what do life coaches do and how do they help?
Are you confused about what life coaches do? Are you curious about the differences between coaching and therapy? Would you like some guidance in deciding whether to see a coach or a therapist?
Well, you’re in luck!
Here’s an overview of what life coaches do and how they help.
First, imagine going through a challenging season in your life. Maybe you’re trying to work up the nerve to make a career switch. Or maybe you’re eager to make some significant health changes. You might be entering the workforce for the first time or transitioning to an empty nest after launching your children.
Or perhaps you don’t have a specific challenge but you simply desire better habits, deeper relationships, or more adventure. You’re feeling stuck and you want to get out of the current rut you’re in
Life coaches help in all of these areas!
Life coaches partner with clients in a collaborative, co-creative process, providing guidance, support, and accountability. This dynamic partnership allows clients to navigate challenges, make positive changes, and ultimately maximize their potential and create the life they desire.
Sounds pretty great, right!?
At this point, you might be nodding your head while also wondering how exactly life coaches do this. What is the format and process that life coaches use? What is the difference between life coaching and therapy?
Life Coaching Format
Most life coaches offer their services remotely, either through phone calls or video conferencing. This isn’t to say that some coaches don’t meet with their clients in person because that does happen sometimes. But virtual appointments are definitely the most common form of connection.
Length of session times and cost vary from coach to coach and are communicated clearly before the first session.
Life Coaching process
1. Clarify Goals & Vision
One of the primary responsibilities of a life coach is to help clients gain clarity about their goals and the overall vision they have for their lives. Coaches take confidentiality very seriously and establish a foundation of trust with their clients. There is no authority figure in the partnership. Both coach and client use all of their knowledge, resources, skills, and intuition to problem-solve on the client’s behalf.
By asking deep, masterful, thought-provoking questions, coaches draw out important details and support the client’s goals and vision. Coaches are able to distinguish between the facts of the situation and the client’s interpretation of the facts. These questions help the client become a more objective observer of their problem instead of right at the center.
Coaches encourage clients to explore their interests, mindset, and values which enables them to create a clear vision of what they truly want to accomplish in life.
2. Create Action Plans
Once goals and an overall vision are clearly identified, life coaches work with their clients to create comprehensive action plans. These plans outline the specific steps required to achieve the desired outcomes.
This often looks like breaking bigger goals down into smaller, manageable tasks so that the process is less overwhelming and success can begin to be experienced right away.
3. Provide Guidance & Support
Life coaches serve as supportive and trusted partners by providing a confidential, safe, and non-judgmental environment. They actively listen as clients share their challenges, fears, and insecurities.
Coaches also offer objective perspectives and opportunities for clients to reframe limiting beliefs, develop resilience, and enhance their problem-solving skills. These are techniques that support clients in gaining new insights and possibilities while recognizing potential solutions that clients hadn’t recognized or considered previously.
4. Offer Accountability & Motivation
An important component of life coaching is holding clients accountable for taking action toward their goals. Coaches assist clients in breaking down big goals into clear and measurable action steps. Together, they also establish regular check-in points to monitor progress.
This accountability provides the necessary structure and motivation to keep clients focused and committed to their goals. This forward momentum reinforces positive behaviors and boosts confidence.
5. Enhance Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
The process of life coaching requires that clients consider their current circumstances and identify where they want to go in their lives. This involves answering questions and considering different perspectives. Clients gain practical skills and mindset shifts as they begin to practice different techniques. The result is enhanced self-awareness and significant personal growth.
what is the Difference between life coaching and therapy?
While life coaching and therapy share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that are important to understand.
Life Coaching
In addition to the description and details provided above, it is critical to understand that life coaching is appropriate for individuals who are already functioning reasonably well and who are interested in personal growth and/or professional development.
Coaching is a present and future-oriented process, action-driven, and designed to enhance overall well-being and success. Life coaches are NOT qualified to diagnose or treat a client and coaching is NEVER appropriate as front-line support for individuals suffering from chronic depression, anxiety, addictions, or other mental health illnesses.
Therapy
Therapists are trained to address and diagnose a wide range of mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship problems. They typically hold advanced degrees in psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields. The emphasis is often on exploring past experiences and underlying emotional patterns in a safe, confidential space while supporting emotional healing and growth through therapeutic modalities.
Unlike life coaching, therapy is appropriate for individuals with various mental health concerns, ranging from mild to severe.
To recap, the process of life coaching looks like this:
Clarify Goals & Vision
Create Action Plans
Provide Guidance & Support
Offer Accountability & Motivation
Enhance Self-Awareness & Personal Growth
Life coaching offers a truly dynamic, empowering, life-changing partnership!
Let’s connect for a complimentary 20-minute consultation and see if coaching is right for you. There’s never any pressure or obligation, just a great way for us to connect!
Click here to schedule your coaching consultation call today!