The Flourish First Coaching Academy is a CPD-accredited, psychology-based certification programme setting a new benchmark in coaching education.
Designed for ambitious, purpose-driven professionals, FFCA blends Positive Psychology, real-world coaching practice, and business mastery—empowering you to become a leader in the future of coaching.
Our Mission
At Flourish First Coaching Academy, our mission is simple yet powerful:
To raise the standard of coaching worldwide by training confident, psychology-informed coaches who create meaningful, measurable change.
We believe that when coaches flourish first—grounded in science, aligned with purpose, and leading with integrity—they can guide others to do the same (in any walk of life).
Through evidence-based education, real-world application, and a deep commitment to human potential, we're building a new generation of coaches who don’t just follow the industry—they shape it.
Why We’re Different…
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Unlike many coaching certifications that rely on surface-level models or unregulated advice, FFCA is rooted in evidence-based Positive Psychology and led by a trained psychologist and coach. You’re learning tools that work—because they’re grounded in science, not just vibes.
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The programme is built around a proprietary 8-part coaching framework (FLOURISH), grounded in the PERMAH model giving students a structured yet flexible approach to confidently guide client transformation—and build their own coaching identity with clarity.
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This isn’t just another online course—it’s an industry recognised, CPD-accredited certification that balances depth of training with real-world application. Focussed on theory and application, students leave feeling credible, confident, and ready to build their coaching business from day one.
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You don’t just learn how to coach—you learn how to build a thriving coaching business. The programme includes the Flourish First Success Accelerator, blending marketing psychology, visibility confidence, and business strategy to help you actually earn from your skills.
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FFCA isn’t for dabblers—it’s designed for purpose-led humans who want to stand out, become booked-out, and create meaningful change. The programme attracts ambitious, values-driven students who go on to lead with integrity in the industry.
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From day one, you’re coaching, practicing, applying—not just passively learning. The programme includes peer coaching, live calls, assessment feedback, and tools you can use with real clients. It’s about building skill and confidence simultaneously.
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FFCA’s philosophy is: you flourish first, then you help others do the same. The journey isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. Students regularly report life-changing inner shifts in confidence, clarity, and self-leadership.
Holly Wood | Founder, FFCA - MSc, GMBPsS, PMPPG
“The Flourish First Coaching Academy exists to raise the standard of coaching worldwide. Our CPD-accredited Positive Psychology certification empowers you to coach at the highest level—with science-backed methods, soul-led integrity, and the confidence to build a thriving, transformational business.”
Meet Our Founder
Holly Wood — Psychologist, Positive Psychology Coach, and Founder of Flourish First Coaching Academy
With over a decade of experience in psychology, coaching, and human development, Holly Wood created Flourish First Coaching Academy with a clear vision:
to raise the standard of coaching education, and empower a new generation of psychology-informed coaches to lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose.
Holly’s journey into coaching wasn't accidental — it was intentional. After building a successful career in corporate and then as an entrepreneur, she recognised a gap in the coaching industry: too much surface-level training, and not enough real psychological depth or evidence-based practice.
FFCA was born out of a deep belief that when coaches are grounded in science and self-awareness, they don't just transform their clients' lives—they transform entire communities.
Today, Holly continues to lead the academy with the same commitment she started it with:
Rigorous, science-based standards.
Compassionate, personalised support.
A vision of coaching as a true catalyst for human flourishing.
If you’re ready to step into your next chapter as a confident, psychology-informed coach — you’re exactly who Holly created FFCA for.
Flourishing Together: Our Promise of Equity and Inclusion
At Flourish First Coaching Academy, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just community where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to flourish.
We believe that coaching should be accessible to all—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, neurodiversity, socio-economic background, or religious beliefs.
We celebrate the richness that diverse experiences and perspectives bring to our academy, and we are actively committed to creating a learning environment that is safe, supportive, and inclusive for everyone.
Our curriculum, coaching practices, and community culture are continuously reviewed through a lens of equity and inclusion. We are dedicated to listening, learning, and evolving — ensuring that FFCA is a place where all coaches and clients are not only welcomed but deeply seen, heard, and honoured.
We know that true flourishing happens when every voice matters.
Credibility
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Excellence
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Growth
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Credibility - Excellence - Growth -
Purpose
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Inclusivity
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Psychology
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Joy
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Purpose - Inclusivity - Psychology - Joy -
Flourish First and Everything Else Unfolds
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Flourish First and Everything Else Unfolds -
Contact us
Interested in the FFCA or finding out how our proven Flourish First®️ Coaching & Leadership framework can help transform your life, career trajectory or workplace?
Get in touch with your questions, to request the syllabus, or if you’d like FFCA to come and train or coach in your workplace.
We can’t wait to hear from you!