Life coaching has become one of the most in-demand careers in the last ten years. It’s a mix of therapy and consulting, with elements of sociology, career counseling, and management training thrown in for good measure. Rather than a professional and client relationship, this service is viewed as an ongoing, nonjudgmental partnership.
A life coach works with a client one-on-one to help them with personal development, behavior modification, and goal-setting. A life coach will act as a mentor, assisting the client in the process of taking the life-improving actions necessary to take control of the future, based on the premise that most people can achieve their goals if properly guided. The coach isn’t interested in going over the events of the past or analyzing previous failures. A life coach assists clients in overcoming fears and achieving balance in both their personal and professional lives guiding them through a series of attainable steps.
Because the coaching process is built on trust, it’s critical to select a coach with whom you feel at ease. It’s not uncommon to have to try a few professionals before finding the right fit. A life coach cannot help a client unless that person is willing to take action. He or she serves as a sounding board for ideas, but the client is responsible for the final product. If the client is depressed or requires the services of a professional therapist, coaching is not the best option.
To work as a life coach, you don’t need a degree or any formal training. Life coaches can be psychologists or non-credentialed practitioners. People who want to become personal coaches can choose from a variety of training programs, but it’s difficult to tell which ones are good and which are bad because there are no official regulatory standards in place. The International Coach Federation, which was recently formed, is now working to regulate the coaching industry establishing a set of standards and credentialing levels.
It is not inexpensive to hire a life coach. For a 45-minute face-to-face session, the average professional charges 165 US dollars (USD), with a five-session minimum commitment. Many coaches now provide online or phone coaching, which is usually less expensive. Purchasing a group of coaching sessions at once is another way to save money.