Life Coaching

Life coaching and some, but not all, forms of therapy typically serve different purposes and use distinct approaches. Life coaching focuses on setting and achieving specific goals in one’s personal and professional life through finding a supportive level of challenge. It is future-oriented and aims to help clients visualise a desired future and the journey to take them there. Therapy, on the other hand, often deals with understanding and overcoming past issues that influence present ways of thinking, behaving, feeling and relating (to people, places and ‘stuff’). However, some forms of life coaching and therapy are quite similar, such as solution-focused or strategic therapy. Some practitioners offer both life coaching and therapy. This combination is increasingly sought after as, for most people, their issues do not fall neatly into one category or the other.

The impact of life coaching can be significant, although it is unique to each person. It usually includes increased self-awareness, improved goal-setting and accomplishment, upgraded communication skills, and greater overall fulfilment in life. Clients often report increased resilience, more effective stress management, better clarity and focus, and enhanced personal and professional relationships based on newfound assertiveness and confidence. However, it might be more helpful to differentiate between ongoing and overall impact. An example of continuing impact is improvement in daily relationship interactions. In contrast, an overall impact is when someone achieves a desired goal, such as finding a relationship or gaining a promotion.

Positive change can occur quickly, even from the first session and certainly after a few, but the exact trajectory of someone’s transformation depends on their goals and commitment. Some coachees notice a shift in their thinking, mindset, actions and decision-making within weeks, while more challenging goals might take several months to achieve. Regular coaching sessions and proactive participation in between coaching sessions can boost the speed and effectiveness of the coaching process. But it isn’t all down to the coachee, as the ability and experience of the life coach can also have a bearing.

The six-million-dollar question! Choosing the right coaching depends on your aims. If you’re looking to clarify your life goals, enhance your personal or professional status, or seek a structured way to pursue your goals and objectives, dreams and ambitions, life coaching could be a great fit. Ultimately, it is a fantastic form of support for people seeking to be challenged to generate positive changes in their lives. The proof, though, that life coaching is right for you will only come through experience. Our recommendation is to seek out practitioners who offer free consultations that are not just tickbox exercises but genuine coaching experiences. In this way, you will know whether they and the life coaching they offer are suitable for you – because you will have the evidence!

When selecting a life coach, there are several factors you can consider, such as qualifications, experience, coaching approach or method and, ideally, client testimonials. Also, look for someone who is trained by a trustworthy coaching company. A practitioner’s style and personality must also resonate with you, which, as we suggest above, you can only discover through experience; hence, our strong recommendation is that you choose coaches who provide free initial consultations that are bona fide coaching sessions. Further, when looking for a coach, speak ideally to two or three to maximise the chances of you finding the best person for you.

Yes, online coaching sessions are available, providing flexibility and accessibility while maintaining rapport and effectiveness. Sessions are conducted via Zoom (or by phone if preferred) depending on your preference and the technology available, with morning, daytime and evening sessions available, plus Saturday mornings (subject to availability).

The benefits of life coaching include but are by no means limited to improved emotional intelligence and decision-making, more significant interpersonal impact, increased self-esteem and self-belief, and improved quality of life at home, work, and the social spaces in which someone spends time. Clients often experience profound changes in how they approach and navigate their lives as they set and achieve personal and professional goals, overcome obstacles and make meaningful changes.

To prepare for a life coaching session, consider the following tried and tested approaches: Consider your goals: understand what you want to achieve from coaching by carrying out a detailed assessment of the personal or professional areas you want or need to make changes to. Be open and honest: remember, coaching is a professional relationship, which is different from those provided by your existing support network. While your coach will need to work hard to earn your trust and confidence, once gained, accept that openness and honesty are required to make desired levels of progress. Commit to the process: think of a significant achievement, either one of yours or someone else’s. How did you complete your journey and arrive at your desired destination? Or how did the person you are thinking about? We think you did so because you were committed. Life coaching is no different. Keep on target: with the support of your coach, record your original goals and objectives, dreams and ambitions, and find ways to assess and monitor your progress towards them consistently, such as through journalling or habit-tracker.