Human Element of Crisis Response
Resiliency Leadership & Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response Coach® (RLERC) Certification
***This page holds a detailed course description of our Nationwide Pilot Program embedding formally trained coaches into leadership capacities within law enforcement agencies.
In a world that demands resilience and adaptability, our programs offer a unique approach. We understand that building resilience is not just a skill but a necessity for first responders.
Taking a leadership & formal coaching approach we integrate evidence-based practices aimed at fostering emotional recovery from recent tragedies, high stress environments, or prolonged crisis response, along with cultivating leadership skills that foster resilience, fortitude, and a clear, forward-thinking vision.
***All of our solutions take a nonclinical coaching approach.
The ONLY Program of its Kind
Resiliency Leadership & Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response Coach (RLERC)® CertificationTaking a Leadership & Coaching Approach to Closing the Resiliency Training Gap
Unique Approach to Coach Training
Most institutions teach to the core coaching competencies. We have found that individuals develop coaching mastery sooner when they are not only learning the core coaching competencies but applying their coaching skills to a specialized focus.
ICF Professional Certification
We encourage you to continue your coach training through professional association certification. Upon completion of your course there are additional requirements for professional association certification that help you to enhance your coaching skills while giving you added credibility of professional association backing.
Beyond Traditional Training
Experience coaching that goes beyond the basics. We provide a high-touch program, instructor office hours, 1:1 and group mentor coaching, encourage peer-to-peer support, instructor led feedback, and coach specialization to provide you with a competitive advantage as you advance your career or launch your very own coaching practice.
ICF Approved Level 1 Coach Certificaiton
A Leadership & Coaching Approach to Providing Support in Times of Crisis
Designed to Meet the Human Element of Crisis Response
The Resiliency Leadership & Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response Coach (RLERC) Certification Program is an 85-hour ICF Level 1 approved coach training program designed to prepare both internal agency leaders and external professional coaches to specialize in resiliency leadership and emotional recovery for crisis response within high-stress professions, crisis response agencies, public safety settings, and organizational environments. Built on the ICF Core Competencies, RLERC was developed to address the often-overlooked human element of crisis response—the cumulative emotional impact of repeated exposure to prolonged stress, adversity, and crisis.
Originally developed in 2016 by Dr. Janine Elias as the Crisis Response Coach Certification, the program was commissioned by a civilian military organization to provide mental health professionals, medical professionals, first responders, and support personnel with practical, nonclinical trauma-reduction education and formal coaching techniques to support emotional recovery during and after crisis events. As the need grew, the program evolved into RLERC, integrating resiliency leadership, psychological hardiness, transformational leadership principles, and Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response®—a nonclinical, solution-focused approach grounded in practical emotional recovery strategies designed to help professionals move beyond simply surviving repeated trauma exposure toward meaningful recovery, resilience, and sustainable performance over time.
Through live instruction, an OnDemand video series, mentor coaching, experiential learning, and professionally reviewed coaching sessions, participants develop practical expertise in emotional recovery, stress regulation, structured coaching practices, and resiliency leadership, while preparing to meet the educational requirements for the International Coaching Federation’s Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential (additional ICF requirements apply).
STRUCTURE
Program Structure
Modules & Specializations
Our International Coach Federation (ICF) Approved Level 1, 85 hour training program is presented in a series of Modules and provides you with 2 unique coaching specializations.
The program begins with 60 hours of foundational coach training combining an additional 25 hours of specialized training in resiliency leadership & emotional recovery for crisis response.
***You can start with our Level 1 Program and add the Level 2 program at any time as the Level 2 program includes all the Level 1 courses.
Hybrid Course Structure
Hybrid training programs increase transfer of training, provides the trainee more time to absorb and practice implementation of course material making the overall learning process more effective and enjoyable.
Our hybrid programs vary in structure and delivery. The coach training programs are broken into modules and courses. Each Module has a series of courses within that module. Each course comes with an OnDemand video series.
Since our programs are academically rigorous each course has lecture videos that are provided for the students prior to the live events. This gives you the opportunity to review and absorb the learning content at a pace that is most comfortable for your unique learning style.
Participants arrive at the live event with an understanding of the general concepts ready to dive in for the experiential part of the learning and skill building. ***The live portion of the training is delivered via Zoom or in person.
Our students have found this unique approach to coach training to deepen their coaching skills and strengthen their overall confidence.
***This methodology was recommended within the Walter Reed Review of the Master Resiliency Training program in 2022.
Program Delivered Virtually
Experience your courses from anywhere in the world in our live online interactive setting without having to incur travel expenses or spend time away from your family within our Zoom classroom setting.
Reassured you will enjoy the traditional benefits of networking, one on one peer interactions, and structured breakout session as you delve into the art and science of professional coaching.
In addition to the live online event, you will enjoy the convenience of OnDemand lecture series.
OnDemand Video Series
For each course there is an OnDemand video series. The videos are presented in 5 to 60 minute segments. We encourage you to take notes while watching the video series and bring your questions and insight to the live event where your certified instructors and peers can bring added value to your learning experience.
Your OnDemand video series is housed in the Zenler Platform. You are provided access to your OnDemand video series upon completion of your course registration.
Your OnDemand video series is available to you for 6 months after the completion of your training program.
Program Length
We have multiple options for you to complete your Resiliency Leadership & Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response® Level 1 Coach Training Program:
Standard Program
RLERC certification provides you with 85 hours of course work that can be completed in as little as 6 months (not including holidays).
6 Months: classes meet weekly for 2.5 hours (15 min break) for 22 weeks, roughly 6 months excluding holidays and program breaks.
The program is presented in a weekly format for 2.5 hours (15 min break) over twenty two sessions interwoven with your OnDemand video lecture series.
Accelerated Program
Accelerated RLERC certification includes two 4-day intensive including 8 hours OnDeman Video Series. Can be completed in as little as 2 months. ***The 4-day intensive can be delivered in person for group of 10 or more.
***Before attending your live event make sure to watch your OnDemand videos assigned to that course and come ready to support your peers and dive into the experiential learning exercises.
10 Hours of Mentor Coaching
Throughout the program you will coach, be coached, and observe coaching to deepen your learning as you strengthen your coaching skills. You will be trained in giving and receiving coaching feedback that fosters trust and builds coaching confidence.
Within the mentor coaching part of the program you will participate in group and individual coaching sessions designed to advance your coaching and leadership skills. Peer-to-peer interactions are strongly encouraged.
Upon completion of your first module you are encouraged to start coaching outside the program so that you can share your challenges with the group for brainstorming and problem solving as well as your successes and how to utilize your success to maintain ongoing motivation for your coaching clients.
***The 10 hours of mentor coaching meets the requirements for ICF certification for ACC & PCC and must be completed within a 12 week timeline.
Skill Building Coaching Practicum and Feedback
In your skill building coaching practicum you will be coach and coachee. You will receive certified instructor led coaching feedback as well as peer-to-peer feedback. You will be trained in giving and receiving clear and concise feedback to advance your coaching and leadership skills.
You will have the opportunity to observe your peers and certified instructors as they provide coaching and get coached. Witnessing the coaching relationship provides a unique perspective that allows you to advance your coaching skills by identifying what is working and what is not working within a coaching session supporting your process of developing coaching mastery.
Professional Review of Your Coaching Sessions
Learn by doing! You will begin to practice coaching with your peers on your very fist day within the live session of your coaching program. As you advance throughout the program you will receive written and oral feedback from a certified instructor. Throughout the course of the program you will be observed for a minimum of 6 twenty minute coaching session where you are supported with instructor feedback.
Upon completion of the program you will submit 2 audio recordings of coaching sessions and you will receive written feedback to support you as you continue to build your coaching skills. ***These 2 coaching sessions meet the professional association requirements for certification as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with ICF
Increase training Utilization
In 2022, Walter Reed conducted a study to identify why their resiliency program wasn’t yielding the anticipated utilization they had hoped for in the workplace, recommending a shift to a leadership & coaching approach to resolve the gap in the training utilization.
The data tells us that there are three key factors that positively contribute to transfer of training or program utilization which we have embedded into all of our training programs. This is relevant for individuals and organizations. (Harvard, 2017)
1. Senior levels of leadership must champion implementation: this means more than buy-in by the senior levels of leadership they must encourage and support ongoing implementation of the new learning.
This is why here at Elias Institute we work directly with senior levels of leadership to provide the organization the guidance and support they need to usher in change.
2. Training must be relevant to the work of the trainee: transfer of training is all about utilization. A participant might find the training interesting and enjoy the learning process, however that training will not transfer unless it is relevant to the day to day tasks of the trainee.
To ensure that our trainings transfer we provide specializations within the coaching format to support program content utilization as well as providign content to support your interests and professional development needs.
3. Trainees require follow up formal professional coaching: after attending a training the participant is excited to return to the workplace and implement the new learning. Unfortunately their coworkers and leaders are often not as thrilled. The trainee typically runs into a series of obstacles to the implementation of the new learning.
This is where having formal coaching is essential for the transfer of training. When the trainee has a coach to assist them in identifying options for implementation, brainstorming the potential obstacles to implementation, and designing actions to overcome those obstacles with clear action steps transfer of training increases.
When you have formally trained coaches in your organization you will enjoy an improvement of transfer of training and increased success in implementing change initiatives throughout your organization. ***For organizations sending followers to coach training we suggest multiple participants attend to support transfer of training and fostering a coaching culture.
Benefits of Formal Coach Training for First Responders
Formal coach training provides first responders with tactical and structured communication competencies to support peers and followers, utilize when engaging with the public, and to foster a coaching culture within their perspective departments.
Formal coaching skill building exercises focus on practical, actionable strategies to navigate crucial conversations, promote problem solving, overcome challenges, build strengths, identify solutions, and achieve personal and professional goals.
Formal coaching training improves self-awareness, emotional regulation, impulse control, and overall emotional intelligence. In addition to cultivating leadership skills formal coach training increases employee engagement and satisfaction, promotes resilience, fortitude, and a clear, forward-thinking vision.
MODULES
Module Description
Module 1: Coaching Foundations & Resiliency Leadership 40 Hrs.
Elias Institute takes a unique approach to formal coach training by introducing you to the essential skills that foster effective coaching outcomes with a specialized focus on Resiliency Leadership to build hardy and resilient teams and inspire a coaching culture that supports organizational wellness. Immerse yourself in the ICF core coaching competencies, resiliency leadership, and the 3C’s of hardiness all designed to improve program utilization while supporting implementation of change initiatives.
Module 2: Coaching for Designing Actions 30 Hrs.
Dive into the world of formal coach training with an emphasis on coaching followers in identifying their most important goals, exploring options to achieve these goals, clarify any obstacles to actualization of desired outcomes, and design strategic actions to reach desired outcomes. A key factor of goal achievement is tied to ongoing motivation, building self-awareness, and having a clear vision of how experiencing the desired outcome will bring personal, professional, and organizational satisfaction.
Module 3: Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response Coach 15hrs.
Bring a leadership coach approach to your department that fosters an organizational culture of resiliency, employee engagement, and positive individual and departmental outcomes. Emotional Recover for Crisis Response Coach specialization is structured to support leaders and coaches in navigating the human element of crisis response though nonclinical trauma reduction, and implementing the 3C’s of hardiness to foster resiliency in individuals, organizations, and within our communities.
Course Curriculum by Module
Base Module 1: Coaching Foundations & Business Solutions
- Coaching foundations: Skills, Techniques, and Practice
- Resiliency Leadership and Coaching
- Coaching for Transfer of Training: Improve Utilization of Change initiatives by Building a Coaching Culture
- Coaching to Build Hardiness and Resiliency Level 1
- Coaching Competency Practicum & Feedback
Base Module 2: Coaching for Designing Actions
- Wellness Coaching Foundations
- Using Assessments & Goal Setting In Coaching
- Coaching To Foster Motivation
- Laser Coaching Techniques
- Build A Thriving Coaching Practice (Internal Or External)
- Coaching to Build Hardiness and Resilience Level 2
Module 3: Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response Coach
- How to use Coaching Psychology & Emotional Processing within the coaching relationship.
- Coaching for Nonclinical Trauma Reduction
- Coaching for Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response
- Tactical Coaching in Active Crisis Response: Emotional Triage
- Community Outreach & Coaching
EXTRAS
Assessments, Videos & More
Assessments & Coaching
Assessments are powerful tools to implement within the coaching relationship. To experience this first hand you will receive the Hardiness Resilience Gauge (HRG), Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).
OnDemand Video Series
Your OnDemand video series is available for you as soon as you complete your registration process. Enjoy hours of academically rigorous content filled with industry best practices geared for workplace implementation.
Done-for-You Coaching Protocol
To support you as you embark on your coaching journey we provide you with a Done-for-You 12 week coaching protocol that you can structure to fit your specialty and your unique client or organizational needs.
To Ensure the Effectiveness of Our Program We Provide Pre-Post Assessments:
Three Assessments: MLQ, HRG, & PSS
Gap Analysis: Establish a Clear Path toward Your Professional Development
Upon entering into the group you will take the MLQ to identify your leadership tendencies, HRG to measure your hardiness, and PSS to assess stress levels. Based on your results you will explore where you are currently to where you would like to be and establish a tactical plan of action. At the completion of each Phase, you will take the assessments again to see your success and develop a plan for your continued development.
OnDemand Video Series
Enjoy the Benefit of Evidence Informed Industry Best Practices Training Videos
Each week prior to your live class session you will have access to industry best practice video series. The video series will be used to provide your class sessions with tools, tips, and techniques. During your interactive sessions, you will select your goals or specific areas you want to develop, establish action steps, identify potential obstacles, brainstorm solutions to the obstacles and establish a clear plan of action for implementation.
Multi Factor Leadership (MLQ) Assessment
Identify Your Current Leadership Tendencies
The Multi Factor Leadership Questionnaire assesses your leadership tendencies between three prominent leadership styles. Breaking each style into categories and providing you with a clear guide for your unique professional development needs.
Gain clarity, identify opportunities, and establish a clear path toward becoming more transformational in your leadership style.
The data demonstrates the positive impact of transformational leadership at reducing the negative outcomes from high stress environments and exposure to trauma.
Hardiness & Resilience Gauge (HRG) Assessment
The 3 C’s: Challenge, Control, & Commitment Reduce Trauma & Increases Engagement
The HRG is grounded in over 30 years of research. The Hardiness Resilience Gauge is focused on the 3 – C’s Challenge, Control, and Commitment
Your HRG results will help you identify a clear strategic path to increase your hardiness and build resilience. As you enhance your hardiness you will learn techniques and gain access to tools to build hardiness and resilience within your teams.
Individuals who score high in hardiness fare better in times of crisis, high levels of change, and uncertainty.
Percieved Stress Scale (PSS) Assessment
Identify oppertunities to reduce stress and navigate long-term stressors
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is the most widely used psychological instrument for measuring the perception of stress. It is a measure of the degree to which situations in one’s life are appraised as stressful.
Stress has a far reaching impact on all areas of life. Within your coach certification program you will use this assessment to identifying areas you perceive to be most stressful and develop a short and long-term plan to reduce stress.
In addition, you will learn how to use all three assessments within the coaching relationship to support others in strengthening leadership skills and building hardiness and resiliency.
Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response
Within this program you will:
OBJECTIVES
Course Objectives & Outcomes
Enjoy Peer-to-Peer & Certified Instructor Feedback to Build Skills
How are others tackling similar challenges? In this unprecedented time of uncertainty, it’s important to have other like-minded peers to collaborate with to share challenges, explore alternatives, and troubleshoot new initiatives. Peer support can provide a sounding board for your ideas, identify potential blocks, and normalize your challenges. You’re not in this alone.
Identify Three Ways to Build Hardiness
There are specific and strategic actions you can take to build your hardiness and resilience and to support your followers in doing the same. You will take the Hardiness Resilience Gauge assessment that will give you clear guidelines and simple action steps to build hardiness, strengthen commitment, identify opportunities to build control, and overcome challenges.
Clarify Your Vision
With devastation comes the need for a “new vision” to provide direction. One of the main influencers of the negative impact of a crisis situation is the lack of clarity for where we go next. When the follower believes in their leader’s ability to keep them safe they not only rise to the occasion but often thrive, as they are able to perform in ways they never imagined they could increasing their self-esteem, engagement, and dedication to their work and the community.
Adopt a Coaching Approach to Close the Resiliency Training Gap
Leadership is key to stress management, building resiliency skills, and creating a culture that supports organizational wellness. Formal coach training is an essential skill for leaders due to the inherent nature of active listening, clear concise communication, the ability to design effective actions (goal setting and change initiatives), share your vision as a leader, and guide your followers in self-actualization to increase employee satisfaction and engagement and foster a coaching culture that supports organizational wellness. These skills are rooted in formal coach training.
Apply Tactical Steps to Reduce Trauma
There are tactical steps that can be taken to reduce the negative impact of a crisis situation and to use the challenges as opportunities to identify solutions to support recovery. As you begin to apply the action steps to build hardiness you can reduce the negative impact of a crisis situation for yourself, your followers, and your coaching clients.
Model Structure and Stability
The Resiliency Leadership & Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response Coaching Certification program equips you to create and model structure and stability in high-stress, uncertain environments. As a leader and coach, you will learn how to establish grounded, consistent practices that support both your own effectiveness and the resilience of your team. This approach is anchored in the **3 C’s of hardiness—Challenge, Control, and Commitment—**providing a practical framework to navigate crisis with clarity, confidence, and stability.
Nationwide Pilot Program
Learning Outcomes
- Define your specialized niche in Resiliency Leadership & Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response.
- Design and deliver structured 6-, 9-, or 12-week coaching protocols for high-stress environments.
- Apply nonclinical emotional recovery strategies following critical incidents.
- Demonstrate ICF core coaching competencies in real-world conversations.
- Strengthen leadership effectiveness using resiliency leadership principles.
- Support transfer of training within agencies and teams.
- Clearly articulate your unique value in this specialized field.
- Launch and deliver coaching within a systems approach to sustainable resiliency.
Getting Started
Pilot Program Tuition
Pilot Program Tuition $4,999 a savings of $2,000
Additonal Group Packages based on number of participants for more informaiton: 818.888.0191
Group and Business Discounts
Gather your team to experience Resiliency Leadershaip & Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response Coach (RLERC) Certification or other Elias Institute courses to enjoy the benefits of learning together:
- Single invoicing for groups of 10 or more
- Tiered discounts and pricing available.
- Growth reports on your team’s progress
Call 818-888-0191 to enroll your teams!
Virtual/Online Program Dates 2026
Fully Virtual 20 Weeks:
Summer Session Mornings: Starts July 20, 2026 Mondays 9am-11:30am PST
Full Dates: July 20, 27 Aug 3, 10, 20, 17, 24, 31 Sept 7, 14, 21, 28 Oct 12, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, 30 Dec 7, 14, 2026
Breaks & Holidays: Oct 5th, Nov 23rd
Summer Session Afternoon: Starts July 20, 2026 Mondays 2pm-4:30pm PST
Full Dates: July 20, 27 Aug 3, 10, 20, 17, 24, 31 Sept 7, 14, 21, 28 Oct 12, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, 30 Dec 7, 14, 2026
Breaks & Holidays: Oct 5th, Nov 23rd
Fall Session Mornings: Starts August 4, 2026 Tuesday’s 6am-8:30am PST
Full Dates: Aug 4, 11, 18, 25 Sept 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Oct 13, 20, 27, Nov 10, 17 Dec 1, 8, 15, Jan 5, 12, 19, 2026
Holidays and Breaks: Oct 6 Nov 24, Dec 22, 29, 2026
Fall Session Afternoons: Starts August 4, 2026 Tuesday’s 2pm-4:30pm PST
Full Dates: Aug 4, 11, 18, 25 Sept 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Oct 13, 20, 27, Nov 10, 17 Dec 1, 8, 15, Jan 5, 12, 19, 2026
Holidays and Breaks: Oct 6 Nov 24, Dec 22, 29, 2026
Accelerated Program Runs: 8 days online for 8 hours a day (two 4 day segments over 2 months), followed up with 8 hour OnDemand Video Series.
Dates & Time: To Be Announced
In Person Program Dates 2026
In Person Events:
Dates to be Announced
Tuition
Program Details & Tuition
To reduce educational expenses we provide a comprehensive training package that fulfills the requirements to become an a certified coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF). Level 1 Approved Program: Associate Coach Certification (ACC)
- 60 hours of industry best practices foundational formal coach training
- 35 hours OnDemand Video Series, interwoven throughout the training
- 25 hours of unique coaching specialization
- 10 hours of mentor coaching
- 2 one on one coaching sessions
- 2 mid program review (15 min) sessions
- 5 coaching sessions that are professionally reviewed by a certified instructor with both oral and written feedback
- Professional Review of 2 recorded coaching sessions with written feedback.
- 4 hours Bonus Training: Narrowing Your Niche & Identifying Your Star Quality
Standard Tuition: $6,999
Pilot Program Tuition $4,999
See complete course options in the “Program Dates 2026” tab.
We have 2 options for you to complete your Level 1 Training Program:
Program Length is 22 Weeks: Courses Start July 20, 2026 Monday’s 9am-11:30am PST. Classes meet weekly for 2.5 hours (15 min break) for 22 weeks.
Complete Program Dates:
Breaks & Holidays:
Standard Program Tuition: $6,999
Pilot Program Tuition: $4,999
Bring Crisis Response Coaching to Your Organization
Reduce Uncertainty, Build Hardy and Resilient Teams, Increase Employee Engagement, Provide Stability and Structure, & Build Determination
Professional Certification
Tuition Complete Program
Upon Program Completion Receive Certifications: completion of this program gives you coaching certifications through Elias Institute of Professional Coaching:
Certified Coach: Emotional Recovery for Crisis Response
And you are eligible to apply for the International Coach Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. ICF has additional requirement see ICF website for complete details.
To reduce educational expenses we provide a comprehensive training package:
Level 1 Approved Program: Associate Coach Certification (ACC)
- 60 hours of industry best practices foundational formal coach training
- 35 hours OnDemand Video Series, interwoven throughout the training
- 25 hours of unique coaching specialization
- 10 hours of mentor coaching: 7 hours group coaching and 3 hours 1:1 coaching
- 2 mid program review (15 min) sessions
- 5 coaching sessions that are professionally reviewed by a certified instructor with both oral and written feedback
- Professional Review of 2 recorded coaching sessions with written feedback.
- 4 hours Bonus Training: Narrowing Your Niche & Identifying Your Star Quality
Complete Level 1 ~ 85 Hour Training Program Tuition: $6,999
Polot Program Tuition $4,999
Official
Refund Policy
Refunds: Up to three weeks before the first day of the program there is a $150 processing fee for refund requests. Please note that once you take an assessment the refund policy changes for this program. After you have taken an assessment, the refund policy is: refunds are allowed up to twenty-one days before the start of a workshop, less a $350 fee. There are no refunds for whatever reason within three weeks of the start date of the course. Changes: If you need to change to a different course date than you were originally registered for, you are able to with the $150 administrative fee if two weeks advance notice is given. There are no other changes for any reason within two weeks of the program start date. Unusual Circumstances: If a course must be cancelled due to a natural disaster, crisis or instructor illness, the seminar will be rescheduled.
Getting Started
Participant Requirements
Proficiency in written and spoken English is required for participation. It is mandatory for enrollment and participation to have reliable internet access and a computer with a working camera (being on camera for live courses is mandatory). ***Student can NOT substitute a smart phone for computer as it impedes student from participation in breakout coaching exercises.
“In my opinion, the greatest value of this course and Dr. Elias’ teaching is the focus on relationship building and officer wellness / resiliency to build a more robust agency.”
—Chief Ronald A Cundey Harrison Twp Police Dept. NJ