How does Life Coaching work?

Life Coaching is an amazing process.  I established my business in 2010, and since that time I have worked with hundreds of clients.  100% of the people I have worked with have achieved positive results.  This is not because of me, the reason for this success rate is because of MY CLIENTS!  Everyone has inside of them the answers, wisdom and drive that they need to lead the life they were born to live.  The process of life coaching is specifically designed to "unveil" the clients' greatness (because it's already there!).

 Here is how life coaching works:

Intake/First-Time Session

First time sessions are usually given for free.  This session usually is 45-60 minutes long, and can take place in-person, over the phone or over video chat.   This first-time session allows the coach to evaluate if the client is ready for life coaching, and the client to determine if the coach is a good fit.  If the coach feels like the client is ready, and the client feels comfortable with the coach, yea!!  A good match has been made and you move to step two. 

If the coach discovers that the client is not ready for coaching, the coach will explain what would have to change in order to move forward.  If the client feels like the coach is not a good fit, another coach can be recommend.  The coach/client relationship is where the power is, so discovering a good fit is imperative.  I usually suggest that clients interview 2-3 coaches before selecting one to work with.  Some coaches also offer sessions for groups or couples.

---

Pricing and Scheduling
Some life coaches require time commitments (usually one session per week for 12 weeks), some coaches require payment of the entire contract in full, and other coaches operate on a flexible session-to-session basis.  There are lots of variables.  Life coaches usually charge $50 to $350 per hour.  Occasionally, coaches will charge more, and that is discussed in my blog here. 

Usually, emails and text messages in-between sessions are included in that cost, but not always.  Life coaches also keep different hours, and have varying policies on cancellations. It is important to remember that this is another part of the coaching relationship that you need to feel comfortable with, so ask the questions you need to ask during your first-time intake/free session. 

Beginning a relationship with a life coach should never feel like a high-pressure sale, so if you feel like you're being sold a used car, that should be a red flag.  Working with a coach should feel safe and positive.  It can sometimes be uncomfortable as you face the things blocking you - but it should always feel safe and positive.

---

Now that you've created an agreement with your coach about session scheduling and payments, the coaching relationship begins!!  In Coaching, there are several main aspects:

Listening
Life coaches are excellent listeners and can offer you a safe place to talk about all of the things that are trapped in your head.  Life Coaching is completely confidential, so you can be sure that what you say during your session will stay in session.  Do you have things that you've been afraid or ashamed to share?  Your life coach can provide a safe space for you to bring these things out into the light.  It is amazing how sometimes just getting it out can heal what has been previously in the dark.

Discovery
This includes strategies and tactics and doing what I call the “inner work”.  This includes identifying and updating the core beliefs and habits currently creating your life experiences.  It also includes investigating and discovering just what makes you, YOU.  This includes identifying your values and aligning your thoughts and actions with them. This self-awareness will allow you to clearly understand your needs & tap into your unlimited creativity to meet these needs (meaning you no longer have to wait for someone/something to be different so that you can be happy).

Learning
This is about expanding your tool chest.  This includes learning new "tools" to put in your EQ (emotional intelligence) tool-belt.  This includes things like learning compassionate communication skills, conflict resolution, not taking things personally, self-awareness, and learning to respond rather than react. 

Planning and Action 
This is where you go out into the world and take action!  These actions can include making phone calls, doing research, having a courageous conversation, committing to a fitness, gratitude, or self care practice designed during your session, -- or any number of positive actions that will bring your goals closer.  Your coach is also there to hold you accountable for taking the actions you commit to.  Often these actions require you moving through fear and discomfort to do things you haven't done before.  That's great!  Your coach will be there to support you through the entire process.

Support and Investigation
Your coach can help support you in taking action, hold you accountable for your actions, or send you reminders to do the actions you've committed to.  In this way, your coach is like your own personal assistant to help you to reach your goals. 

Celebration
This is the fun part!  Your coach will acknowledge your brilliance, and celebrate with you all your amazing accomplishments.

Please Note:  Coaching should NEVER include advice or judgment.

Finally, let's talk certification.  There is a governing body that assures that life coaches have the required number of education and client hours for certification, this organization is called the International Coaching Federation (ICF).   If certification is important to you, ask your coach if they are ICF certified.  I am ICF certified, and I believe in Coaching Certification. However, I have met many life coaches who do amazing work who have no ICF certification.  Define what is important to you and ask the questions you need to feel comfortable with the coach you hire.

---