Life coaching

gwen80

Hi

I'm thinking of going to a life coach. Has anybody ever used one? What did you hope to get from it? Did it help or was it a waste of time and money?

Also, does anybody have any advice for finding a good one?

Thanks

Gwen

podperson

I know a few people who have been and tbh I don't really rate them. Perhaps they are useful for some but from what I can gather they simply talk about what your goals should be and make a plan for you to reach them - maybe I'm missing something but I just do that myself anyway.
Also there doesn't seem to be any kind of universal qualification or type of regulating - so I could call myself a life coach and set up tomorrow.

ema_o

I have used one (as a trial when she was just starting up) and rated it really highly. It was all done over the phone, and she sent me anything I needed by email.

She helped me identify what I wanted to achieve and think about how to work towards the things I wanted the most. I am now at a point where I have achieved quite a bit of it (I don't review it regularly, just happened to look back at it not that long ago). I might have got here in my own time, but it definitely boosted my focus and made things seem achievable that I wasn't sure were.

Happy to provide her details if you are interested (drop me a PM if you are).

mumonashoestring

I've trained as a coach and have spent the last few years running a coaching and mentoring service within the NHS. Whilst there isn't any regulation as such (there are too many different variations on what is considered coaching), you could look for someone with EMCC accreditation if you wanted to be reassured that they have undergone good standard training and have kept their skills up to date.

A good coach should be able to help you identify your goals, prioritise them, come up with a plan to help you achieve them, and then help you to follow up on any blocks or problems you encounter. Whilst some people have no problems doing this for themselves, a good coach can challenge you on areas you shy away from addressing - they shouldn't be letting you get away with just saying 'oh, I don't like doing that' but should instead help you to work through what is standing in the way of you getting to where you want to be. That can include some quite challenging questioning, but coaching should always take place in a 100% confidential environment where you feel comfortable opening up to your coach.

Be wary of anyone who offers advice, that's not the place of a coach.

Cloudydaze

I would thoroughly recommend the book "Be your own life coach" by Fiona Harrold.

It's easy to read with excercises at the end of each chapter. I can honestly say that it changed the way I looked at life (for the better)!

For less than £10, it's certainly the money saving option.

Racheldevon

I would back the EMCC accreditation - being a coach isn't a protected title as with some sectors/roles, so do your research, maybe seek recommendations if you know anyone locally who has seen someone, and check how much training they've undertaken and the EMCC accred. bit above too.

Also, think about what you want to get from it - counselling/psychotherapy may also be a useful option to explore

Errata

In addition to the EMCC accreditation, there's also a Masters degree in mentoring and life coaching.

j.e.j.

I think I would find a stranger telling me how to live my life, and what 'goals' I need to work on immensely irritating :rotfl: but that's just me! There are many of these life-style coaches around, so there must be some call for them.

mumonashoestring

j.e.j. wrote: »

I think I would find a stranger telling me how to live my life, and what 'goals' I need to work on immensely irritating :rotfl:

If the OP finds someone calling themselves a coach and doing this, they should run for the hills! The whole point of coaching is to be skilled in asking questions and listening to the answers carefully enough to help the client decide their own goals. People who go to coaches are usually there because their friends and family are too emotionally invested in them to be objective, and too likely to start doling out the 'ooh, what you should do is...' advice.

Brighton_belle

j.e.j. wrote: »

I think I would find a stranger telling me how to live my life, and what 'goals' I need to work on immensely irritating :rotfl: but that's just me! There are many of these life-style coaches around, so there must be some call for them.

They don't tell you how to live your life though, or set your goals for you: they help you get to the root of what your goals are and what is stopping you achieve them , by listening and asking questions.
Listening well, particularly ot the subtext of what we say is a real skill and having that reflected back to you can be revalatory.
They then get you to choose your own goals and decide what you need to focus on achieving them
They can help you see your life and how you choose to live it in a completely different way.
I'd definitely go for it OP, just do some research to find someone you like and click with.

marisco_2

I have never used a life coach and dont think it would be for me. I am extremely fortunate though to be surrounded by family and friends who are supportive, inspiring and have lots of life experience.

They know me inside out, my strengths, my weaknesses and what is important to me. They trust me enough to know they can say anything to me and put across any opinions completely honestly. I take what I choose to from their input. This has always worked for me.