Did you know that the majority of the population are Visual Thinkers? That’s why Visual Coaching helps people to effectively think, process trauma and feelings, sort complexity, and boost critical decision-making.
The Fundamentals of Visual Coaching teaches the ins and outs of visual techniques in guided work with individuals, partners and groups. Whether you work in-person, online, or both. In this highly experiential training, you learn foundational theory and practical skills, to add useful range to your process toolkit!
WHO IT’S FOR:
For Process Leads who wish to work deeply with individuals and partners, in private sessions or in processing groups. Whether you already work visually or are new to the medium – from business leaders, managers, consultants, and facilitators to teachers, therapists, coaches, and creatives. Join our global Visual Coaching tribe and be inspired by the many ways you can apply these helpful skills today!
3 WAYS TO LEARN:
LIVE ONLINE TRAINING
2025 Dates To Be Announced
This 10-session course is delivered via weekly 3-hour live Zoom webinars. Highly experiential!
Online access to Christina and your fellow participants from around the globe, including posting forum.
IN-PERSON TRAINING
Early Birds: Save $500 by June 23
August 5 – 7, 2025
In Beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Roll up your sleeves and get ‘er done in the company of other visual peeps!
Productive and fun 3-day ‘summer camp’ gets you up to speed in the fastest way possible. Private trainings and in-house offerings also available.
SELF-PACED KIT
Available at Any Time
Instant Access to Online Study Kit
Via SHIFT-IT School
Learn at your own pace from your own surroundings.
Same great content and assignments. Nestled in our handy online school.
Deep Dive includes feedback and direct support.
Learn to tap the power of visual language to reach your clients more effectively!
People retain about 65% of what they see and only 15% of what they hear.
Visual language promotes lasting images and breakthroughs!
Discover the Benefits of Working Visually
These methodologies are more than just pretty pictures! When you learn these skills, you’ll be able to:
- Increase clarity, retention, and understanding of key themes and ideas;
- Boost learning for visual and kinesthetic learners;
- Increase connection and communication;
- Revitalize energy, enable more complex discussions and engage others;
- Resolve conflict and prevent misunderstanding; and,
- Stand out from the crowd to your clients and increase sales closing rates.
“Research has shown that visual language used in meetings shortens meeting time by 24%. Visual language aids the decision-making process, 64% of participants made decisions after seeing visual displays”.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
No matter which learning option you choose, we teach you how to apply the skills of working visually immediately into your own work. Whether you intend to apply your skills in-person or in the online environment – or both! Feel the markers and/or stylus in your hands and unleash your creative side – with plenty of direct support and feedback from Christina Merkley, pioneering Visual Coach.
CURRICULUM:
10 LIVE ONLINE WEBINARS or 3 DAYS IN PERSON:
Over 10 webinars (online), or 3 Days (in-person), we cover the following:
3 BONUS PROGRAMS (available immediately):
These Home Study Kits are included as valuable bonuses. Poke into before we begin, as we go along, or save for later as you grow.
- Shift Into Digital Work Kit (decide upon and use tech);
- Cartoon and Storyboarding Kit (increase your doodling skills);
- Fundamentals of Working Visually (Graphic Recording and Facilitation applications too).
DAY 1 (Online: Sessions 1-4): SET UP AND BASIC VISUAL SKILLS
- History of the Field, Definitions and Terminology;
- Four Main Visual Applications (Studio Work, Recording, Facilitation and Coaching);
- Delivery Methods and Tech Choices: In-person/Analog, Online/Digital and Hybrids;
- Supplies, Logistics and Space Considerations;
- Basic Marker/Stylus Skills (How to Use, Color Selection, Textures, Lettering);
- Drawing Basics (Lines, Shapes, Icons, Basic and Advanced Icon Libraries);
- Studio Work (‘Push’ Charts, Agendas, Models, Process Maps, Explainer Videos, etc.);
- Graphic Recording / Scribing (Spontaneous Mapping of Life Stories);
- Demos of Life Mapping (Watch Me Do It!);
- Practice Rounds and Feedback (You Do It Too!);
- Photo Management and Post-Session Documentation Tips (Photography, Scanning, Digital Files, Reports, etc.).
DAY 2 (Online: Sessions 5-7): TASTE-TESTING THE TERRAIN
- Visual Coaching (Applying Visuals to Coaching, Counselling, Therapy and Other
Personal Growth Modalities); - My Journey as a Visual Coaching Pioneer (Including the Creation of My SHIFT-IT Visual
Coaching System with its 40+ Maps); - Common Formats (How to Structure Your Charts Whether Freeform or Templates);
- Visioning, Goal Setting and Positive Mindset (conscious force in coaching);
- Resistance, Projection and Shadow Work (unconscious force in coaching);
- Demos of Visioning Moves (Watch Me Do It!);
- Demos of Shadow Work Moves (Watch Me Do It!);
- Practice Rounds and Feedback (You Do It Too!);
DAY 3 (Online: Sessions 8-10): ADVANCED APPLICATIONS AND BUSINESS ESSENTIALS
- How to Involve Clients in Creating Their Own Visuals;
- Non-Drawing Ways To Bring The Power Of Visuals Into Your Work;
- How to Make Your Own Constructed Templates;
- Using Visuals in Advanced Consciousness Work (Hypnotherapy, Parts Work Systemic Constellations and Non-Dual Inquiry);
- Money, Marketing and Sales (How to Successfully Contract, Set Your Fees and Connect with Clients);
- Successful Partnering: How to Collaborate with Others (including other Practitioners, Illustrators, Designers and Assistants);
- Healthy Mindset (Common Blocks to Working Visually and How to Bust Through Your Resistance);
- Next Steps and Integration: Keep Your Momentum and Development Going!
ABOUT YOUR TRAINER: CHRISTINA MERKLEY
Christina Merkley coaches individuals and partners, facilitates groups, and is an internationally respected teacher.
Through her SHIFT-IT School, she has trained thousands in all aspects of working visually. One of a handful of early Graphic Facilitation trainers, she’s been a supportive midwife in the global spread of the specialty.
With a Masters Degree in Organizational Development & Transformation (ODT), she began her career in San Francisco as a Graphic Recorder and Facilitator, initially employed by David Sibbet and The Grove Consultants International. Her organizational clients have included Hewlett-Packard, Stanford, The American Institute of CPAs, the U.S. Department of Energy, the British Broadcasting Corporation, The Institute for the Future, The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and NASA.
Her love of personal growth drew her to the emerging field of Coaching, where she naturally integrated visual methods into process work with individuals, partners and intimate groups. She is the creator of the SHIFT-IT Visual Coaching System®, with 40+ visual tools.
In 2009, she experienced a kundalini rising that heightened her intuitive and energetic sensitivities.
A trauma-informed practitioner, Christina is well versed in many modalities: Strategic Planning, Visioning, Scenarios, Team Performance, Conflict Resolution, Appreciative Inquiry, Alchemical Hypnotherapy, Neurolinguistic Programming, Voice Dialogue, Parts Work, BodyTalk, Shamanic Journeying, Systemic Constellations, Compassionate Depossession and Psychopomp, The Unconditional Model and Non-Dual Inquiry.
Christina lives in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, on the ancestral lands of the Sc’ianew First Nation.
WHAT’S INCLUDED, DELIVERY AND PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Choose your delivery preference. I teach you how to apply the skills of working visually immediately to your own work. Whether you intend to apply your skills in-person or in the online environment – or both!
Feel the markers and/or stylus in your hands and unleash your creative side – with plenty of direct support and feedback.
Also receive 3 Home Study Kits, to boost your knowledge in important core competencies. These programs used to be sold separately.
- Shift Into Digital Work Kit (helps you decide upon and use tech);
- Cartoon and Storyboarding Kit (helps you increase your doodling skills);
- Fundamentals of Working Visually (helps you with Graphic Recording and Facilitation applications too).
Live Online Training Option:
2025 Dates: To Be Announced
- 10 Weeks of 3-hour Live Webinars (30 hours of highly experiential online learning)
- Webinar Recordings (Video and MP3 of every session)
- PDFs of Slides and Handbook Chapters (for ongoing reference and inspiration)
- Private Online Forum (for posting and feedback throughout the course)
- 3 Home Study Kits! (previously sold separately for $500+ each!)
- Fundamentals of Working Visually Kit (additional info on Graphic Recording and Graphic Facilitation)
- Shift Into Digital Work Kit (choosing and implementing tablets and other online technology)
- Cartoon and Storyboarding (storytelling and doodling instruction)
- DEEP DIVE VERSION includes three 45-minute Private Coaching Sessions
- Plus, if you are one of my graduated Certified Visual Coaches, you are always welcome for free as an esteemed guest.
In-Person Training Option:
Early Birds save $500 by June 23
August 5-7, 2024
Beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Three Full Training Days (9am-5pm schedule in West Coast nature)
- Professional Markers (yours to take home)
- Use of All Studio Materials (easels, mural paper, tape, cutters, pastels, stencils, etc.)
- Lunch and Snacks (plus optional morning hikes and BBQ)
- 3 Home Study Kits! (previously sold separately for $500+ each)
- Fundamentals of Working Visually Kit (instruction on Graphic Recording and Graphic Facilitation)
- Shift Into Digital Work Kit (choosing and implementing tablets and other online technology)
- Cartoon and Storyboarding (storytelling and doodling instruction)
- DEEP DIVE VERSION includes three 45-minute Private Coaching Sessions
- Onsite Accommodation Available Separately (limited spots, claim fast!)
Self-Paced Kit Option:
Available INSTANTLY – work at your own pace!
Now available for an online learning option at any time.
- 10, 3-Hour Video Recordings;
- Visual Coaching Maps and Resources;
- 10 Visual Coaching Assignments;
- Slides and Forum Notes;
- Repeater Rate for the Live Online Course;
- Plus 3 Bonus Kits!
- Shift Into Digital Work Kit (helps you decide upon and use digital technology);
- Cartoon and Storyboarding Kit (helps you increase your doodling skills);
- Fundamentals of Working Visually (Graphic Recording and Facilitation applications too).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some other frequently asked questions …
How Many People Are In Each Training?
Who Comes | What Are Other Participants Like?
What If I’m Scared by the Drawing/Art Stuff?
What If I Already Have Visual or Artistic Skills?
Where Can I See Examples of Visual Coaching?
Where Is the Summer Camp Held?
Can’t Make Dates. When Do You Offer Again?
I Can’t Attend Live, What Is Your Home Study Option?
I Want You To Train My Team, What Can You Do?
How Does This Course Relate to Visual Coach Certification?
Do You Offer Scholarships or Discounts?
In closing, if you are attracted to the visual way of working, I hope I have made it clear why this training is a smart professional investment. I have trained 1000s around the globe including some of the best-known names in the Graphic Recording and Graphic Facilitation fields. I look forward to training you and introducing you to your wonderful cohort mates from around the world!
P.S. Questions? Email admin@shift-it-coach.com. Request a free ’30-Minute Exploratory Chat’ to chat directly with me if you’d like.
TESTIMONIALS
What past participants say about their experience with my trainings:
HER ENCOURAGEMENT GAVE ME THE CONFIDENCE TO FULLY STEP OUT AS A VISUAL RECORDER – NOW I HAVE SO MUCH BUSINESS I’M CRAVING TIME TO CATCH MY BREATH!
“I’ve now taken two of Christina’s workshops and both have been excellent. She creates a lively and stimulating atmosphere, showers us with valuable resources, and is unfailingly helpful both during the workshop and in post-workshop coaching. It’s great to have a generous pro like Christina share her expertise. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to fully step out as a Graphic Recorder, and she’s continued to show a real interest in my progress – even made me one of her Preferred Partners! Now I have so much business I’m craving time to catch my breath! Amazing and exciting.”
Avril Orloff
Graphic Recorder
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH … BEST 9 WEEKS EVER SPENT
“I took the online version of Fundamentals of Interactive-Visuals, via the weekly webinars. Best 9-weeks ever spent!
I am already in the Graphic Recording field but still being new to the industry, decided to register for this ‘fundamentals’ course. I learned so much in that well spent 9 weeks and it’s made my practice stronger for it, particularly in better space and role negotiations with clients, improved formatting of my wall charts and how to effectively handle World Cafe events.
The ongoing support given during and after the class has been great. I’m looking forward to taking more workshops with Christina in the future.”
Anne Mann
Graphic Recorder | Designer
Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
www.annemannstudio.com
I FOUND HER COURSE CONTENT TO BE THOROUGH, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND WELL ORGANIZED …
“Christina Merkley offers a number of fantastic programs (both online and in-person) for personal and professional development in and around the various fields related to Graphic Facilitation.
In attending Fundamentals of Interactive-Visuals I found her presentations and course content to be thorough, knowledgeable, and well organized …her utilization of current technology to be convenient, practical (and highly advantageous)…and, her manner and personality to be professional, yet warm and encouraging as well. I highly encourage other Process Professionals to take advantage of the many wonderful growth opportunities Christina has to offer!”
Greg Whicker
Graphic Recorder and Illustrator
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
www.facilitationgraphics.com
GAVE ME THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO PURSUE MY VISION TO OPERATE MY OWN PROCESS BUSINESS … NOW WITH ‘VISUALS’ AS A TANGIBLE TOOL TO ASSIST.
“I was introduced to the world of Graphic Recording in 2009 during a professional development seminar for teachers. I was fascinated by the increased level of engagement from participants as the use of the visual medium increased their interest and buy-in. I continued to observe Graphic Recording in various venues and used a Graphic Recorder in my thesis research.
I began to seriously consider Graphic Recording Graphic Facilitation as a career path and was fortunate to find Christina’s Fundamentals of Working Visually. I traveled to lovely Victoria British Columbia for 3 packed days with her and a fabulous room full of diverse Process Professionals.
Returning home I set up my studio and within 5 days had completed my first pro bono mural, for a local organization, which is now proudly displayed in their lobby!
Fast on its heels, Christina referred a quick turnaround project from Florida. He loved his mural and I loved my first taste of providing Studio Work from a distance (was an effective and fun experience). I received my first pay cheque 2 weeks after completing the course! I definitely want to do more!
I believe strongly in the power of working visually and its application is so wide ranging. I’m using charts directly in my teaching, templates to interactively engage my groups, and having a blast creating murals and visual aids (and doing Graphic Recording) for other teachers, presenters, leaders and consultants.
I’m SO GLAD I followed my instincts to pursue work that speaks so strongly to me. And that I have Christina as my mentor to coach me. Ok Calgary and world-at-large, me and my markers are here!”
Joleyne Mayers-Jaekel, MA
Graphic Recorder | Mural Maker
ViClarity Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
NOW MY VISUAL WORLD IS DIVIDED INTO 2 PARTS: BEFORE AND AFTER TRAINING WITH YOU
- Professionally organized. Clearly informed to participate effectively;
- Highly detailed materials, perspectives, techniques, methods, samples, videos and other resources;
- Gave me a wide perspective about how can I integrate my landscape architecture, drawing, coaching, team facilitation and training skills;
- Satisfied my left brain: What the distinctions of the work are: recorder, facilitator, coach. What my strengths and weaknesses are. What my vision as a Visual Practitioner is and what I want to create for my practice here in Turkey and why. My next steps all wrapped up in a visual action plan.
- And my right brain jumped in to the depths of the visual ocean with Christina’s leadership: listening, being in the moment, creativity, sharing, generosity, integrity, professionalism, vulnerability, flexibility, openness to learning, spirituality and alignment with visual / metaphorical world inside of me…
“Fundamentals of Interactive-Visuals was a birthday present from my dear boss. I would attend the online seminars and then excitedly share ideas with my work team. With their curiosity and support I am integrating visuals into the consulting, training and coaching work we do with our clients. This has so exceeded my expectations … I’m on my way!”
Sema K. Tezar, Visual Practitioner
Ankara, Turkey
Denge Merkezi Training and Consultancy
