Frequently Asked Questions
Life coaching is different from consulting, therapy, or talking to a good friend but there are also similarities.
A consultant is hired to provide specific information for a project or goal. A coach helps you find your own answer to an issue. A therapist diagnoses behavioral issues and explains how they impact the client’s life. A coach acknowledges a client’s diagnoses, and coaches them to accomplish their goals despite their diagnoses. Sometimes talking to a coach can be like talking to your best friend. The difference is that a coach avoids giving opinions, helps the client manage their stress related to the issues, and helps the client find their own solution. A sports coach is the expert in the sport and can teach team members specifically what needs to be done to perform effectively. A life coach believes that you are the only true expert on you. That’s why we find solutions to your issues together.
It’s common to hire a life coach to help overcome a specific issue short term. While many benefit from regular, long-term coaching, others just need help overcoming a specific challenge or struggle. Health coaching and career coaching are good examples. Once we develop a plan to accomplish your health and wellness goals or to help you change or advance in your career, coaching may no longer be necessary.
There are times when people who are already thriving in their careers hire a life coach to help them continue to grow their business. They may need an accountability partner to keep them on track or to help them brainstorm the best way or direction to take their business. They may also need the encouragement to never give up!
While some people are able to accomplish their goals on their own, most people would benefit from coaching. Having a trusted confidant to help prioritize and organize your life, and set short term and long-term goals, can be a huge catalyst to creating positive change in all aspects of life. You may be able to accomplish your goals own your own, but I will help you get there sooner.
Life coaching creates rapid results because a coach holds you accountable, makes sure you’ve prioritized your efforts on the most important tasks, and provides the motivation to get you through the difficult times. A life coach knows you can do anything you set your mind to and helps motivate you to get there. I genuinely believe in my client’s ability to accomplish their goals.
Initially most of my clients are struggling with something specific. I start with active listening to identify potential issues for future coaching sessions. The number of potential issues dictates how often I recommend we schedule coaching sessions. The client always chooses the topic for the session and if possible, a “take away” from the session. I always try to end a session with action steps for my clients to accomplish their goals, and I provide the motivation necessary to keep them focused on doing the work. The average client needs help recognizing issues that are harmful, motivation to overcome these issues, and a safe coaching space to work through them.