The Coaching Laboratory
Live Course
Tuning the engine of coaching!
The Coaching Laboratory is an opportunity to “look under the hood” and examine the engine of coaching. Drs. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener facilitate a one-of-a-kind coaching experience. Participants in the coaching lab will have front row seats to the cutting edge of coaching practice. Christian and Robert (and highly-experienced coach guests) will experiment with the coaching process: tinkering with silence, interruption, acknowledgment, questions, metaphors, and other staple techniques of coaching. Participants will then have the opportunity to discuss and practice coaching using insights drawn from these demonstrations.
What you will learn
Each session will include demonstrations, discussion, and opportunities for participants to engage in practice with their peers. It will be an opportunity to question the foundational assumptions of coaching. Not to dismiss traditional methods, but to improve upon them.
How small can coaching be?
The benefits of variation
Your own habits and preferences
New approaches to effective inquiry
The benefits of slow and fast coaching
Understanding linguistic interventions
Your Instructors
Course Details
Course Meeting Schedule
February 9, 2026 from 9-10:30 AM Pacific Time
March 9, 2026 from 7-8:30 PM Pacific Time
April 8, 2026 from 9-10:30 AM Pacific Time
May 6, 2026 from 9-10:30 AM Pacific Time
June 10, 2026 from 9-10:30 AM Pacific
July 29, 2026 From 9-10:30 AM Pacific Time
9 Core Competency Credits
Course Fee $150
This laboratory experience meets once a month for 6 months. Each session is 90 minutes. Everyone is expected to participate in discussion and coaching to the extent possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
This course is for anyone who is interested in effective coaching. It is not, however, intended to provide basic coach training.
This course is designed to be a laboratory which means that participation in breakout rooms is the norm. Of course, we understand if you are ill or traveling and cannot participate in a particular session.
Yes, the hours in our courses are approved by the ICF and can be used for reaccreditation purposes.
Yes. We know that life happens and people occasionally miss a session. You will have access to the session recordings in the digital classroom.
100% refund available within 24 hours of registration.
90% refund available up to 3 weeks before the start of the course.
50% refund available within 3 weeks before the course begins.
Yes! We offer monthly payment plans with no additional fees. At checkout, you will have the opportunity to use a monthly payment plan. If the payment plan you prefer is not listed, email us at info@positiveacorn.com and we can get you set up!
There are two ways to earn this certification.
If you are not a credentialed coach, you can earn this certification by completing the Coaching Skills and Applied Positive Psychology courses. Those enrolling in our Level 1 program during the 2025-2026 course year can take Applied Positive Psychology free of cost!
Those who hold a coaching credential from a major professional organization, you can earn this certification by completing the Applied Positive Psychology course.
Learn more about the CPPC Badge
Have more questions?
Learning should be challenging and satisfying
We care that each and every student has a peerless learning experience. As a result, we listen to your specific needs and support your learning in a highly personalized way.
What our alumni say
The Advanced Practice in Positive Psychology Coaching course delivered by Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener and Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh offered an essential understanding of the theory and advanced practice of Positive Psychology Coaching. Each session was relevant and challenging, pushing me to strengthen my understanding and coaching skills. I found this cohort to be one of the most interesting, challenging, and engaging coaching and learning experiences in my career.
Mark Mathia
Signature Performance
I was one of six participants in the inaugural group of Advanced Practice in Positive Psychology Coaching. The structure, content and facilitation of the sessions was exemplary and created a safe space for discussion, reflection and, ultimately, learning. In particular, the chance to observe a range of experienced coaches in action, as well as gain feedback and mentoring on my own coaching, was a truly transformational experience. I have no doubt that I am a better coach and a more sophisticated thinker as a result of being part of this programme.
Imogen Maresch
Presence of Mind Consulting, UK
I’m so glad I decided to join the program. I would consider this to be some of the most meaningful dialogue and development I’ve ever experienced, thanks to Robert and Christian’s masterful program design, challenging and insightful questions, and expert facilitation approaches. The class atmosphere provided a safe space for us to coach each other and gain tremendously powerful feedback from two world leaders in positive psychology coaching.