Reasons to Get a Life Coach and What to Expect
The International Coach Federation estimates there are 53,300 life coaches in the USA.
This number is set to grow as we are spending more and more money each year on personal development.
But, is hiring a life coach right for you? Do you believe someone else can help you more than you can help yourself?
In this article, we’ll look at what exactly a life coach is and what you can expect from the first session together. Let’s take a look.
What Exactly IS a Life Coach, Anyway?
Firstly, the definition of a life coach is someone who is hired to help you achieve your goals and dreams. But, don’t confuse your life coach with a consultant, mentor, advisor, counselor or therapist. All these jobs are very different in nature.
Ideally, your life coach will be trained in ways to help you achieve your goals. But, in reality, this profession is unregulated.
This means you’ll need to rely on other ways of judging whether a life coach is right for you. Unlike with a doctor or therapist, you can’t simply check with just one singular regulator.
Nowadays, many people find their life coaches via the internet with Instagram being a popular place for coaches to market themselves.
Why Should I Hire a Life Coach?
Are you facing many struggles in your life and feel that you need someone to take a look at the problem from the outside? If so, then it’s time for you to hire a life coach.
You may have already spoken to your friends and family about your issues. But, hiring a life coach will give you a new creative and energetic perspective.
Furthermore, you’ll know this professional does not have an agenda (unlike even the kindest friends and family).
A life coach will empower you. If you’re feeling low on inspiration in the face of a problem, they will help you try to reach for your goals once more by providing guidance.
There are life coaches for almost all aspects of life, so you’ll need to do your research to find the person who is right for you. Do you need a:
- Spiritual coach
- Business life coach
- Health life coach
- Relationship coach
- Performance coach
Whether you’re struggling to meet a partner or need a boost in confidence, there is a life coach who is the right fit for you.
When Should I NOT Hire a Life Coach?
Life coaches work best for those who are in good mental health and want to change small aspects of their lives to achieve goals.
If you are facing a mental health problem, a best therapist is a better person to speak to. A life coach cannot diagnose or properly treat issues such as depression or anxiety.
Of course, people with mental health issues can hire life coaches if they so choose. But, if you need to “figure out” the root cause of your addiction, depression or anxiety, your life coach may end up referring you to a therapist for more targeted help.
What Can I Expect During a Session with a Life Coach?
Nowadays, many life coaches work via the internet. For example, you can find a life coach on Instagram and chat with them via FaceTime.
This means you have a huge choice in who you want to speak to. Better yet, you can more easily fit speaking to a professional around your everyday life.
In order for your life coach to empower you to make changes which will move you closer towards your dreams, they will need to first speak to you extensively.
Your first session with a life coach will most likely take about an hour. In this time, they will get to know you and vice versa. A few questions you’re likely to get asked will include:
- What are your goals in life?
- What are the problems and challenges you face currently?
- How have you previously tried to work on these problems?
- Where do you see yourself in five/ten/fifteen years?
Your session will be completely confidential. After learning all about you and your needs, your life coach will start to build up a profile and figure out how best to help you.
By examining what’s going on in your life, a life coach can suggest changes to make whether these be in your relationships, personal life, or business.
What Can I Expect After the First Session?
Depending on why you reached out to a life coach, it’s hoped that after a few sessions you will be able to overcome your problems and have learned how to deal with similar future issues.
Alternatively, they will work with you on a business or personal project and guide you through it until completion. They will provide you with a “toolkit” to work on problems yourself and empower you to overcome your barriers in the future.
After a few months of working with a life coach, you should feel as though you’re on track to becoming the person you always hoped to be. But, this certainly won’t be an easy ride. Getting to this point will also take hard work on your end – your life coach is not a miracle worker.
Remember, your life coach won’t even explicitly tell you what you should be doing. Instead, they will guide you to the solution and empower you to make changes yourself.
Is a Life Coach the Right Person for You?
If you feel you know what your problem is and simply need help in achieving your goals, hiring a life coach may be the right decision.
However, if you’re suffering from a mental illness, are not sure what your problems are, or need help coming to terms with issues in your relationship, a counselor may be a better option.
Dr. Cassidy Blair is a renowned Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Beverly Hills. If you have an addiction or problem in your relationship, she is the person to talk to. Get in touch today to request an appointment.
