Life coaching FAQs

How does life coaching work?

Life coaching works through a series of one to one sessions which enable you to find your own answers to what you want to change. It helps you to see new perspectives on issues, and to take actions that will change your life for the better. It doesn’t work by me telling you what to do. I’m not a guru who waves a magic wand and finds answers for you! I work in partnership with you, helping to keep you focused and giving you support. In turn, you must be willing to invest time and energy into getting what you want. For more on the detail of the number of sessions go to Coaching Services, Life Coaching.

Who has life coaching?

A huge range of people from all walks of life. The common thread is that someone wants change, is willing to see new perspectives and is ready to take action to have the life they want. Some specific situations which can prompt people to hire a personal coach include:

• Feeling tired, irritable or not their usual self and wanting to get the balance back between work and home life.
• Wanting to improve the quality of personal relationships
• Having a specific goal to be reached as quickly as possible
• Wanting to regain confidence following a relationship break down

How much life coaching will I need?

This depends on what you want the coaching relationship to help you achieve. Introducing changes in your life – from letting go of outdated beliefs to big actions, such as changing your career – take time.

My life coaching clients commit to a minimum of seven coaching sessions, including an initial two-hour induction session, and during this time I speak to them two or three times a month. We then review what’s been achieved and decide on whether or not it will be beneficial to continue, and if so, how frequently we should speak.

How many areas of my life can I focus on?

The answer really is as many as you like. The agenda for the coaching is always set by the client. In the initial induction session I work with clients on defining what they want to get from their life coaching. We then decide on what the initial focal areas will be. Clients often find that by beginning somewhere, they see changes in other areas of their lives which they may not even have begun to work on.

How is life coaching different to therapy or talking to a friend?

It’s different to therapy because life coaches don't deal in-depth with the past or seek to analyse someone’s behaviour or its causes. They focus instead on the present and the future and what can be done to change situations. Although you understand more about yourself as a result of life coaching, analysis is not the focus.

Friends generally avoid saying things which might compromise your relationship and may offer advice which although well-intentioned, isn’t necessarily right for you. A life coach, however, is completely objective, will help you to uncover answers that suit you and won’t be afraid to challenge you if they feel you’re making excuses.