A Perspective: What is life coaching? And how does it work?
What is Life Coaching?
On a personal level, there is no single definition of what life coaching is, as there are many definitions out there that speak to elements of the experience. However, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
The uniqueness of life coaching lies in the fact that it concentrates on wellness and health rather than pathology (Jarosz, J., 2016). This approach allows the coaching relationship to be efficient in the sense that the clients reach their highest possible outcomes given a certain input during each coaching session and in between sessions. Life coaching provides strong support for people to make the necessary changes in their lives and achieve their desired outcomes.
What is a Life Coach?
A life coach is a professional who supports individuals in achieving their specific life goals by providing training, guidance, accountability, and support. A life coach will help their client to see where their life is right now while helping them create a vision of where they want it to go, and a plan to get there.
A life coach collaborates with their clients while guiding and supporting them through a journey of discovery and remembrance. Part of the life coach’s approach is in their skill to ask appropriate and critical questions to assist their clients in considering alternative and empowering perspectives to their circumstances. They also help clients with creating a well-thought-out and detailed plan to move forward in achieving their goals. Clients can count on their life coach to help them remain focused, motivated, accountable, or whatever unique support and approach they may be needing.
What a Life Coach is not...
Though the relationship with a life coach can feel pretty therapeutic, generally, life coaches are not therapists or licensed mental health care professionals. Though some coaches are mindfulness or mindset coaches, coaches DO NOT make mental health diagnoses. If a client is struggling with a mental health issue, they should consider speaking with a licensed mental health professional.
Please note, a person can partner with a life coach, in addition to a licensed mental health professional, as these approaches and purposes are likely to focus on different aspects of their wellness journey.
What is the Life Coach process like?
The life coach process is its own unique experience, created by the coach and client. The goal and the purpose of the relationship will influence what the process looks like. However, there is likely a framework in place where the coach and client decide: (1) they will meet at a specific time, (2) meet at a certain place, and (3) sessions will take place weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
In each session, the coach guides the client on what will be relevant to achieving the client’s end goals. Though the coach and client may create a plan at the start of their relationship, coaching allows for adjustments and flexibility in the process.
PLEASE NOTE, for coaching to be successful, the client needs to be open and willing to make a change in their lives.
What are some benefits of Life Coaching?
Life coaching is associated with numerous benefits in different aspects of a client’s life, such as:
(Re) Discover their life purpose, their dreams, and who they truly are and want to be.
Become more fulfilled and happy.
Have a stronger sense of self
Positive behavior change (that last)
Better quality of life
Create and live the life of one’s dreams
Overcome obstacles, low confidence, and insecurities.
Making changes enjoyable
Strategies and techniques that help them reach their goal faster.
Health and personal relationships improve
What is the Life Coach process like?
The life coach process is its own unique experience, created by the coach and client. The goal and the purpose of the relationship will influence what the process looks like. However, some elements help to create an efficient life coaching relationship. When that relationship is developed, it can result in an efficient coaching process. Some characteristics of the coaching process are:
The coaching process has an objective
The coaching process is goal-directed
The coaching process is client-centred
The coaching process is often present and future-oriented
In each session, the coach guides the client on what will be relevant to achieving the client’s end goals. Though the coach and client may create a plan at the start of their relationship, coaching allows for adjustments and flexibility in the process to create that change.
PLEASE NOTE, for coaching to be successful, the client needs to be open and willing to make a change in their lives.
What happens in a Life Coach session, here at LIGHT to LEAD?
At Light to Lead, we view our sessions as soul guidance sessions, where we integrate science and magick into our practice. We pride ourselves on our creative and collaborative approach that focuses on supporting our clients to make aligned choices and changes. We created a process that takes clients from where they are, to where they want to be, with room for creativity, customization, and flexibility.
The process of each session varies depending on the client’s goals and the tools, modalities, or techniques they are interested in. We are action-focused and we believe in using tools that will help bring clarity and remembrance to the client’s Soul TRUTH. For our work together to be successful and impactful, clients must be open to the process and willing to take action.
Though the focus is on the here and now, Light to Lead doesn't discount the effect that one’s past has had on them. We believe that our past is not our past, since it is part of the lens we see the world through. For that reason, we take an analytical approach in the coaching process. This way, not only do we help our clients create long-term change, but we also help them to develop tools to continue to uncover their blocks and act as self-coaches and healers.
Our work is grounded in healing and remembrance of one’s truth. We believe by questioning the perspectives we hold, that are limiting our experiences, we can rediscover the truth that we are infinite beings with potential that is beyond our imagination. When clients connect with us, they’ll remember that they are their own best healers.
We encourage our clients to reclaim and stay in their power; live courageously and with ease; and love and accept themselves unconditionally. Clients can expect to connect with themselves in a new way and shift their relationship with the world. Their lives will be changed. Their energetic frequency will be changed, and the people and situations they attract will change and have new meanings.
Okay, So Now what?
Life coaching isn't for everyone, but for those who choose to engage with it, it brings great value to their lives. Whether you are wanting general support, or you have a goal you’ve been unable to make strides with, there is a life coach that can help meet your needs. When considering a life coach, some things you may want to pay attention to is:
Specialties: Most people hire a life coach when something in their life is not going well. It could be that their life is lacking meaning and purpose, their career path is not going in the right direction, or maybe they want help managing ADHD or anxiety. Whatever the case is, it's important to find a life coach that specializes in the thing that you want to improve.
Life coaching process: Most life coaches will be able to advise you about how they work, either through the copy of their offering or by speaking with them. With this information, you can decide if how they work aligns with how you process information and will feel most supported.
Do I prefer structure or a customized approach: As mentioned, coaches have different coaching styles. Some have detailed programs to step clients through a particular goal in a very structured manner. Others, like Light to Lead, work from a more intuitive place and draw upon a toolkit built to customize the coaching experience for the individual. Both approaches can be wildly successful. Please trust yourself in picking the approach that works for you. There is no wrong, just different.
Your values/beliefs and Their values/beliefs: Values and beliefs play a major role in whether we go about making sustainable change in our lives. If you have values and the coach has values that might challenge one another, you want to be mindful of that.
Being able to connect with them: “We ain’t for everybody.” Not every potential client will align with any and every coach. And not every coach wants to coach everybody. Part of what makes the relationship work with clients is the connection and rapport we establish. The outcome should always be a relationship, connection, and support for the client in what they are seeking in their life.
Coach’s Life: You may want to look at what the coach has achieved in their own life. Do they have the type of life you respect? If you are looking for peace in your life, is the coach able to give you a sense of serenity? Are your goals centered around developing more confidence and the coach exudes strength? Are they using their tools to create their dreams? While a coach may not live the same way as you want to in the physical realm, the coach may just have something inside, like the clarity of purpose, which is your desire.
Budget: Hiring a life coach is an investment into your future success but you shouldn't break the bank to get access to the resource. Consider choosing the life coach that offers fees that are within your budget. For this reason, ask about rates, possible payment plan options, as well as how long the coaching engagement will be.
Does this coach have a coach and/or therapist: And does this matter to you? We all have opportunities to evolve. While a coach has the tools to do the work, there is always value to a coach having an outside perspective. If you want a coach that has the humility to admit that they don't necessarily have every answer, and who makes their commitment to do the work, so they can be their best self, consider this. Your coach might not have a coach or therapist but may attend a group. Whatever their process or approach is, if this is important to you, ask questions so that you are best informed.
So, that’s what I have for now… there is much that can be said about life coaching and being a life coach, however, the TRUTH and transformation are in the process; maybe, you’ll give it a try?
Have more questions? You can request a 15-minute discovery call or send us a message, here.
Resource: Jarosz, J., 2016. What is life coaching? An integrative review of the evidence-based literature. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring. Vol. 14, No. 1
Have more questions? You can request a 15-minute discovery call or send us a message, here.