ted, and other details. There may be intake forms to be completed that give the coach a better idea of where the client is at in relation to where they wish to be. This initial "meeting" allows both the client and the coach to decide if the "fit" is good. If it is, they proceed.

The regular sessions follow the initial session and are where the coaching relationship is built in way that creates an environment of trust and safety in which the client can do his/her work. The coach does not set agendas for the client, rather, the client states what they w

By now, most of us have heard the term "Life Coach". Coaching is the newest thing for improving one's life, and has garnered a great deal of praise in the media and in professional circles. But what exactly is a Life Coach and just how does coaching work? How does one find a good coach? What will coaching do, and just as importantly, what will coaching not do for the client?

Many of you have seen the websites and adds for coaches who give the impression that you can have it all, and it's fairly easy. I'm here to tell you, as a Certified Life Coach, that you can't have IT ALL (nobody can), but you can have a lot of it, and (sorry) it isn't always going to be a cake walk. The upside is that hiring a coach can seriously help you get your life on the track you want it to be on, and seriously help you learn to make much better, more creative decisions, which will certainly help you move towards the life you desire. You have to be willing to do the work, and your coach will be there to help you stay on track.

Just what is a Life Coach?

A Life Coach is someone who is trained to assist the client in creating a life that is more in line with that clients vision, values and goals. Coaches can work with individuals, couples, groups and businesses.

How does coaching work?

Usually coaching works something like this:
First, the potential client seeks out a coach. This client is generally OK with their life, but may be facing some challenges, or may feel changes are in order and they are unsure of how to proceed. Maybe the client feels that the balance between work and life is off-kilter and wants to implement change. Or maybe the client is facing divorce and is mired in an emotional, financial and personal drama and wants help with navigating through. It could be that the client is simply interested in living more effectively but needs help defining what that means. The list could,go on and on, but whatever the reason, a client looks for assistance.

Next, the client and the coach will meet, usually by phone, but this may happen in person or by email as well. They discuss what the client wishes to accomplish during coaching, logistics such as fees and how the coaching sessions are conducted, and other details. There may be intake forms to be completed that give the coach a better idea of where the client is at in relation to where they wish to be. This initial "meeting" allows both the client and the coach to decide if the "fit" is good. If it is, they proceed.

The regular sessions follow the initial session and are where the coaching relationship is built in way that creates an environment of trust and safety in which the client can do his/her work. The coach does not set agendas for the client, rather, the client states what they wi

hat you can't have IT ALL (nobody can), but you can have a lot of it, and (sorry) it isn't always going to be a cake walk. The upside is that hiring a coach can seriously help you get your life on the track you want it to be on, and seriously help you learn to make much better, more creative decisions, which will certainly help you move towards the life you desire. You have to be willing to do the work, and your coach will be there to help you stay on track.

Just what is a Life Coach?

A Life Coach is someone who is trained to assist the client in creating a life that is more in line with that clients vision, values and goals. Coaches can work with individuals, couples, groups and businesses.

How does coaching work?

Usually coaching works something like this:
First, the potential client seeks out a coach. This client is generally OK with their life, but may be facing some challenges, or may feel changes are in order and they are unsure of how to proceed. Maybe the client feels that the balance between work and life is off-kilter and wants to implement change. Or maybe the client is facing divorce and is mired in an emotional, financial and personal drama and wants help with navigating through. It could be that the client is simply interested in living more effectively but needs help defining what that means. The list could,go on and on, but whatever the reason, a client looks for assistance.

Next, the client and the coach will meet, usually by phone, but this may happen in person or by email as well. They discuss what the client wishes to accomplish during coaching, logistics such as fees and how the coaching sessions are conducted, and other details. There may be intake forms to be completed that give the coach a better idea of where the client is at in relation to where they wish to be. This initial "meeting" allows both the client and the coach to decide if the "fit" is good. If it is, they proceed.

The regular sessions follow the initial session and are where the coaching relationship is built in way that creates an environment of trust and safety in which the client can do his/her work. The coach does not set agendas for the client, rather, the client states what they w

creating a life that is more in line with that clients vision, values and goals. Coaches can work with individuals, couples, groups and businesses.

How does coaching work?

Usually coaching works something like this:
First, the potential client seeks out a coach. This client is generally OK with their life, but may be facing some challenges, or may feel changes are in order and they are unsure of how to proceed. Maybe the client feels that the balance between work and life is off-kilter and wants to implement change. Or maybe the client is facing divorce and is mired in an emotional, financial and personal drama and wants help with navigating through. It could be that the client is simply interested in living more effectively but needs help defining what that means. The list could,go on and on, but whatever the reason, a client looks for assistance.

Next, the client and the coach will meet, usually by phone, but this may happen in person or by email as well. They discuss what the client wishes to accomplish during coaching, logistics such as fees and how the coaching sessions are conducted, and other details. There may be intake forms to be completed that give the coach a better idea of where the client is at in relation to where they wish to be. This initial "meeting" allows both the client and the coach to decide if the "fit" is good. If it is, they proceed.

The regular sessions follow the initial session and are where the coaching relationship is built in way that creates an environment of trust and safety in which the client can do his/her work. The coach does not set agendas for the client, rather, the client states what they w

facing divorce and is mired in an emotional, financial and personal drama and wants help with navigating through. It could be that the client is simply interested in living more effectively but needs help defining what that means. The list could,go on and on, but whatever the reason, a client looks for assistance.

Next, the client and the coach will meet, usually by phone, but this may happen in person or by email as well. They discuss what the client wishes to accomplish during coaching, logistics such as fees and how the coaching sessions are conducted, and other details. There may be intake forms to be completed that give the coach a better idea of where the client is at in relation to where they wish to be. This initial "meeting" allows both the client and the coach to decide if the "fit" is good. If it is, they proceed.

The regular sessions follow the initial session and are where the coaching relationship is built in way that creates an environment of trust and safety in which the client can do his/her work. The coach does not set agendas for the client, rather, the client states what they w

ted, and other details. There may be intake forms to be completed that give the coach a better idea of where the client is at in relation to where they wish to be. This initial "meeting" allows both the client and the coach to decide if the "fit" is good. If it is, they proceed.

The regular sessions follow the initial session and are where the coaching relationship is built in way that creates an environment of trust and safety in which the client can do his/her work. The coach does not set agendas for the client, rather, the client states what they wish to work on and the coach works with the client to accomplish those goals. The coach is there to help keep the client on track, to help the client see where they may need to adjust thinking patterns, paradigms and habits, and to help the client create a map that they are able to follow from Point A to Point B. Often the coach will give "homework" to the client and ask the client to follow up with emails between sessions.

How does one choose a good coach?

First, ask yourself if you feel comfortable with this particular coach. You need to feel that the coach has your very best interest in mind. A coach is not going to give you much in the line of advice and answers, but will help you find your own answers. Coaching is an art as well as a science, but it is good to ask about training and experience. Many good coaches are certified and many good coaches are not. At this time, there is no real governing agency for coaches, although there are organizations who refer to themselves as such. Several training institutes offer certification to their students. Good coaches offer the following characteristics: verifiable training, experience, and a manner that makes you, the client, feel like you're getting what you need.

What should the coaching client expect?

The client should expect to be given full information on fees, method of payment, scheduling, coaching style, and "contract" requirements (do you have to commit to a certain number of sessions up front?) during the initial or intake session. A client can also expect the coach to keep all sessions completely confidential unless the client threatens to injure him/herself or another person. Beyond that, the client should expect to have to do his/her work, open and comfortable communication with the coach, and that the coach is offering assistance that is helpful and holds the best interest of the client in the highest regard.

As a coach, I do feel that coaching is a great tool for almost everyone. I do not like to present coaching as a be-all and end-all. Coaching is an extremely valuable part of one's evolution and journey. Coaching serves as a catalyst and maybe a kick in the rear when one is required. A coach holds the client's agenda an