Life coaching is known for the collaborative and client-centered approach to personal development and growth it takes throughout an individual’s life journey. Yet while some may think of life coaching as a temporarily valuable investment, or a “nice to have” at certain stages, the reality is that life coaching can support the unlocking of inner potential at every phase of life. While those going it alone can suffer in times of change and stress, life coaches help people navigate significant life transitions or prepare for them in advance. Transition periods differ for each person and include significant events like choosing a career, career changes, starting a new relationship or family, retirement planning, finding purpose in life or motivation for change, and aging with purpose. Some life coaches specialize in a particular life area, while others focus on the life journey. What all knowledgeable and expert coaches have in common is a genuine desire to be a positive collaborator who helps clients meet challenges by giving feedback for thoughtful decision-making and improvement.
What Life Coaching is Not!
Recognizing what life coaching does not involve can help the coach and client get started on the right foot. Above all, life coaching is not therapy or counseling. While therapy or counseling focuses on addressing past traumas, psychological issues, or diagnosable mental health conditions, life coaching is primarily future-oriented and goal-focused.
Life coaching is also not consulting or mentoring. Consulting involves providing expert advice or solutions based on the consultant’s expertise. Mentoring involves someone with more experience guiding and advising a less experienced person. In contrast, life coaching is a collaborative process based on feedback. The coach supports the client in discovering their own insights, solutions, and strategies for personal growth and development.
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