A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology compared professional life coaching to peer coaching, revealing that life coaching performed by skilled professionals is a powerful tool for increasing goal setting, environmental mastery, and progression toward personal and professional goals.
The right lifestyle coach can help you create the life you want, closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. Some of the most common reasons people seek a life coach are:
- Stopping ruminations about the past and reducing worries about the future
- Gaining greater self-confidence
- Building healthier, stronger relationships
- Finding focus and clarity instead of drifting
What Is a Life Coach and What Does a Life Coach Do?
A life coach is a professional who helps individuals identify and achieve their personal and professional goals by providing guidance, support, and accountability. Unlike therapists who often focus on past experiences, life coaches concentrate on the present and future, empowering clients to overcome obstacles and unlock their potential. Whether navigating a career change, improving relationships, or building confidence, a life coach offers tools and strategies to help you succeed. By asking powerful questions and fostering self-awareness, a life coach helps you clarify your vision and take actionable steps toward a fulfilling life.
Hiring the Right Life Coach
But how to hire a life coach when, according to a 2012 study conducted by the International Coach Federation (ICF), there are nearly 16,000 coaches in North America (including coaches specializing in a range of areas such as life and business)? With such a large pool of candidates, the process can feel overwhelming. However, listening actively to your own needs and following a structured approach will make your search effective and rewarding.
Finding the best person for your needs, goals and personality takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth the investment. To narrow down the list and identify the right life coach for you, consider these key questions:
1. What Coaching Credentials, Education and Training Does the Coach Have?
Coaching is currently an unregulated industry, so just about anyone can label themselves a coach. Inquire about their coaching certifications, such as an ICF certification, as it indicates a high level of professional training and commitment to ethical practices But it’s important to note that not all certifications are equal; some require no more than a few weekend workshops, whereas others are much more intensive. Instead of simply asking how many years they have been coaching (they may have coached for 15 years, but only worked with 50 clients during that time), ask about the number of one-on-one coaching hours they have completed. A good listener with extensive experience can better understand and address your needs.
One of the most respected coaching organizations is the ICF, mentioned above, which offers coach training and certification. Anyone credentialed by ICF has completed stringent education and experience requirements and has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in coaching. The ICF’s top credential, Master Certified Coach (MCC), requires at least 2,500 hours of coaching experience. This ensures the coach has honed essential skills like active listening skills, eye contact, and interpreting body language to help clients feel heard and understood.
2. What Coaching Methodology Does the Coach Use?
A skilled coach will outline their methodology, helping you understand how they approach goal setting, assessing starting points, and guiding you to where you want to go.
Determine if their methodology is proprietary and robust — in other words, if the coach has taken the time to craft a process based on best practices and techniques versus utilizing off-the-shelf or one-size-fits-all coaching methods. Also, inquire about what informed their decision to choose that methodology.
Inquire about their philosophy and approach. How will the coach honor your individual needs? What is the coach’s commitment to ethical practices? Listen for what’s important to you — what aligns with your personal values, needs and goals. A strong coach builds trust and honors your individual needs while paying attention to ethical standards. Their leadership skill in tailoring coaching to your values will help you feel aligned and empowered.
3. Does the Coach Have a Background in Human Behavior?
A coach with a background in human behavior — for example, psychology, social work, or neuroscience — will be able to delve deeper to identify and help you shift the underlying beliefs, attitudes, and perspectives that are limiting your view of what’s possible and not possible in your life.
For those facing deeper issues like anxiety or depression, it’s critical to understand the distinction between a life coach and a therapist. A licensed therapist addresses clinical mental health issues, while a life coach focuses on actionable strategies to move forward.
4. Do I Feel Comfortable?
The most important factor in how to find a life coach is your level of comfort. Feeling understood is essential—after all, coaching is an intimate process where listening actively and building a strong connection matter most.
Additional Considerations
Consider the following when evaluating your level of comfort with the coach:
- Does the coach integrate healthy lifestyle or health coach principles, if relevant?
- Are they skilled in active listening leadership, helping you feel heard and respected?
- Do they offer tools to enhance both your personal and professional life?
Hiring a great coach is an investment in yourself. Finding the right life coach takes time and effort, but the rewards can be both transformative and lasting. With the right guide, you’ll unlock a path toward clarity, confidence, and a professional life that aligns with your aspirations.
Are there any questions you’d add to this list?
