Want to become a certified mindfulness coach online?
Starting a mindfulness coaching business can be both rewarding and profitable. You create financial freedom while transforming your clients’ lives.
And in this article, you’ll learn:
- Who can become a mindfulness coach
- Top certifications
- How to get your first clients
- And much more!
Want to learn more? Read on!
Key takeaways:
- Mindfulness coaching can be incredibly rewarding and help you build a life of freedom and flexibility.
- You don’t need any qualifications to become a mindfulness coach (in most cases) if you have relevant experience. If you want to get certified, choose an accredited program.
- To get your first clients, get in front of your audience (for example, on podcasts or on social media.)
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Jump straight to…
- What is a mindfulness coach?
- What does a mindfulness coach do?
- Why should you become a mindfulness coach?
- How do you get certified?
- What are the best mindfulness coaching certifications?
- How do you become a mindfulness coach?
- What is the average mindfulness coach salary?
What is a mindfulness practitioner?
Mindfulness practitioners, coaches, and consultants help clients integrate mindfulness practices into their daily lives to achieve greater balance and well-being. Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of mindfulness, including:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Better sleep quality
- Ability to handle demanding workloads
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved overall wellbeing
- Lower rates of depression
To help clients achieve these benefits, mindfulness coaches and teachers often use different mindfulness coaching techniques, such as:
- Meditation
- Breathwork
- Visualization
- Movement
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) meditation therapy
Now, you might be thinking:
“All that sounds good, Luisa. But can I stand out in a crowded market?”
You can! I’ve helped 3,500+ new coaches start their businesses in 50+ niches. And there has never been a better time to strike out on your own.
Not only is coaching a growing, billion-dollar industry, there are also SO many potential clients out there since mindfulness, meditation, and mental health impact all areas of life.
Take my former client Cristina, founder of Outsmarting Busyness. She leverages her leadership background to create a unique coaching approach that blends mindfulness with neuroscience, helping leaders enhance their performance.
Bottom line: There is plenty of opportunity for you in the mindfulness coaching space.
But what exactly does it mean to be a mindfulness coach? Let’s find out.
What does a mindfulness coach do?
At its core, mindfulness coaching focuses on helping clients:
- Learn mindfulness techniques to stay grounded in the present moment
- Regulate emotions to handle stress and challenges
- Build self-awareness to better understand thoughts, feelings, and actions
- Improve focus and productivity for personal and professional growth
- Shift their mindset to overcome limiting beliefs and cultivate a growth mindset
Each of which helps your clients become better at their jobs, build healthier relationships, find more happiness, become more present parents, leaders, and so on.
The coaching skills you’ll need to support your clients include:
- Deep understanding of mindfulness: This goes without saying–to become a mindfulness coach, you’ll need a deep understanding of what it is you’re teaching.
- Active listening: One of your biggest tasks is to listen to your client and understand their goals and challenges.
- Communication: You’ll help clients push past fears and translate complex concepts into simple steps.
- Inspiration: You’re your clients’ biggest champion, holding the vision when they can’t see it. Great coaches are motivating and see their clients’ potential.
- Empathy: Understand where your client is coming from and their experiences so you can support them effectively.
- Leading: As a coach, you lead your clients.
You can choose between two primary career paths: employment or self-employment.
As an employed mindfulness coach, you might work at…
- Hospitals or health clinics
- Yoga schools
- Meditation centers
- Corporations
As a self-employed mindfulness coach, on the other hand, you build your own mindfulness coaching business, choose who you work with, and set your own prices. Personally, I’m a big advocate for starting your own business—and I’ll explain why here below.
Why should you become a mindfulness coach?
Ready to make a real impact while creating an amazing lifestyle for yourself? That’s exactly what mindfulness coaching offers.
Think about it:
You get to transform your clients’ lives AND design a business that works for you.
As a mindfulness coach, you can:
- Take complete control of your schedule and income
- Build a business that perfectly aligns with your life values
- Wake up every day knowing you’re doing something truly fulfilling
Even better, you can scale your coaching business by offering mindfulness courses, workshops, and other services down the line.
And the best part? You don’t have to quit your day job right away. This approach allows you to grow your business gradually and transition to full-time coaching when you’re ready.
That’s exactly what I did—I built my first coaching business to six figures before leaving my corporate job. This strategy helped me make the leap without financial stress or uncertainty.
So, if you’re ready to take control of your future and make a difference…
👋 High five to that 👋
But here’s the big question: Can anyone become a mindfulness coach?
What qualifications do you need to teach mindfulness?
The good news is that you don’t need a certification or license to become a mindfulness coach. Unlike therapists and counselors who need specific licenses, coaching is an unregulated field.
That said, you do need experience and/or education as a mindfulness practitioner.
For example, if you’ve worked as a therapist or you’ve trained as a mindfulness practitioner, you’re absolutely qualified to become a mindfulness coach. And in these situations, it could be a waste of money and time to get a coaching certification.
Let me share my own story: I don’t have a certification as a business coach. Instead, I’ve spent over 10 years building multiple six- and seven-figure businesses. My clients don’t care about certifications—they care about results, like this:
That said, some mindfulness coaching niches might require a certification, license, or degree, especially if you’re working in the health or mental health space or want to become a mindfulness therapist.
If that’s the case—or if you simply feel that a certification will help you get ahead—go for it.
And here’s how to get certified if you decide to take that route.
Get the Ultimate Guide
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6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
How do you get certified as a mindfulness coach?
To become a certified mindfulness coach, you’ll need to complete a formal mindfulness coach training program. Here’s how to get started:
- Find an accredited program: The coaching certification industry is unregulated, so it’s important to choose wisely. To find the right mindfulness coaching certification program, look for programs accredited by reputable institutions like the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
- Look for a program that fits your goals: For example, what type of mindfulness coaching do you want to practice? Some programs focus on leadership, while others take a more holistic approach. Also look for programs that are within your budget.
- Complete the training: Go through the training and log practice hours, if required.
- Pass your tests: You might need to take an exam or complete other tasks to earn your certification.
Those are the steps to choose a certifications and get certified. But what are the best certifications out there? Let’s take a look.
What are the best mindfulness coach certifications online?
Now that you know what to look for in a program, let’s take a look at some of the best mindfulness certification coaching programs in the industry.
Note: I haven’t taken these courses myself. I am recommending them based on good reviews and excellent university reputations. Do some research on the courses you’re interested in to see if they are right for you before enrolling.
| Certification Program | Institution | Key Features | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teaching Certificate | Brown University | Silent retreats, MBSR training, personal mentorship | 3-6 years | $14,225 |
| MSt in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy | University of Oxford | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, customizable study, Buddhist & scientific perspectives | 2 years (part-time) | £13,730–£16,380 |
| MBSR Teacher Qualification and Certification | UC San Diego | Comprehensive MBSR training, mentorship, flexible learning options | Varies (prerequisites required) | $11,190 |
| MBSR Facilitation Certification | Centre for Mindfulness Studies | Prerequisites required, intensive teacher training, fast-track coaching certification | Varies (prerequisites required) | $8,050 |
| International Mindfulness Teachers Association | International Mindfulness Teachers Association | Two tracks: accreditation (200 hours) & teaching, internationally recognized | Varies | $1,500–$3,250 |
| Mindfulness Facilitator Certification | Copper Beech Institute | 200-hour certification, trauma-sensitive training, hands-on experience | 200 hours | $3,250–$4,500 |
| Wellness Coach Training Certification | Institute for Wellness Education | Evidence-based coaching, wellness-focused, beginner-friendly | Varies | $895 |
| Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate | Emory University | Rigorous academic program, short duration (20 weeks), mindfulness integration | 20 weeks | $4,995 |
| Holistic Wellness Coach Curriculum | International Association of Wellness Professionals | Holistic health approach, mindfulness integration, comprehensive curriculum | 12 modules | $4,950 |
1. Brown University Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teaching Certificate
The Brown University MBSR Teaching Certificate offers a deep dive into mindfulness that stands out from other programs.
This training program takes three to six years to complete, depending on whether you choose to study full-time or part-time.
Key features:
- Silent retreats: Complete four silent retreats as part of the program to deepen your mindfulness practice.
- Comprehensive training: Learn the core principles of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and gain hands-on teaching experience.
- Personal mentorship: Meet weekly with a mentor who will guide and support you throughout your journey.
Cost:
$14,225
2. The University of Oxford MSt in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
For a truly foundational education in mindfulness, consider the University of Oxford’s MSt in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). While mindfulness wasn’t invented at Oxford, the first eight-week MBSR and MBCT programs were developed here.
Key features:
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Combines mindfulness practices with therapeutic techniques to help clients manage their mental and emotional well-being.
- Customizable for your goals: Ideal for coaches who want to work with specific groups where therapeutic knowledge can be particularly valuable.
- Comprehensive curriculum: Learn mindfulness and psychology through both a Buddhist philosophical lens and a scientific perspective.
- Flexible study format: An online, part-time course over two years.
Cost:
£13,730–£16,380
3. UC San Diego MBSR Teacher Qualification and Certification
The UC San Diego MBSR Teacher Qualification and Certification program is offered through the university’s mindfulness center, which focuses on delivering high-quality mindfulness training.
Key features:
- Comprehensive MBSR training: Gain the tools and knowledge to coach your clients in effective stress management techniques.
- Mentorship focus: Learn mentoring practices to help your clients achieve their mindfulness goals.
- Flexible learning options: The program is available both in-person and online, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.
- Prerequisite courses: To qualify, you must complete specific courses within the program, so consider this when planning your certification journey.
- Ideal for West Coast coaches: If you’re based on the West Coast and looking for a practical and well-regarded MBSR certification, this program is a great fit.
Cost:
$11,190
4. Centre for Mindfulness Studies MBSR Facilitation Certification
The Centre for Mindfulness Studies MBSR Facilitation Certification is a great option if you want to start coaching quickly.
Key features:
- Prerequisites: You’ll need prior experience in mindfulness studies, along with completing the MBSR eight-week program, a silent retreat, and establishing a daily mindfulness practice before applying.
- Intensive teacher training: Once you meet the prerequisites, you’ll begin an intensive training program to gain your certification.
- Comprehensive curriculum: Learn core mindfulness concepts and practical exercises you can immediately apply with clients.
- Fast-track to coaching: This program is ideal for those eager to start their mindfulness coaching practice sooner rather than later.
Cost:
$8,050
5. International Mindfulness Teachers Association
The International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA) is a leading organization that accredits mindfulness certifications, ensuring their courses are high-quality and internationally recognized.
Key features:
- Two tracks to choose from:
- Accreditation track: Includes 200 contact hours delivered through a hybrid format (online and offline).
- Teaching track: Focuses on practical teaching skills and methodologies.
- Comprehensive training: Learn how to mentor clients effectively and apply mindfulness practices in today’s modern world.
- Renowned program: Known for its practical and in-depth approach, this program is ideal for mindfulness coaches looking to enhance their skills and credibility.
Cost:
$1,500–$3,250
6. Copper Beech Institute Mindfulness Facilitator Certification
The Copper Beech Institute Mindfulness Facilitator Certification is a highly regarded program offered by a retreat center and mindfulness training location in Connecticut.
Key Features:
- 200-hour certification: Explores meditation and mindfulness frameworks in real-world contexts.
- Trauma-sensitive training: Learn how to facilitate mindfulness practices specifically designed for vulnerable adults.
- Hands-on experience: Participate in three retreats, complete a community project, and gain in-person facilitation practice.
- Prerequisites: Attend one silent retreat, complete an eight-week mindfulness program, and have at least two years of daily mindfulness practice.
Cost:
$3,250–$4,500
7. Institute for Wellness Education Wellness Coach Training Certification
If you already feel confident in your mindfulness skills but want a broader coaching certification, the Institute for Wellness Education Wellness Coach Training Certification could be a good fit.
Key features:
- Well-rounded program: Learn evidence-based practices and effective coaching techniques to guide your clients through their wellness journey.
- Comprehensive modules: Covers various aspects of wellness, including nutritional, spiritual, psychological, financial, and more.
- Great for beginners: Ideal if you’re unsure of the specific type of clients you want to work with but want a strong foundation in wellness coaching.
- Versatility: While not mindfulness-specific, this certification equips you with the skills to coach in a variety of wellness areas.
Cost:
$895
8. Emory University Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate
The Emory University Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate is well-known as one of the best wellness coaching certifications available.
Key features:
- Rigorous academic program: Covers all areas of health and wellness, offering a well-rounded education.
- Shorter duration: Complete the certification in just 20 weeks of online study, making it one of the shorter programs on this list.
- Mindfulness integration: Includes mindfulness practices alongside coaching techniques to enhance your skills.
- Comprehensive curriculum: Learn how to help clients change lifestyle habits, explore positive psychology, and gain expertise in nutrition, exercise, and more.
- Tailored for client success: This program equips you to design coaching packages perfectly suited to your ideal clients.
Cost:
$4,995
9. International Association of Wellness Professionals Holistic Wellness Coach Curriculum
The International Association of Wellness Professionals offers a holistic wellness coach certification through its comprehensive twelve-module program.
Key features:
- Holistic approach: Explore all aspects of health and wellness for a well-rounded understanding of how the body and mind function.
- Mindfulness integration: In module seven, learn how mindfulness practices can help overwhelmed clients stay balanced and healthy.
- Comprehensive curriculum: The remaining eleven modules focus on various facets of holistic health to deepen your knowledge and coaching skills.
Cost:
$4,950
Employee to Entrepreneur (ETE) – Coaching Business Program
LuisaZhou.com
ETE is not a mindfulness coaching course or certification program. Instead, it’s a program that shows you the exact steps you need to take to build a profitable coaching business from scratch (even if you have no audience, no business experience, and a full-time job).
In fact, ETE is designed to help you leave your job as quickly as possible–I used the steps myself to grow my first coaching business to six figures in four months. And it’s been used so far by 3,500+ coaches.
Our clients have been able to make their first sales within a few weeks. And many have crossed five or six figures in a year! Here you can learn more about what our clients have achieved.
With that, you know what it takes to become a certified mindfulness coach…But how do you build your coaching business as one?
How do you become a mindfulness coach?
Whether you decide to take a certification in mindfulness coaching or not, you still have a business to build.
The steps to becoming a mindfulness coach are:
1. Decide on a certification: If you want to get certified, enroll in an accredited mindfulness certification program.
2. Practice coaching: Start by finding a few clients and improve your skills.
3. Build and market your business: Market and grow your business with private coaching, group programs, and mindfulness courses.
We’ve already looked at how you can get certified. So, next, let’s find out how to start your mindfulness coaching or consulting business from scratch:
1. Find a coaching niche
To start a successful mindfulness coaching business, you need to specialize.
Now, you may be thinking: “Isn’t mindfulness coaching already specific?”
Not quite! Mindfulness coaching is a broad field with many client types, challenges, and goals. It also overlaps with other niches like meditation coaching, stress coaching, anxiety coaching, happiness coaching, yoga coaching, and wellness coaching.
By focusing on a specific group, you’ll attract the right clients more easily than if you try to help everyone.
For example, you could become a…
- Corporate mindfulness coach
- Mindfulness coach for parents and kids
- Mindfulness meditation coach
- Mind-body coach
- Mindfulness executive coach
- Mindful eating coach
- Mindfulness nurse coach
- Mindfulness coach for athletes
- Relaxation coach
To find your niche, ask yourself this question:
Who exactly can you help, in what way, and what drives you to help them?
To clearly define your specialty, use this formula
👉 I help [specific group] achieve [specific outcome] through [your unique approach].
Need help filling in the blanks? Take a look at this quick video:
2. Set up your mindfulness coaching business
The steps you need to take to set up your business are:
- Decide on your business structure: You can either choose an LLC or a sole proprietorship. You can get started right away with a sole proprietorship, but LLC offer more protection. Read more on the SBA website.
- Create a coaching contract: You’ll need a coaching agreement to start coaching. Here’s my in-depth guide.
- Decide on insurance (optional): If you want to, you can get insurance. Here’s my guide on life coaching insurance.
Also choose the tools you need to start your business. My tips are:
- Calendly: Call scheduling
- Dropbox Sign: E-contract management
- Zoom: Video calls
- Google Docs: Document management
- Voxer: Client communication
💡Quick tip: You don’t need a mindfulness coaching website right now. That’s right – instead, focus on building your business first and if anyone asks for your website, send them your social media. I didn’t have a website until I had made $20,000.
3. Create a coaching package
Once you’ve chosen your niche, it’s time to structure your coaching services into a clear package.
Start by thinking about:
- Who is your ideal client?
- What challenges do they face?
- How can your coaching help them overcome these challenges?
For example, imagine working with a busy leader struggling with stress, which affects their leadership effectiveness. As a mindfulness coach, you help them develop tools to regulate emotions, reduce stress, and improve leadership skills.
That’s what my client Cristina, who we talked about earlier, helps her clients with.
How long should your program be?
A great way to launch your coaching business is by offering a three-month program that delivers a clear transformation. This helps potential clients understand exactly what they’ll achieve by the end of your program.
How much should you charge for your mindfulness coaching sessions?
If you’re new to coaching, I recommend starting with a $1,500 price point for your three-month package.
Why?
- You gain real coaching experience while building confidence in your skills
- Clients get valuable coaching at an accessible price
Want to learn more about structuring your package? Take a look at this short YouTube video I created for you:
4. Get your first paying mindfulness coaching clients
Now that you have a coaching package, how do you attract your first clients?
My advice is: Start small. So many new coaches get overwhelmed by websites, branding, and other distractions. But in the beginning, your priority should be getting clients—not perfecting your brand.
While there are countless marketing strategies, focus on just one or two that align with your ideal clients. Master them before adding more.
Here are two marketing strategies for new mindfulness coaches:
💡 1. Podcasting
Podcasting is a powerful way to get in front of your audience. I am calling out podcasting specifically because it has a low barrier to entry.
How to use this strategy:
- Reach out to podcasts in your niche or related industries
- Pitch yourself as a guest speaker
- Share insights and practical tips related to mindfulness coaching
Worried you’re not qualified? If you’ve helped yourself or others get results, you have value to share!
💡 2. Building relationships on social media
Social media is a great way to connect with potential clients.
Choose the platform that makes the most sense for your audience:
- ✅ TikTok
- ✅ YouTube
Take my client Cristina, for example, who attracted her first client on Instagram. I found my first clients in Facebook groups. And others have successfully used other platforms.
Once you’ve chosen a platform, start offering value and building real relationships with potential clients. For example, I did a lot of livestreams early on. People saw me and trusted me faster than they otherwise would have.
Want more ideas? Check out this video on how to attract your dream clients:
5. Learn how to coach
How do you become a great mindfulness coach?
The key is simple: help your clients get results. The best coaches guide their clients through real transformations.
A great way to start is by breaking down your coaching program into clear, achievable milestones. Each milestone moves your client one step closer to their goal.
During each coaching session, focus on reaching the next milestone. Between sessions, act as their support system—whether through email, Voxer, or another communication method that works for both of you.
To keep momentum, ask clients to check in 24 hours before each session by answering these three questions:
- #1: What actions did you take this week?
- #2: What victories can we celebrate?
- #3: What specific support do you need during our next call?
This simple system keeps both you and your client focused on progress and results.
6. Scale your business
Once you’ve filled your one-on-one coaching spots, it’s time to think about scaling your coaching business.
Step 1: Launch a group coaching program
Group coaching is one of the best ways to grow your business while leveraging your time. Instead of coaching one client at a time, you can help multiple people at once—without working more hours.
💡 Pricing: A well-structured group coaching program can start at $1,500 or more per participant.
Step 2: Create an online course
Once your group coaching program is running smoothly, the next step is creating an online course. Courses allow you to scale even further by serving more people without additional time commitments.
💡 Pricing: Online courses usually range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the depth of content and level of support.
By layering these scalable offers, you can increase your income and impact while freeing up more time.
What is the average mindfulness coach salary?
Can you make money as a mindfulness coach?
Absolutely! The average coaching salary in the US is $67,800 per year, but that’s just the starting point. Many coaches scale their businesses to six, multiple six, or even seven figures.
Let’s break down the numbers:
Once you gain experience and strong client testimonials, you can increase your rates and offer high-ticket coaching packages.
💡 Example: Let’s say you charge $3,000 per coaching package and book just one new client per month. You’ll be on track to hit six figures in revenue relatively quickly.
That said, getting to the six-figure mark and beyond takes work and grit.
BUT it’s good to know how far you can go if you put the work in. By starting now, you’re setting yourself up for financial freedom and long-term success.
FAQ: Become a mindfulness coach
How long does it take to become a mindfulness coach?
It depends on your background and training. You can start your mindfulness coaching business right away, but the time it takes to build a successful business varies. A major factor is your education and if you choose to get certified. Mindfulness training programs can range from 12 weeks to 6 years, depending on the depth of learning you choose.
How much does it cost to become a certified mindfulness coach?
Most mindfulness coaching certifications cost between $3,000-$10,000. For the majority of mindfulness coaches, these certifications are optional.
Can anyone be a mindfulness coach?
Yes, technically anyone can become a mindfulness coach because there are no certification requirements. However, to effectively help clients, you need the right experience.
Do you need a certification or license to teach mindfulness?
No, you don’t need a certification or license to become a mindfulness coach or teacher. However, you do need real-world experience to guide clients successfully. People pay for results, so your ability to help them matters more than a formal credential.
Get the Ultimate Guide
for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
Want to start your mindfulness coaching business today?
There you have it – now you know what it takes to become a mindfulness coach and how to start a mindfulness coaching business. The key is to focus on getting your first paying clients at a lower rate and start building your portfolio of results.
And here’s why it’s exciting – becoming a mindfulness coach isn’t just fulfilling because you help others find peace and clarity. It also gives you the freedom to build a flexible life that works for you.
Want to know the best part? You can start right now.
Yes, it feels overwhelming at first. Even while I’ve packed a lot of value into this guide, there’s still so much more to learn – not to mention, you need to implement what you’ve learned.
When I started my coaching business, I felt the same way and was desperate for a clear roadmap to follow.
But back then, all I could find were programs about growing a business after quitting your job – not exactly helpful when you’ve invested years in your career!
So I figured it out myself. It wasn’t easy – I spent hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless hours learning what works.
But once I cracked the code? Within just four months, I hit six figures and finally said goodbye to my 9-5. I haven’t looked back since.
The best part? Thousands of coaches have now used my methods to build their own successful businesses.
Ready to learn exactly how they did it?
Get my FREE guide that shows you how to build a six-figure coaching business, even while working full-time. I’ll show you the exact steps to replace your salary (and then some!) by strategically growing your coaching practice.
Warmly,
Luisa
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