“What’s the Difference Between ‘Paseda360’ and Other Coaching Schools Like ‘Animas Centre for Coaching’ or ‘Barefoot Coaching’?”

Overwhelmed by Coaching School Choices?

If you’re reading this, you’re likely overwhelmed by the sheer number of coaching schools.

I remember that feeling well.

Before founding Paseda360, I explored many options, like Animas and Barefoot Coaching, each promising to help me become the best coach I could be.

So, how do you choose when they seem so similar?

I’m Angela Cox, founder of Paseda360, and I’ve been on quite a journey in the coaching world. I’ve invested over £120,000 in various coaching programmes, explored countless methodologies, and experienced firsthand the strengths and limitations of different approaches.

I want to help you make an informed choice that best aligns with your goals—whether that’s with Paseda360 or another school. This article isn’t about pushing you toward any one path, but about giving you an honest, balanced view of what’s out there.

Before we explore, take a moment to reflect.

Where are you in your career right now? How do you envision your future as a coach? What type of impact do you want to create in your clients’ lives?

These questions will guide you as we explore the key differences between Paseda360, Animas Centre for Coaching, and Barefoot Coaching.

To help you navigate the differences between Paseda360, Animas, and Barefoot Coaching, refer to the comparison table below. It highlights the core philosophies, training methods, and unique selling points of each school. Use this to quickly identify which approach resonates most with your coaching aspirations.

The Heart of the Matter: Core Philosophical Approaches

At the core of every coaching school is a philosophy that shapes its entire approach.

Let’s break it down.

Paseda360: We take a ‘whole-spectrum’ approach, grounded in neuroscience. We believe in addressing the whole person – past, present, and future. This means we’re not afraid to explore a client’s history, including traumatic events that may be influencing their current behaviour.

Animas Centre for Coaching: They focus on transformational coaching, emphasising personal growth and change. Their approach helps clients explore their beliefs, values, and identity, leading to significant personal insights.  

Barefoot Coaching: They take a more psychological approach, drawing heavily on psychological theories and models. It’s like blending therapy and coaching.  

Now, you might be thinking, “Don’t all coaches help people change and grow?” Absolutely!

The difference lies in how we go about it.

At Paseda360, we address the root causes of behaviours and beliefs through neuroscience-based methods, while other schools like Animas take a more transformational approach.  

My goal here isn’t to convince you to choose Paseda360 or any other school, but to give you the clearest understanding of how each one operates so you can find the best fit for your needs.

Not sure which school best aligns with your values and learning style? Use the flowchart below to guide your decision. Whether you’re more drawn to neuroscience (Paseda360), psychology (Barefoot), or transformation (Animas), this tool will help clarify the right fit for you.

From Theory to Practice: Curriculum and Training Methods

Now, let’s talk about how these philosophies translate into actual training:

Paseda360: Our Advanced Practitioner Programme is a six-month journey combining online learning with intense in-person training. We use techniques like Havening for Coaches and Limitless Light Therapy, focusing on practical application from day one.  

Animas: They take a modular approach. Their Diploma in Transformational Coaching is spread over several months, with a mix of in-person and online learning. They cover a wide range of coaching models and theories.

Barefoot: They offer university-affiliated programmes that are often longer and more academically rigorous, with options for postgraduate certificates and diplomas.  

One of our graduates, Eleanor Foley, who transitioned from IT to full-time coaching, shared:

“The training has given me the ability to join up all the dots and then apply the techniques and skills that the training is providing.”

The best training depends on your learning style. Do you prefer immersive environments or a more gradual, academic approach?

Credentials That Count: Accreditation and Recognition

Let’s talk about accreditation – it’s not the most exciting topic, but it’s crucial for your credibility as a coach.

Paseda360: We’re accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), the Association for Coaching (AC), and the Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists (ACCPH).

Animas: They’re accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the Association for Coaching (AC).  

Barefoot: Their programmes are accredited by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) and some are affiliated with UK universities.  

Does accreditation really matter?

In my experience, yes. It ensures your training meets industry standards and can give you an edge, especially with corporate clients. But remember, accreditation alone doesn’t make a great coach – it’s how you apply what you’ve learned that counts.

Accreditation can play a crucial role in how you’re perceived as a coach, especially with corporate clients. Check the comparison chart below to see how Paseda360, Animas, and Barefoot’s accreditations measure up. Consider how each school’s recognition could impact your future opportunities, particularly in the niche you’re aiming for.

Finding Your Niche: Specialisations and Focus Areas

Now, let’s talk about specialisations. You might have heard that you need to ‘niche down‘ to succeed as a coach. But I’ve got a bit of a controversial opinion on this.

At Paseda360, we don’t push you into a niche right away.

We teach a comprehensive method that can be applied to various coaching scenarios.

Animas emphasises transformational coaching, which can be applied in various contexts. Barefoot, with its psychological grounding, leans more towards executive and business coaching.  

Here’s my take on it.

While niching can be helpful later in your career, doing it too early can limit your opportunities.

As I often say, “When you’re in that first year, your biggest concern is finding your next client. If you’ve narrowed your focus too much—like only coaching startup founders in the tech industry—you’re potentially turning away a broader range of clients who could benefit from your services.”

Instead of narrowing your focus too soon, focus on developing a strong personal brand and being authentic with your clients. That’s what will set you apart in a crowded market.

Life After Graduation: Ongoing Support and Community

Becoming a coach doesn’t end when you get your certificate. That’s why the support you get after graduation is so crucial.

At Paseda360, we’ve created the P360 Coach Club. Animas has a graduate community and offers CPD workshops, while Barefoot provides alumni events and ongoing supervision.

The key is to choose a school that continues to support your growth as a coach. After all, coaching is a journey, not a destination.

Show Me the Money: Pricing and Investment

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – cost.

Coaching programmes can vary widely in price.

Our Advanced Practitioner Programme at Paseda360 is £4,500 plus VAT. While I can’t disclose exact prices for Animas and Barefoot, generally, accredited coaching programmes in the UK can range from around £3,000 to over £10,000.  

But here’s the thing – the cheapest option isn’t always the best value.

As I often say, “You could read a book on heart surgery, but it doesn’t make you a heart surgeon. And the £7 diploma is like reading a book on coaching, but it doesn’t make you a coach.”

When evaluating cost, consider the value. Are you gaining practical skills? Will you have ongoing support?

Making Your Choice: Bringing It All Together

We’ve covered a lot.

Choosing the right school comes down to finding what fits your style, values, and goals.

First, think about your goals. Are you looking to switch careers entirely? Or are you an experienced coach looking to upskill?

Second, consider your learning style. Do you thrive in intensive, immersive environments? Or do you prefer a more spread-out, academic approach?

Third, think about the kind of coach you want to be. Are you drawn to a neuroscience-based approach? A transformational approach? Or a more psychological model?

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice is the one that aligns with your goals, values, and vision for your coaching career.

Not sure which path to take?

Use the decision-making flowchart below to narrow down your options. It will walk you through key considerations like your learning style, career goals, and coaching approach, helping you arrive at the school that’s best for you.

To create the decision-making flowchart, follow these steps:

Start with Key Decision Points:

• Learning Style: Do you prefer immersive, hands-on training (Paseda360), a modular format (Animas), or an academic, theory-based approach (Barefoot)?
• Coaching Focus: Are you interested in neuroscience and deep transformation (Paseda360), personal growth and transformational coaching (Animas), or psychology-driven executive coaching (Barefoot)?
• Career Goals: Do you want flexibility to explore various coaching types (Paseda360), or do you already know you want to focus on personal transformation (Animas) or corporate coaching (Barefoot)?

Create Decision Paths:

• Begin with a question like: “What type of learning style do you prefer?”
• Each answer leads to another question or directly to a school recommendation.

Visual Layout:

• Start with a box for the initial question (e.g., Learning Style).
• Create branches for each answer leading to further decisions or school recommendations.
• Ensure each path ends with a clear recommendation: Paseda360, Animas, or Barefoot.

Use Visual Tools:

• Use flowchart software (Lucidchart, Canva, or even MS Word SmartArt) to create the chart. Start with a decision box template and add branching questions.

Key Takeaways:

• Paseda360 offers a ‘whole-spectrum’ approach grounded in neuroscience.  
• Animas focuses on transformational coaching.  
• Barefoot takes a more psychological approach.
• Consider factors like curriculum, accreditation, post-qualification support, and investment when choosing a coaching school.
• The best choice depends on your personal goals, learning style, and vision for your coaching career.

As you reflect on everything we’ve discussed, I want you to really envision your future as a coach. Picture yourself working with clients, helping them overcome their deepest challenges, and achieving transformative results. How does that feel?

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all this information, don’t worry. Choosing a coaching school is a big decision, and it’s normal to have questions. Whether you’re drawn to Paseda360‘s neuroscience-based approach, Animas’s transformational focus, or Barefoot’s psychological grounding, remember that each school has its strengths. The right choice depends on your unique goals and preferences.

Ready to take the next step in your coaching career?

Join our free watch our latest webinar and see if Paseda360‘s neuroscience-based coaching is right for you. Your future as a transformative coach starts now. Or send us a quick message on reach out on WhatsApp to chat to explore if Paseda360 is the right fit for you.

Whether you choose us or another path, your journey to becoming a transformative coach starts today—don’t wait, your future is calling.

Remember, choosing a coaching school is a big decision, but it’s also an exciting one.

You’re not just choosing a course of study – you’re choosing a path that will shape your future career and impact the lives of countless clients.

Whether you choose Paseda360, Animas, Barefoot, or another school entirely, what matters most is that you choose a path that aligns with your values, your learning style, and your vision for your coaching career.

Are you ready to take the next step?

If you’re curious about Paseda360‘s approach, why not watch our latest webinar about the Advanced Practitioner Coach Training Programme? It’s a great way to get a feel for our style and see if it resonates with you. And if you’re leaning towards Animas or Barefoot, I’d encourage you to reach out to them and learn more about their programmes too.