What does a life coach do, anyway?

I’ve had a lot of people ask me this question when they heard I received my life coaching certification.  Often, they want to know if coaching is different than a career counselor or therapist.  The short answer is yes. The long answer is that there is no single “right” way to do life coaching. 

Coaching is a profession that complements a number of other counseling-based and therapeutic practices.  Some life coaches may specialize in personal growth, business or relationships, which are areas that people typically may find themselves stuck in unsatisfying situations or patterns. 

Coaching is not therapy; the emphasis is not on uncovering and healing past wounds or issues.  Life coaching assists people with expressing their core values, discovering their purpose and learning to utilize their gifts to lead a more abundant, balanced and fulfilling life.

I specialize in life coaching with an emphasis on spiritual and personal development.   I take a holistic approach by viewing the client's life as a complete unit, based on the premise that physical, emotional and spiritual balance is important for the personal growth and transformation process. Goal-setting is part of the process, but discovery and awareness of the mind, body and spirit connection is the primary focus.

As part of your coaching session, I will help you:

• Articulate values, goals and desires
• Recognize and connect with thoughts and feelings
• Reprogram negative beliefs and re-align beliefs with stated desires
• Create short and longer-term goals and supporting strategies
• Incorporate supportive practices for optimal balance and well-being

I apply some of the same principles used in Reiki healing, meditation and other practices as part of my approach.  Clients should not be surprised to find that I’m likely to recommend a goals-based framework for making adjustments to their career or lifestyle, while also suggesting a supportive practice like guided meditations, gentle exercise or an energy healing session.  Change can be stressful, so it helps to have a practice or treatment that can direct your energy in a positive way.

If you’re interested in learning more about life transformation coaching or would like to schedule a session, please see my Life Coaching services page.