What is a Life Coach?
Professional coaching is an ongoing partnership that helps clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional life. People turn to coaches for a variety of reasons such as help in starting a business, desire to live the life they long for, creating a more positive mindset, achieving better results in leadership, or gaining a better understanding of their life purpose (just to name a few).
Coaching differs from counseling in that counseling often deals with healing pain, whereas coaching deals with moving forward to obtain results. Coaching is for clients who are already in a state of emotional health and are ready to push forward to obtain a new goal or a better quality of life. Oftentimes, it is necessary for coaches to refer clients to counseling in cases where there are unresolved issues where the assistance of a licensed counselor is more appropriate.
A good coach offers a trusting relationship with good boundaries and confidentiality that fosters an atmosphere of accountability and honest feedback. Coaches help clients identify their goals, organize the steps necessary to reach their goals, and successfully reach their goals through planning and accountability. Client goals can range from starting a new business, to getting your life organized, to simply growing in peace.
Coaches assist their clients with brainstorming ideas, identifying blind spots, seeing situations from other perspectives, and identifying ways in which fears may be holding them back. One study showed that the probability of reaching goals increased to 95% when a specific accountability plan was worked out with an accountability partner. Coaches act as accountability partners in the lives of their clients. A good coach will cheer you on through adversity and help keep you focused on succeeding in your goals. Coaches are good listeners and ask good questions.
Sessions can be conducted in person or over the telephone. Coaches usually offer different packages and different price ranges. There are also many niche areas in which you can obtain coaching. Some examples of niche coaching include: executive coaching, self awareness and life vision coaching, divorce/transitional coaching, communication coaching, positive mindset coaching, health and wellness coaching, spiritual formation coaching, budgetary and financial coaching, career coaching and organizational coaching. Often, you can transition from one coach to another as your niche-specific needs are met and you continue to develop. A good coach will understand the variety of coaching options that are out there and be comfortable referring you to a coach with whom your experience will be maximized.
Julie Stokes
Renewal Coaching Centers
