in your credential application. Once the application review process is complete, you will then take the ICF Credentialing Exam.

For those who have fully completed and graduated from a Level 3 program, the Level 3 application path should be used. View Sample Level 3 Application.

Level 3 Path Application Price

ICF Member: $675 USD
Non-Member: $825 USD
Estimated Time for Review: 18 weeks

Portfolio Path

For non ICF-accredited education, the program curriculum will need to be submitted with robust documentation to ensure the education received meets ICF standards. The other requirements – mentor coaching and recorded coaching sessions for the performance evaluation – will need to be verified separately and must be included in the application, along with the training certificate(s) and coaching experience hours. Then, the ICF Credentialing Exam must be taken.

For those who did not complete a Level 3 program, the Portfolio application path must be used to apply for a credential.

Portfolio Path Application Price

ICF Member: $675 USD
Non-Member: $825 USD
Estimated Time for Review: 18 weeks

Experience Requirements

Candidates for the MCC Credential must have at least 2,500 hours of coaching experience as of the time they begin their coach-specific education.* Coaches must complete an attestation of this experience as part of the application.

The experience hours must have been with at least 35 clients. Of the 2,500 or more coaching experience hours, at least 2,250 of the hours must be paid.

*For this purpose, ICF defines the start of coach-specific education as any course with at least 30 hours of which at least 24 hours are in ICF Core Competencies instruction. Eligible courses can be ICF-accredited or non –ICF-accredited. Please note that all non-accredited programs and CCE-accredited courses are subject to review by ICF as part of the portfolio application path.

Mentor Coaching Requirements

Candidates on the MCC Portfolio application path must document at least 10 hours of Mentor Coaching on their application. Mentor Coaching hours submitted with an MCC Credential application cannot be the same Mentor Coaching hours applied toward a previous application for the ACC or PCC Credential. Candidates on the Level 3 application path completed Mentor Coaching as part of their Level 3 coaching education program.

The Mentor Coaching hours must occur over a three-month period or longer. Of the 10 hours of mentoring, three hours must be one-on-one. The remaining seven hours may be one-on-one or in a group.

For the MCC Credential, the Mentor Coach must be a current ICF Credential-holder in good standing at the MCC level.

Performance Evaluation Requirements

Candidates for the MCC are required to pass a performance evaluation. This evaluation consists of an ICF Assessor’s review of two recorded coaching sessions with transcripts submitted by the applicant.

The coaching session must be with a regular client who has hired you as a coach and not in any other capacity and must last between 20-60 minutes.

Exam Requirements

All candidates for the MCC credential are required to pass a computer-based written exam administered by ICF Credentials and Standards.

The ICF Credentialing Exam is a tool designed to measure a coach’s knowledge of and ability to apply the ICF definition of coaching, ICF Core Competencies and ICF Code of Ethics.

ICF Credentials and Standards has partnered with Pearson VUE to deliver the new ICF Credentialing Exam. Through its global network of testing centers and OnVUE (Pearson’s online service), candidates may either complete the exam at an on-site Pearson VUE testing center or in their home or office while being monitored by an online proctor. All candidates for an ICF Credential must complete the ICF Credentialing Exam as part of the Credential process.

Please note that our program is more than the minimum requirement of 75 hours. It’s 115 hours. For the latest update on ICF requirements and standards please visit their website. The last update of this communication is July 7, 2023.

Please see this video to learn more about the exam process.

There are many methods by which participants become engaged.
All of these enable learning ~ and with different retention rates.
In Positivity Coaching, we use all the different learning methods and we emphasize the participatory ones.
After all, what’s better than teaching coaching the coaching way?

Accelerated learning and high standards are important concepts in education and training and can be enhanced through the use of multiple focal points, cross-pollination, and a groundbreaking combo of learning modalities.

• Multiple focal points refer to the use of a variety of learning resources and methods to engage learners and enhance their understanding of the subject matter. This can include visual aids, hands-on activities, group discussions, and online resources, among others. By using multiple focal points, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and can apply what they have learned in a variety of contexts.
• Cross-pollination involves bringing together ideas and approaches from different fields or disciplines to create new insights and solutions. In the context of learning, this can involve exposing learners to diverse perspectives and approaches and encouraging them to think critically and creatively about the subject matter. By cross-pollinating ideas and approaches, learners can develop a more nuanced understanding of the subject matter and can apply their learning in new and innovative ways.
• A groundbreaking combo of learning modalities involves using a range of different learning methods and techniques to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience. This can include combining classroom instruction with online learning or using interactive simulations and games to reinforce learning objectives. By using a groundbreaking combo of learning modalities, learners can stay engaged and motivated throughout the learning process and can develop a deeper and more lasting understanding of the subject matter.

Overall, by introducing multiple focal points, cross-pollination, and a groundbreaking combo of learning modalities, educators and trainers can create an environment that promotes accelerated learning and high standards. This can help learners to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields and to apply what they have learned in innovative and impactful ways.

The Masterful Coach Training-Retreat Programme consists of three immersive training-retreats held in different locations around the world plus several Zoom working sessions and group calls starting in January 2024.

The programme’s overall hours are 110 including:

• 7 Observed coaching sessions with feedback
• 10 Mentor coaching hours (3,25 hrs individual+6,75 hrs in the group)
• 3 Written assessments of your coaching
• 5,5 Coaching supervision hours
• 3 Ethics hours (2.5 hrs in class + 30 min to write the case in a specific format)

The following outlines the whole-cohort meeting timing.
Our meetings together are supplemented by specific self-paced study, individual assignments, and self-scheduled small group meetings.

1. January: Zoom call for introductions, pre-work, and setting intentions.
2. March: Immersion Training-Retreat 1: Invent yourself in the abundance of choices
   Location: Antequera, Spain / Date: 10-14 March 2024
   Schedule:
   • Day 1: Welcome
   • Day 2: The Hero’s Journey
   • Day 3: Deepening Trust
   • Day 4: Growing and Transforming
   • Day 5: Personal Assimilation & Integration
3. May: Zoom call to follow up on resources & transformation process alignment
4. June: Immersion Training-Retreat 2: Being you in the seat of exploration
   Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA / Date: 2-6 June 2024
   Schedule:
   • Day 1: Welcome
   • Day 2: In Service of Dilemmas!
   • Day 3: A Day of Coach Maturity
   • Day 4: Embracing Rich Tradition
   • Day 5: Personal Assimilation & Integration
5. September: Zoom call to follow up on resources & transformation process alignment
6. October: Immersion Training-Retreat 3: Finding your way through all the noise
   Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada / Date: 13-17 October 2024
   Schedule:
   • Day 1: Welcome
   • Day 2: Min(e)ding the Relational Field
   • Day 3: Ethical cases exploration
   • Day 4: Coaching Mastery
   • Day 5: Personal Assimilation & Integration
7. December: Zoom call for next steps & celebration

This program is delivered in English in hybrid mode. You can find the whole program schedule below that displays synchronous & asynchronous, in-person & online activities, per month, in a comprehensive table. Synchronous hours are experienced in person on our three training-retreats and on our live online group calls and working sessions. You can find the detailed themes, curricula, and course schedule in this link here or see the table below for the activities per month.

Melissa S. Kelly-McCabe, MS, MCC, GPCC™

Melissa partners with leaders and coaches as they accelerate their business goals, imprint their own style on the business, and design and live their best lives ~ through personal and group retreats (virtually and in fabulous locations,) one-on-one coaching, and delivering Gestalt coach training and mentorship around the world.

With a goal to bring fun and purpose to every interaction, Melissa is a dynamic and sought public speaker, mentor and trainer for international conferences, corporate universities, key-notes, trainings and large-group facilitation. She integrates creative methods into her work, including nature, art, creativity, food, somatics, and movement. Her website is: https://clearintentstrategy.com

She is currently focusing in four areas:

• Mentor Coaching and Coaching Supervision for coaches looking to hone their skills, go deeper with their clients, and who are seeking master ICF and/or Gestalt Coach certification;
• Hosting unique and impactful gatherings and retreats for private leadership, professional and personal development among other strong, interesting leaders, including Cirque Du Sophia for Women at the Top (CirqueDuSophia.com), Create Ripples, Leadership Unleashed!, and A Quiet Voice Within personal retreats;
• Strategy Coaching for new CEOs to accelerate business goals and imprint their own leading style on their business, with specialty in daughters taking over family businesses and in the non-profit sector; and
• Facilitating critical strategic conversations with Boards and organizations.

Melissa’s credentials include: International Coach Federation Master Certified Coach (MCC), Certified Mentor Coach (CMC), Board Certified Coach; Gestalt Professional Certified Coach™, Certified Family Business Advisor, Galliard Group, Appreciative Inquiry Certification with David Cooperrider, Assistant to Dr. W. Edwards Deming for 4 years. She is Senior Faculty at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland and past-Director of Education for the Institute’s accredited coaching programs.

Angelos Derlopas, MSc, MCC, ACTC, ESIA

Angelos Derlopas is an esteemed thought leader and coach in personal and professional development. With 30+ years of business experience, he has amassed over 20,000 hours of coaching expertise. As the Founder and Director of Education at Positivity Coaching, his work revolves around training and mentoring coaches, shaping the industry’s future.

His numerous certifications include the prestigious ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC) accreditation, a recognition held by just 4% of coaches worldwide. Angelos’ commitment to excellence in coaching has led him to train 1,000+ coaches, impacting countless lives and careers.

His diverse client portfolio spans 140 countries and includes C-suite executives and VPs in industries such as Pharma (e.g., Novartis, Servier, Excelya), Tech (e.g., Booking, Workable, Connected Kerb), F&B (e.g., Campari Group), Food Chains (e.g., Ahold Delhaize, Giant Food), Tobacco (e.g., Philip Morris International), Luxury brands (e.g., L’Oréal), Insurance (e.g., Euler Hermes), and International Non-Governmental Organizations (e.g., ILO, UNDCO, UNDP, UNHCR, UN Women).

Angelos’ coaching style is centered on empowering clients by prioritizing agency over urgency. He believes in using developmental dialogue to facilitate meaningful shifts in clients’ perspectives and behaviors, helping them to discover and embrace their authentic presence. By holding a safe space for clients, Angelos enables self-reflection, free expression, and exploration of potential opportunities.

In addition to his coaching work, Angelos is a respected conference speaker, book author, coaching magazine publisher, and subject matter expert in ICF Global for both Core and Team Coaching Competencies. He is a founding member of Wise Masterful Coaches. His contributions to the coaching industry have made a significant impact on the lives of individuals, teams, and organizations worldwide.

Angelos’s academic studies include an MBA and an MSc in Psychology. His credentials include International Coaching Federation Master Certified Coach (MCC), International Coaching Federation Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC), European Mentoring & Coaching Council Supervision Individual Award (ESIA), Accredited Coach Supervisor (CSA), Certified Mentor Coach (CMC) & ICF Certified Assessor for PCC markers & MCC BARS, Certified Five Behaviours Trainer (Wiley), Trained Mentor Trainer (Clutterbuck CMI), Certified Everything DiSC Trainer (Wiley), Mindfulness Awareness Practices (UCLA), Team Coach Supervisor (AHA/CSA) and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC), British Psychological Society (BPS) & American Psychological Association (APA).

Angelos’s accreditations with Positivity Coaching programmes include ICF ACSTH, ACTP, Level 1, Level 2 and numerous CCE ones.

1. Q: What are the key dates for the coaching program?
   A: The program consists of three in-person immersion retreats, webinars, and self-paced learning. Key dates include:

1. 1. January 2024: Webinar Hello & Welcome
   2. February/March 2024: Self-paced learning
   3. March 10-14, 2024: Retreat 1 in Antequera, Spain
   4. June 2-6, 2024: Retreat 2 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
   5. October 20-24, 2024: Retreat 3 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
   6. December 2024: Webinar Programme Conclusion & Celebration
2. Q: What are the requirements for graduation?
   A: To graduate, participants must complete all programme, including attendance, assignments, reflections, and projects.
3. Q: How much does the program cost?
   A: The total investment for the program is $9,750. This includes tuition, some meals, and materials for all three in-person retreats. Travel costs are not included. For all the details please read this file.
4. Q: Who are the facilitator-trainers for this program?
   A: The trainers are experienced and MCC-certified professional coaches who have extensive expertise in coaching, mentoring, coach supervision, and adult learning. They are dedicated to providing a transformative learning experience for participants.
   Melissa S. Kelly-McCabe, MS, MCC, GPCC: Melissa is an experienced coach and mentor, specializing in facilitating critical strategic conversations, strategy coaching for new CEOs, hosting unique gatherings and retreats for leadership and personal development, and mentor coaching for coaches seeking ICF or Gestalt Coach certification. She holds various certifications, including International Coach Federation Master Certified Coach (MCC) and Certified Family Business Advisor. LinkedIn profile here.
   Angelos Derlopas, MSc, MCC, ACTC, ESIA: Angelos is a thought leader and coach with 30 years of business experience and over 20,000 hours of coaching expertise. He is the Founder and Director of Education at Positivity Coaching, training and mentoring coaches worldwide. He holds the prestigious ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC) accreditation and has trained over 1,000 coaches. Angelos has worked with clients from various industries and international organizations, empowering them through developmental dialogue and authentic presence. He is also a respected conference speaker, author, and founding member of Wise Masterful Coaches. LinkedIn profile here.
5. Q: What is the commitment required for this program?
   A: Participants must commit to attending all sessions, completing all assignments, and actively engaging in the learning process. They should also be prepared to invest time and effort in self-paced learning and practice coaching sessions.
6. Q: How do I sign up for the program?
   A: To sign up for the program, please complete the registration form. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration is accepted.
7. Q: What happens between the in-person training-retreats?
   A: Between in-person training-retreats, participants will engage in self-paced learning, complete assignments, watch coaching demo videos, participate in coaching trios, and attend learning group meetings.
8. Q: Are there any prerequisites for joining the program?
   A: This Programme is intended for the experienced coach who wants to go much deeper with the impact they can have with their coachee and who is interested in personal development and growth. We invite skilled coaches who want to embody the mindset, skills, and behaviors of a master coach (MCC). This program is ideal for the ICF PCC who is ready to coach at the ICF MCC level, the already-MCC credentialed coach who is wanting an international experience to deepen their skills and impact. It is not required that the participant be a  currently credentialed coach.
9. Q: What is the purpose of the coaching trios?
   A: Coaching trios provide participants with an opportunity to practice their coaching skills, receive feedback, and observe coaching in action. Each participant will coach a total of six times during the program, twice with each of three trio groups

What’s included in the Welcome Pack?

1. You will get access to the Moodle LMS*
2. Access to a total of 15 training-retreat days
3. Access to Mentor Coaching sessions
4. Access to Coaching Supervision
5. Access to Observed practice
6. Access to one tape review

*Access to the digital platform includes:

• on-demand video lectures,
• training documents,
• videos,
• forms and formats for assignments, and
• forums.