What Exactly is a Life Coach?

Bridging the Gap Between Goals and Achievement

My Coaching Journey

Those of you that have been following this newsletter from its inception, know that for me this past year has been one of transition, both professionally and personally.

Last spring I decided to retire from a long and rewarding career as an educator. As I prepared for retirement, I realized there was more that I wanted to accomplish. Retirement from public education provided me the opportunity to pursue other interests. One of these interests was the field of coaching, specifically life coaching.

I had always been drawn to helping professions. My educational background includes a minor in psychology, a master’s degree in secondary education, and a graduate certificate in mental health counseling, all of which helped to nourish my interest in personal development, individual empowerment and resilience, as well as overall health and wellness.

As I explored ways in which I could continue to make a positive difference, I came across the occupation of life coach. The life coaching philosophy seemed to complement my disposition and professional and educational background. After doing some preliminary research, I decided to register for a life coaching training program accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and earned my initial certification last October.

My journey had begun.

The path forward seemed clear yet for many there were questions and confusion about the work of a life coach.

What Coaching Is and Isn’t

While the coaching industry has experienced impressive growth over the last few decades, there is still confusion for many about what coaching is and, perhaps more importantly, what coaching isn’t?

Let’s begin with what coaching isn’t.

• Coaching isn’t mentoring. Mentors are experts in a field that are brought in to guide a novice.

• Coaching isn’t teaching. Like mentors, teachers are also experts in an area of study that, through a variety of methods, impart information/knowledge to their students.

• Coaching isn’t therapy. Therapists are licensed mental health professionals that are trained to diagnose and develop treatment plans for individuals experiencing mental health issues.

• Coaching isn’t consulting. Consultants are hired by organizations for their expertise. The role of the consultant is to inform, educate, and advise.

So, what do coaches do?

• Coaches seek to encourage and support the client or coachee identify and achieve life goals.

• Coaches view the client/coachee as the expert in her life.

• Coaches seek to develop a collaborative relationship characterized by equity and trust.

• Coaches engage in deep listening (for understanding).

• Coaches will ask questions, with permission, for deeper understanding.

• Coaches will repeat back (mirror) what the client has said to ensure accurate understanding.

• Coaches will offer a framework so that the client can identify goals (and underlying values), their current reality, the obstacles and opportunities that exist, and a way forward (GROW model).

• Coaches will assist the client in devising an action and accountability plan that includes SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timetable for achievement).

For the process to work, clients will need to:

• commit to being open and honest.

• strive to maintain a positive and hopeful attitude.

• recognize that they are responsible for their own success/progress.

Niche Areas of Life Coaching

While some life coaches operate as generalists, many coaches specialize in specific niches. The niche categories are seemingly endless, with a coaching specialty for every conceivable issue and challenge.

This list contains some of the more common niches:

• life coach

• executive coach

• personal development coach

• career coach

• health and wellness coach

• gratitude coach

• resilience coach

• individual empowerment coach

• adolescent coach

• academic coach

• recovery coach

• retirement coach

• bereavement coach

• relationship coach

What to look for in a coach

Unlike many other professions, including doctors, nurses, lawyers, psychologists, teachers, mental health counselors and therapists, in the United States and much of the world, coaching is not regulated by any government entity. This places the onus on the client to ensure that the coaching services they seek are rendered from a competent professional and not some slick-talking huckster.

Fortunately, there are professional coaching organizations that have done a great deal to aid this process, including the International Coaching Federation and the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. These organizations accredit life coach training and education institutions that offer preliminary certification for life and health and wellness coaches as well as act as professional associations that provide multi-tiered accreditation for individual coaches that meet their standards.

Individuals interested in working with a coach should look for one that has invested in the process of becoming a certified professional.

Bridge the Gap Between Goals and Achievement

While you may not need the assistance of a coach to live a purpose-filled and rewarding life, many have benefitted from working with a life coach. In fact, part of the life coach training process involves being coached by others. To be successful, a coach must strive to maintain a proper mindset, characterized by positivity and optimism.

With the support and encouragement of a dedicated, professional coach, the client can take that first step in the journey to bridging the gap between goals and achievement.

Take charge of your life story.

Believe in yourself and the power of your dreams.

Ready, set, GROW!