Want to become a mindfulness coach? 

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 how to start your own mindfulness coaching business.

Read on!

What is a mindfulness practitioner? 

So what does a mindfulness coach do? 

Studies show that mindfulness improves well-being, reduces anxiety, and helps with mood swings. 

Mindfulness practitioners and coaches teach clients how to use mindfulness practices to improve their lives. Their work helps clients manage stress levels, lower blood pressure, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and handle workloads. 

Mindfulness is mainly taught through meditation, but your coaching can involve other tools like breathwork, visualization, and movement. It depends on your school of thought–for instance, a popular program that mindfulness coaches teach is called Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which is a meditation therapy program.

(Note: There’s often overlap with wellness coaching because meditation is a core pillar of wellness practices. Read our guide on how to become a wellness coach if you’re interested in wellness coaching.) 

But what are the benefits of becoming a mindfulness coach? Let’s find out. 

What are the benefits of a mindfulness coaching business? 

Is mindfulness coaching the right thing for you? 

If you feel fulfilled by helping people achieve their goals and you have a background in the field, this coaching niche might be the right one for you. 

There are SO many potential clients out there since mindfulness, meditation, and mental health impact all areas of life. Mindfulness can help people become better at their jobs, build healthier relationships, find more happiness, become more present parents, and so on.

Bottom line: There is plenty of opportunity for you in the mindfulness coaching space. 

Besides the impact you create, coaching also offers a lot of flexibility and freedom. 

You get to…

…Create the life you want with adaptable working hours.

…Decide what clients you want to work with.

…Set your own prices. 

What’s more, setting up a coaching business is relatively easy (compared to other business models out there) if you have experience in this field. That’s not to say building a coaching business doesn’t take work, because it does. But by taking on one paying client at a time, while working your 9-5, you build your business step by step. 

If you want to learn more, take a look at this short video, where I show you how to get started building your coaching business from scratch: 

But how fast can you start your business? Here’s what you need to know. 

How long does it take to become a mindfulness coach?

It depends on you. 

Building a coaching business does take work and time, but you can essentially get started right away. 

The big factor that affects how long it will take to start your mindfulness coaching business is your education. Do you want to take a certification course in mindfulness teaching and/or coaching? That will lengthen the time it takes to build your business. 

You see, mindfulness teacher training programs can last anywhere from twelve weeks to six years. And if you then want to take a coaching certification specifically to learn coaching skills, that adds another 6-12 months to your training time.

We’ll get to certifications later but just know they aren’t 100% necessary. That said, you should have a background in mindfulness to become a coach in this field. Because your clients ultimately care about the results you help them achieve, not your certifications. 

If you have some education or experience in mindfulness practices already, you can skip the potential years of studying for your certification and get started finding your first clients. 

We’ll get into that, too–stay tuned! But first, let’s take a look at how profitable a mindfulness coaching business can be. 

What is the average mindfulness coach salary? 

Can you make money as a mindfulness coach?

YES! 

The average salary for coaches in the US is $67,800. Not bad… But that’s just the average. 

There are plenty of coaches who take their business to the next level and earn six figures, multiple six figures, or even seven figures in their businesses. 

Let’s do some math: 

After some experience and good reviews, you can raise your rates and offer high-ticket coaching packages. If you charge $3,000 for a coaching package and book one new client every month, you’ll hit six figures relatively fast. 

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. Starting your business now helps set you up for financial freedom in the future. 

And that’s what you need to know about what mindfulness coaching is. Next, let’s cover certifications in a bit more detail. 

What are the best mindfulness coach certifications online?

If you want to become a mindfulness coach, you need a certification, right?

Not so fast. 

While you need some education or experience with mindfulness practices, you don’t need a certification to become a mindfulness coach. 

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.

But if you feel that a certification will help you get ahead–go for it. For those instances, I’ve put together the list here below with the best certifications for mindfulness coaches out there:

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. 

UCLA Training in Mindfulness Facilitation (TMF)

UCLA is one of the best universities in the country, and has one of the top mindfulness courses in the world. This year-long program is detailed, well-researched, and scientifically backed. It’s taught live online but there is an in-person option at UCLA too. 

You’ll learn how to facilitate mindfulness practices in all kinds of settings. Offices, schools, nonprofits, and even therapy environments so you can cater better to your ideal client.

However, this course isn’t for just anybody. You need to have a four-year background in mindfulness to apply. If not, they have a different intensive course in mindfulness to get you up to speed before starting the mindfulness facilitation training. If you want a training program that’s accredited by the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA), this is one of the best ones out there. 

Price: $7,000

Brown University Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teaching Certificate

The Brown University Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teaching Certificate offers a deep dive into mindfulness that you won’t experience anywhere else. This training program takes three to six years to complete, depending on if you study full-time or part-time.

You need to complete four silent retreats as part of the training, plus, you’ll learn the ins and outs of MBSR and gain experience in teaching the practices in real life. You’ll also meet weekly with a mentor to support your learning and get the most out of the program. 

Price: $14,225

The University of Oxford MSt in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Sometimes for the best education on a subject, you have to go to the source. And no, mindfulness was not invented at the University of Oxford, but the first eight-week programs of MSBR and MSt were. So if you want to learn from the founders of these programs, the University of Oxford is a great place to start. 

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy is a different kind of mindfulness facilitation that uses therapeutic techniques to help clients. Whether you opt for this program or not depends on the type of coaching you want to do, and the clients you want to work with. 

For example, if you want to coach new mothers about mindfulness, then having some knowledge of therapeutic practices might be helpful. This is an online course that is two years of study. You’ll learn about mindfulness and psychology from a Buddhist philosophical lens, as well as from a scientific lens.

Price: £13,730-£16,380

UC San Diego MBSR Teacher Qualification and Certification

UC San Diego has a mindfulness center focused on high-quality mindfulness training. The MBSR certification program gives you the tool you need to be a great mindfulness coach to your clients by teaching them valuable stress management techniques. 

Not only will you learn the foundations of MBSR, but you’ll also learn mentoring practices to help your clients achieve their goals. The program is taught in person and online. 

You have to attend certain courses within the program to qualify to factor that in when choosing the right mindfulness certification for you. If you are based on the West Coast and want a practical MBSR certification, this is the one for you. 

Price: $11,190

Centre for Mindfulness Studies MBSR Facilitation Certification

The Centre for Mindfulness Studies has a certification course that is ideal if you want to start coaching quickly. Like the previous accreditations, you need prior experience in mindfulness studies. 

You need to complete the MBSR eight-week program as part of the certification. You also have to do a silent retreat and start a daily mindfulness practice before applying; then you can start your intensive teacher training to gain the certification. You’ll learn the core concepts of mindfulness and practical exercises you can use with clients. 

Price: $8,050

International Mindfulness Teachers Association

The International Mindfulness Teachers Association is the organization that accredits mindfulness certifications. So you can trust their courses are high-quality and internationally recognized. 

They have an accreditation track and a teaching track. Both have their benefits. The accreditation track includes 200 contact hours which is taught in hybrid online and offline. 

This is a great course for mindfulness coaches because you learn how to mentor clients effectively and how mindfulness applies to the modern world. The program is practical, in-depth, and well-renowned. 

Price: $1,500-$3,250

Copper Beech Institute Mindfulness Facilitator Certification

Copper Beech Institute in Connecticut is both a retreat center and mindfulness training location that is highly reviewed. Their 200-hour certification program explores the frameworks of meditation and mindfulness in a real-world context. 

You need to have attended one silent retreat, completed an eight-week mindfulness program, and completed at least two years of daily mindfulness practice before applying. Once you’re in the program, you’ll learn everything you need to know about mindfulness facilitation. 

They go the extra mile by teaching you trauma sensitivity, which is helpful if you want to coach vulnerable adults. To participate in the program, you have to attend three retreats, complete a community project, and practice in-person facilitation.

Price: $3,250-$4,500

Institute for Wellness Education Wellness Coach Training Certification

The previous certifications are mindfulness specific. But what if you feel confident in your mindfulness skills and just want a coaching certification? A wellness coaching certification may be perfect for you. 

The Institute for Wellness Education is a great choice because it’s a well-rounded program. You’ll learn evidence-based practices and effective coaching techniques to get your clients from A to Z in their journey. 

There are modules on every possible type of wellness–nutritional, spiritual, psychological, financial, and so on. So this is a great course if you’re not sure what type of client you want to work with yet but still want a foundation in wellness coaching. 

Price: $895

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. It’s a rigorous academic program that covers all areas of health and wellness. It’s one of the shorter certifications on this list at just 20 weeks of online study. 

This program includes mindfulness practices too, so you’ll get the benefits of boosting your mindfulness knowledge and learning new coaching skills. The course covers how to change lifestyle habits, positive psychology, nutrition, exercise, and so much more. It’s a complete program that will help you tailor your coaching packages to your ideal clients even more. 

Price: $4,995

International Association of Wellness Professionals Holistic Wellness Coach Curriculum

The International Association of Wellness Professionals offers an amazing holistic wellness coach certification. It has a twelve-module program that explores all sides of health and wellness. 

In module seven, you learn how mindfulness practices can help overwhelmed clients stay balanced and healthy. The other eleven modules will teach you about how the body and mind function for a holistic understanding of health. 

Price: $4,950

How do you build your mindfulness coaching business? 

Whether you decide to take a certification in mindfulness coaching or not, you still have a business to build. Here’s how to start building your mindfulness coaching business from scratch. 

Create a coaching package

The first step to getting your business rolling is understanding your offer AKA your coaching package. 

To create your package, think about the type of client you want to work with and their challenges. 

Let’s take the new mom example. A new mom may be struggling with feeling exhausted and like she’s not a good enough parent to her child because of that. As a mindfulness coach, you help her build those tools she needs to feel more present and in sync with her own needs. 

Or if you want to work with high achievers, you might help them avoid or work through burnout so that they can live more fulfilling lives. 

Now, what do these two examples have in common? They are A to Z programs that promise one result. Ultimately, you help your clients go through a transformation. 

And a great way to get started is to offer a three-month program that promises a specific transformation. So people who sign up know what they’ll walk away with after your program. 

But how much do you charge if you’re new to coaching? 

If you’ve never coached before, I recommend charging $1500 for your three-month package. 

By pricing your package lower, you create a win-win situation. Your clients get your knowledge for less and you get to practice your coaching skills for a reasonable rate. 

To learn more about creating a package, take a look at this short YouTube video I created for you:

Get your first paying mindfulness coaching clients

Now you have a coaching package, how do you get your first mindfulness clients?

My advice is to start small. So many new coaches get overwhelmed with websites, branding, and other things you don’t need in the beginning. 

Try to focus on the strategies that will get you clients. 

But while there are tons of marketing strategies out there, focus on just one or two strategies that make sense for your ideal clients and master them. 

These strategies don’t need to be scalable right now. Concentrate on making individual connections with potential clients first. 

Here are two strategies I recommend to new coaches: 

Podcasting

Podcasting can be a great way to get in front of your audience. I am calling out podcasting specifically because it has a low barrier to entry.

To use this strategy, reach out to podcasts in your own or related industries and pitch yourself as a speaker. (Before you think, “I’m not qualified to speak!”, let’s be clear–you are if you have helped people or yourself get the results you promise to help them with.)

Building relationships on social media

You can build great relationships with potential clients and colleagues using social media. The key is to choose the right social media platforms.

For example, a new mom may use parenting Facebook groups a lot. You can join those groups and interact as a genuine member. The key is to build authentic relationships and NOT build them just to sell. 

In the same way, you can reach a more corporate crowd on LinkedIn. 

But how long will it take for these strategies to create a result? It depends on you. Don’t expect to join a Facebook group, put up one post, and get a ton of clients. 

The idea is to build organic connections over time. Deliver value first and create relationships with potential clients that way. It can take a few months to get that authentic attention from your audience depending on the medium, but once you have a few testimonials, demand for your services will likely go up as people see what you can help them achieve. 

For more ideas on how to get coaching clients, check out this video on how to attract your dream clients: 

Scale your business

When you’ve got your first paying clients and are selling coaching packages consistently, you can think about scaling your coaching business. 

Group coaching programs are the perfect way to grow your business.

The best time to start a group program is when you’ve worked with about 10 private coaching clients. By that point, you will have enough experience to know your client’s main pain points, the type of people you like to work with, and the transformative results you can help them achieve. 

From there, a group program expands your skills to help a small group at once. 

You’re instantly increasing your income for the same amount of time as one-to-one work. 

Once you’ve successfully scaled your business with a group coaching program, the next step for you might be online courses to scale even further. 

What this means is that you use your knowledge and expertise to create a self-guided online course. The scalability of this type of digital product helps you reach far more people at the same time.

Your group programs can sell for $1,500 and up, while your courses might cost around  $500-2,000. 

Over to you!

Now you know what it takes to become a mindfulness coach. The key is to focus on getting your first paying clients at a lower rate and start building your portfolio of results. 

Ultimately, a coaching business can help you build a profitable business and quit your job so that you can focus on work that has a real, tangible impact on people’s lives.  

However, to start your coaching business, you need the right strategy.

That’s what I share in my blueprint that shows you how to build a six-figure coaching business:

Read more:

• How to Start a Coaching Business
• How to Become a Stress Management Coach
• How to Become a Life Coach