the ultimate guide to life coaching
In this fast-paced, uncertain world filled with challenges and opportunities, many people are turning to life coaching to skilfully navigate their personal and professional journeys.
Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, grappling with questions like, "What’s the purpose of my life?" Or, “Why do I feel so stuck?” Exploring questions like these with a qualified life coach can help you think differently, surface new and profound insights and deliver on your goals.
This comprehensive guide delves deep into the realm of life coaching, addressing all your key questions and demystifying the intricacies of the process. If you have questions about life coaching or are seeking the expertise of a life coach, this article is your definitive resource.
1. What is life coaching?
Life coaching is a personalised and collaborative process in which a trained professional—known as a life coach—will help you achieve your personal and professional goals and make lasting, positive changes in your life.
The goals that people bring to life coaching can vary wildly from person to person. You might have a performance goal, such as wanting to be a better public speaker. Or maybe you have a more transformative goal where you want to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your values, and to bring more purpose and meaning to your life.
Life coaching is not about being told what to do because this can be disempowering and often won’t lead to lasting change. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to life's challenges because what works for you may not work for another person.
Instead, a life coach partners with you on a journey of self-discovery and will support you in finding tailored solutions that are most aligned with your unique goals and circumstances. By making your own decisions and choices, you are more likely to take ownership of them and successfully achieve your goals.
2. What does a life coach do exactly?
A certified life coach serves as a supportive partner and catalyst for personal growth, helping you navigate the complexities of life, increase self-awareness, achieve meaningful goals, overcome obstacles, and maximize your potential. Through active listening and insightful questioning, a life coach will support you to create your own solutions and make informed decisions to improve your life.
Through a process of self-discovery, a life coach will support you in exploring your values, strengths, weaknesses, and behavioural patterns. This self-awareness is essential for making informed decisions, creating meaningful change, and aligning actions with personal values. A life coach will create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for you to reflect on your experiences, turn insight into action, and help you get out of your own way!
One of the key responsibilities of a life coach is to assist you in goal setting and clarifying your aspirations. Whether these goals are related to career advancement, building better relationships, personal growth, health improvement, or any other area of life, the coach will help you define and articulate what you want to achieve. If required, a life coach can support you to create actionable and realistic plans to achieve your goals by breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps and building a clear roadmap for progress.
When you encounter obstacles and challenges, a life coach is there to assist you in problem-solving and to prompt you to think in new, creative ways. They won’t tell you what they think you should do, but instead will empower you to come up with effective solutions yourself to overcome the hurdles you are facing. A life coach will also work with you to address any limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns that might be hindering your progress. By identifying these inner obstacles, you can shift your mindset toward a more positive, resilient, and growth-oriented outlook.
Accountability can also be an aspect of the life coach's role if this is something you would find useful. The coach will hold you accountable for the commitments you make to yourself and facilitate regular check-ins and feedback sessions to help you stay on track and ensure you are following through with your action plans.
3. what knowledge and skills does a life coach have?
Reputable life coaches undergo comprehensive training that enables them to effectively assist you in achieving your goals and personal growth. Here are some of the knowledge and skills that life coaches commonly acquire during their training:
Tried-and-tested coaching models, methodologies, and frameworks
Psychological models and theories such as Positive Psychology, Transactional Analysis, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & Attachment Theory
Deep listening and communication skills
Behaviour change techniques
Empathy, compassion, and rapport-building skills
Defining goals and building action plans
Providing constructive and supportive feedback
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Respecting and understanding clients' diverse backgrounds and perspectives
Ethical standards and maintaining client confidentiality
Boundary setting within the coaching relationship
Crisis intervention and referring clients to appropriate resources
Somatic techniques to incorporate body awareness and physical sensations into coaching
Visualization techniques
Psychometrics and self-assessment techniques
Business planning, marketing, branding and client acquisition skills
Remember that the effectiveness of a life coach is not solely determined by the number of skills they possess but by their ability to adapt these skills to each client's unique needs and circumstances. Coaching is a dynamic and evolving process that requires ongoing learning and refinement of these skills.
4. why would someone want a life coach? what are the benefits of life coaching?
Life coaching offers many benefits, all rooted in the principle of personal transformation and self-empowerment. As you progress on your coaching journey, you may experience enhanced self-awareness, improved self-confidence, and a refined sense of purpose. The process will allow you to step out of your comfort zone, challenge limiting beliefs, and embrace growth and freedom. It also increases the likelihood of goal attainment and empowers you to overcome hurdles that might previously have seemed insurmountable.
Here are 20 benefits of life coaching:
Identifying and achieving meaningful goals
Building a more fulfilled and purpose-driven life, aligned with your core values
Identifying and overcoming your limiting beliefs, encouraging personal growth
Becoming more self-aware, understanding your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations
Boosting your self-confidence and having a more positive self-image
Overcoming imposter syndrome or feelings of not being good enough
Making better decisions and informed choices, aligned with your values and goals
Building self-accountability so you follow through on commitments
Improving communication skills to navigate difficult conversations and have better relationships
Managing stress and anxiety better, promoting improved mental health
Managing your time more effectively and achieving a better work-life balance
Adopting healthier lifestyle habits related to exercise, nutrition, sleep and using technology
Finding a healthy balance between your personal life and your career
Advancing your career and achieving job satisfaction
Building emotional resilience, enabling you to cope better with life's challenges and setbacks
Promoting a positive mindset and reframing negative thought patterns
Improving financial management and reducing finance-related stress
Tapping into your creative potential and finding ways to express yourself more authentically
Introducing mindfulness practices to be fully present in your life
Navigating major life transitions, such as moving house, divorce, or career transitions
5. does online life coaching work?
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online coaching and transformed it from an alternative to a mainstream and accepted form of coaching. While in-person coaching will always have its place, the experience of the pandemic has shown that online coaching can be just as effective, convenient, and impactful for many clients and coaches alike.
The appropriateness and likelihood of success of online coaching depends on your preferences, needs, and the quality of the coaching relationship. One of the major advantages is you can access skilled and diverse coaches from all over the world without the need for physical travel. This convenience can be especially beneficial for those with busy schedules or limited mobility.
Another advantage is flexible scheduling options since there's no need to account for travel time. This can make it easier to find a time that works for both you and the coach. You may also feel more comfortable discussing personal and sensitive topics in the comfort of your own home.
Online sessions can also be easily recorded or transcribed for future reference, helping you track your progress and revisit insights gained during the coaching process.
One of the disadvantages of online coaching is the lack of physical presence. In-person connection, body language cues, and energy exchange are important for building a strong coaching relationship. Whilst much of this is still achievable via online coaching, these areas can be impacted by technical issues such as poor internet connectivity, glitchy video calls and audio delays.
6. how should i prepare for an online coaching session?
Preparing for an online life coaching session is important to help you make the most of your time and get the best results. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:
Identify your goals – Think about what you want to achieve during the session. Do you already have some goals in mind? Some thinking in advance will support the coaching process and help you make progress more effectively.
Choose a good space - Find a quiet and private space where you won't be disturbed during the session. Turn off notifications and put away any distractions like phones or other electronic devices. Also close any open tabs on your browser that might distract you during the session.
Test technology - Check your computer, webcam, microphone, and internet connection ahead of time to ensure everything is working properly. Familiarise yourself with the platform you'll be using for the session (e.g., Google Meet, Zoom, Skype, etc.).
Take some deep breaths – Take a few long, slow deep breaths before the session to relieve any stress or tension. This will calm your mind and body and promote a grounded and intentional start to your session.
Bring an honest, open mind - A coaching session is most effective when you're open and honest about your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. Be prepared to discuss your emotions, experiences, and any obstacles you're facing, and be willing to explore new perspectives and ideas.
Reflect on your progress - Take a few moments to reflect on your progress since your last coaching session (if applicable). What changes have you made? What challenges have you encountered? This reflection can help you provide your coach with an update.
Online and face-to-face coaching is a partnership, and your active participation is crucial for its success. By preparing effectively and engaging wholeheartedly, you'll make the most of your coaching experience.
7. what happens during a life coaching session?
Life coaching sessions are dynamic, transformative, and deeply personal experiences. Not every coach will operate in the same way, but a typical coaching session will have a beginning, a middle and an end:
Beginning
At the start of each session, your coach will focus on creating a safe and non-judgmental space. Building trust is essential so you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities. This environment fosters open dialogue and encourages you to explore your life and inner world without reservation.
The heart of a life coaching session lies in the dialogue between you and your coach. Together, you will explore various dimensions of your life, uncovering strengths, values, and areas for growth. This dialogue may touch on personal, professional, and emotional aspects, painting a holistic picture.
During the beginning section, it is common to collaborate with your coach to define your goals and identify any obstacles to achieving them. The goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound where appropriate. These goals can become the purpose of the session, with your coach actively supporting you to come up with deep insights, solutions and actionable plans that will lead to goal attainment.
Middle
During the middle section, your coach will listen attentively and employ the art of powerful questioning to help you come up with solutions to achieve your goals. Your coach will employ open-ended questions that prompt you to think deeply, gain insights, and explore new perspectives. You might examine your thought patterns, beliefs, and emotions, leading to moments of clarity and self-awareness. Your coach will be skilled in deep listening and will tune into not only the words you are speaking, but also to the nuances of your tone, body language, and emotions. By doing this, the coach will grasp the essence of what you are expressing and identify underlying themes that could be useful to explore.
Limiting beliefs may surface during the conversation. These are self-imposed mental barriers that hinder your personal growth. Your coach will help you identify and challenge these beliefs, encouraging you to reframe your perspectives and embrace more empowering thoughts. Shedding light on these limiting beliefs gives you an opportunity to liberate yourself from them and step into your full potential.
As the conversation unfolds, you may experience shifts in your perspective. These shifts can be subtle or profound and you may realize new possibilities, challenge assumptions, and envision different paths forward. Through introspection and exploration, you might unearth insights that were previously hidden. These insights serve as, “aha” moments, helping you make connections, see patterns, and gain a deeper understanding of your goals and yourself.
End
As the session draws to a close, your coach will encourage you to reflect on the discussion and insights that emerged. Reflecting allows you to internalize what was discussed, solidify key takeaways, and recognize the progress you’ve made during the session. The coaching session may culminate in the formulation of action steps and tangible commitments that you want to make to move closer to your goals. Importantly, the insights gained during the coaching session extend beyond the session itself. Your coach will encourage you to integrate these insights into your daily life, applying them to your challenges, decisions, and interactions. This ensures that the transformative power of coaching permeates throughout your life.
8. how do i choose the right life coach?
Choosing the right life coach is a crucial step in your personal or professional development journey. A compatible and effective coaching relationship can have a significant impact on your ability to achieve your goals and make positive changes in your life.
Before you start looking for a life coach, take some time to think about what you hope to achieve through coaching. Understanding what you want and the goals you would like to achieve will help get your coaching engagement off to an intentional start. Ask yourself what success would look like for you at the end of the coaching process, and how excited and committed are you about the goals you want to explore with coaching? If you’re not excited or committed to your goals, you will likely get sub-optimal results because the coach won’t do the work for you!
While life coaching isn't as regulated as therapy, many coaches choose to undergo accredited life coach training and certification programs. Look for coaches who have completed reputable life coaching courses or hold a relevant life coaching certification. However, remember that credentials are just one aspect to consider; experience and compatibility are equally important. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients and take advantage of free, “Discovery” calls which many coaches offer. This is an opportunity to ask them questions, learn about their coaching style, and assess whether you feel comfortable working with them.
Here are a few questions you could ask a coach during a Discovery call:
Qualifications - What qualifications and accreditations do they have? Ideally, they will have a Diploma—or equivalent—achieved through a comprehensive training course which is backed by a reputable coaching body, such as the International Coach Federation (ICF), the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC), or the Association for Coaching (AC).
Accreditation - Ask if they have been accredited by any of the coaching bodies mentioned above and if they are members. If they are, this is a good sign as it means the coach will have a substantial level of training and experience under their belt, approved by their member organisation.
Coaching style and specialisms - Ask the coach about their coaching style, approach and if they have any specialised areas such as career coaching or wellbeing coaching. Understand how they structure sessions, set goals, and measure progress. Make sure their approach aligns with your preferences and learning style.
Availability and logistics - Discuss scheduling, session frequency, and the mode of coaching (in-person, phone, video calls, etc.). Make sure their availability aligns with your schedule and preferences.
Trust your instincts – What is your gut feeling about this coach? If a coach feels like the right fit and you have a positive impression after your initial interaction, that's a good sign.
Fees and agreements - Clearly understand the coach's fees, payment structure, and any terms of the coaching agreement. Make sure you're comfortable with the financial aspects before making a commitment.
Remember that coaching is a collaborative partnership, so finding a coach who resonates with you and understands your needs is essential. Take your time to explore your options and choose a coach who can support you in achieving your goals.
9. what types of life coach are there?
Life coach is a general term for someone who has been trained in core coaching skills such as active listening, communication, coaching models, psychological theories, and behaviour change techniques. However, many life coaches will blend coaching with other approaches to form their own niche. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of some of the different types of coaches that exist:
Life Coach
Career Coach
Executive Coach
Business Coach
Health and Wellness Coach
Financial Coach
Relationship Coach
Parenting Coach
Communication Coach
Confidence Coach
Creativity Coach
Spiritual Coach
Grief Coach
Transition Coach
Public Speaking Coach
Fitness Coach
Nutrition Coach
Mindfulness Coach
Organisational Coach
Technology Coach
10. how much should i pay for a life coach?
Life coaching is an investment in your personal and professional development. While the cost may vary, it’s good to bear in mind that this is an important investment in yourself and the benefits you gain may extend far beyond the financial aspect.
According to the International Coaching Federation Global Coaching Study 2023, the overall average fee per one-hour coaching session in 2022 was £195 ($244 USD). However, this might not be representative of where you live as there is a wide range of fees being charged across the global coaching industry.
A coach with advanced certifications, more experience and a proven track record may charge higher fees. Fees can also vary based on the amount of engagement you are signing up to with the coach. Expect to pay more for a coach if you want access to the coach outside of the main sessions, such as accountability check-ins via text message during the week.
Many coaches offer coaching packages or bundles that include multiple sessions at a discounted rate compared to individual sessions. The number of sessions in a package and the duration of the coaching relationship can influence the overall cost. Frequency of coaching sessions (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly) and the length of each session (e.g., 30 minutes, 60 minutes) can also affect the total cost. Longer and more frequent sessions typically come with a higher fee.
It’s a good idea to research the prevailing rates for life coaching in your area/country and within the type of coaching you are interested in. This can give you an idea of the average range for coaching fees. Also determine what you're comfortable spending on coaching. It's important to find a coach who provides value within your budget while still meeting your needs.
It's recommended to contact a few different coaches and inquire about their fees, services, and coaching packages. This will give you a better understanding of the price range and help you make an informed decision. Remember that coaching is an investment in your personal and professional growth, and finding the right coach who can help you achieve your goals is paramount.
11. what is the difference between a life coach and a therapist?
While both life coaches and therapists facilitate personal growth and transformation, they operate in distinct ways.
Life coach
A life coach primarily focuses on helping you set and achieve specific goals, enhance your personal or professional performance, increase self-awareness, and create positive changes in your life. Life coaching is mostly present and future-oriented and is action-focused. It can cover a wide range of topics, including career, relationships, personal development, and overall life satisfaction.
Life coaches are not typically considered to be mental health professionals, but they can be valuable resources for individuals seeking personal growth, improved well-being, and assistance in achieving professional and personal goals.
The field of life coaching is less regulated than therapy. While some life coaches undergo training and certification programs, there is no standardised licensing or credentialing process. The qualifications of life coaches can vary widely so it’s important to do your research when looking for a reputable life coach.
Coaching engagements can vary in duration, ranging from a few sessions to several months. This can depend on the complexity of the goals you're trying to achieve and the progress you make along the way. The duration of your engagement with a life coach should be aligned with your individual needs and circumstances and can be refined and updated as you make progress on your coaching journey.
Therapist
Therapists primarily address psychological and emotional issues, such as mental health disorders, past traumas, anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Therapy involves exploring the underlying causes of distress and working towards healing and recovery. Therapy is more past and present-focused and looks to uncover and understand the roots of emotional and psychological difficulties, often delving into your history to address underlying issues.
Therapists typically hold advanced degrees in psychology, counselling, social work, or a related field. Therapist regulation varies widely from country to country due to differences in healthcare systems, cultural norms, and legal frameworks. For accurate and current information, it's best to consult official government websites or relevant professional associations in the country where you are based.
Therapy can be short-term or long-term, depending on your needs. Some forms of therapy, like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can be relatively short-term; while other types might extend over a longer period, such as psychotherapy.
12. what are all the roles of a life coach?
A life coach fulfils various roles to support you in achieving your goals, making positive changes, and enhancing your overall well-being. Here are some of the key roles a life coach may undertake:
Listener/observer - First and foremost a life coach listens, deeply. They give their full attention to what you are saying without interrupting or thinking about their own responses. They may also pay attention to nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
Questioner – A coach will ask thought-provoking, open-ended questions to help you gain insights and make positive changes.
Challenger – Sometimes a life coach will offer challenges and play the role of a “critical friend” when they believe it will serve you and move you towards your goals.
Accountability partner – If needed, a life coach can hold you accountable for the commitments you make during your coaching sessions. They can provide regular check-ins and motivate you to stay on track with your action plans.
Motivator – A life coach will create a safe space and hold you in unconditional positive regard. They will provide encouragement and motivation to help you achieve your goals, acknowledge your efforts, and celebrate your successes with you.
It's important to note that a life coach's roles may vary based on their coaching style, specialisation, and your unique needs. Effective coaching may involve a combination of these roles to create a supportive and empowering coaching relationship.
13. are life coaches a good idea?
Life coaches can be an excellent idea if you are prepared to roll your sleeves up and embark on a journey of self-improvement. They offer a unique partnership that facilitates self-discovery, goal attainment, and freedom from old self-limiting beliefs.
The effectiveness of working with a life coach depends on the coach's qualifications, your willingness to actively engage in the coaching process, and the compatibility between you and the coach. Remember to research potential coaches, ask questions, and have an initial consultation to determine if their approach aligns with your needs.
If you find the right match—and are prepared to do what might be challenging work at times—a life coach can be an incredibly valuable resource and could transform your life forever.
14. what type of person needs a life coach?
A wide range of individuals with diverse goals, challenges, and aspirations can benefit from working with a life coach. While there isn't a specific "type" of person who needs a life coach, here are some types of people who might find value in partnering with one:
Goal-oriented individuals - If you have specific goals you want to achieve in areas such as career advancement, health and fitness, personal development, relationships, or life transitions.
Truth seekers – If you feel lost, unfulfilled, or uncertain about your life's direction and are seeking clarity and purpose.
Health and wellness enthusiasts - If you’re aiming to optimise your physical and mental well-being, manage stress, establish healthier habits, and achieve fitness goals.
Relationship seekers – If you’re looking to improve your relationships with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague, and to develop effective communication and conflict resolution skills.
Ambitious professionals – If you’re looking to excel in your careers, develop leadership skills, or navigate challenges in the workplace.
Personal development enthusiasts – If you’re passionate about personal growth, learning, self-improvement, and expanding your awareness of yourself and the world around you.
Entrepreneurs and business owners – If you’re looking to start or grow a business, improve time management, set clear business goals, and maintain a work-life balance.
Athletes – If you’re looking to optimise your mental game, control the stress of competition, and balance your sport with other obligations.
Creatives and artists – If you’re looking to overcome creative blocks, set artistic goals, and cultivate a consistent creative practice.
Accountability seekers – If you struggle with accountability and need someone to help hold you responsible for your actions and commitments.
Individuals in transition – If you’re transitioning from one life stage to another and need support in adapting to new circumstances and making informed decisions.
15. are life coaches in demand?
Yes, life coaches are in demand, and the field of life coaching has experienced incredible growth in recent years. The demand for life coaches could be attributed to a growing emphasis on personal growth, self-improvement, and holistic well-being. Many individuals are seeking more meaning in their lives and looking for support to achieve their goals and find fulfilment and happiness.
Life transitions, career changes, and personal challenges are all common experiences that regularly prompt individuals to seek the guidance of a life coach to navigate these transitions effectively. We also live in a fast-paced and competitive world which has led people to turn to life coaches to explore ways of managing stress, getting better work-life balance, and living more peacefully.
The rise of virtual communication and technology has also made remote coaching more accessible and convenient, allowing more people to work with coaches regardless of their geographic location. This has raised the profile of life coaching, and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of it and how it can help them overcome challenges, develop skills, and reach their potential.
16. conclusion
Life coaching is more than a service; it's a transformative journey that empowers you to deliver on your goals, shed your old ways of being, and reconnect with who you really are.
Life coaching draws on a diverse and eclectic array of tools and techniques and is quite unlike any other relationship you will have in life.
By partnering with a skilled life coach, you can tap into your potential, overcome obstacles, and redefine what's possible. As you navigate this uncharted path, the journey itself is a testament to your commitment to positive change and a life enriched with purpose and fulfilment.
