Understanding the Varied Roles of a Life Coach

Understanding the Varied Roles of a Life Coach Student Resources Careers Print Understanding the Roles of a Life Coach By Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Richard Fogoros, MD on February 28, 2017 Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. He is Verywells Senior Medical Advisor. Learn about our Medical Review Board Richard Fogoros, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Tempura/istockphoto More in Student Resources Careers APA Style and Writing Study Guides and Tips When it comes to finding more fulfillment, working with a life coach could help you make progress. A type of wellness professional, life coaches aid their clients in improving their relationships, careers, and day-to-day lives. Life coaches help you clarify your goals, identify the obstacles holding you back, and then come up with strategies for overcoming each obstacle. In creating these strategies, life coaches target your unique skills and gifts. By helping you to make the most of such strengths, life coaches provide the support you need to achieve long-lasting change. Many individuals seek out life coaches for guidance in navigating a significant life change, such as taking on a new career. In plenty of cases, however, people turn to life coaches simply for help in building a happier, more meaningful life. In recent years, life coaches have acquired a considerable presence in the mainstream. Indeed, a growing number of creatives, executives, and entrepreneurs are now teaming up with life coaches to attain success in their professional and personal lives. What a Life Coach Can Do for You One of the key benefits of working with a life coach is the ability to gain a fresh, informed perspective on problems that you’ve long faced. In addition to offering new insight into such challenges, a life coach can help you to zero in on negative patterns that could be standing in the way of your success. Many people view working with a life coach as a means of bridging the gap between your current circumstances and the life you’d most like to lead. Here are some of the  positive outcomes that could result from joining forces with a life coach: Greater financial securityA better work/life balanceElimination of long-held fears and anxietiesStronger relationships with friends and familyImproved communication skillsA more satisfying work lifeEnhanced creativity Additionally, people frequently pair up with life coaches in order to work through barriers that may interfere with finding a partner/mate. Many individuals also look to life coaches for help in identifying their passion and carving out their ideal career path. Also, since sessions typically take place on a regular basis over a prolonged period of time, life coaches can ensure that their clients are implementing what is necessary to experience significant change. For a great number of clients, accountability is one of the prime advantages of working with a life coach. Along with providing the support and motivation essential for maintaining momentum, coaches can observe when a client is stuck or needs to recalibrate her goals. As a result, clients often achieve those goals more quickly and efficiently than they would if working on their own. Who Should Consider Working With a Life Coach? There are a number of indications that working with a life coach could be helpful for you. These signs include: An inability to break bad habitsFrequent irritabilityHigh levels of stress  and/or anxietyA persistent feeling of dissatisfaction at workA lack of fulfillment in your social lifeA sense of blocked creativity The Difference Between a Life Coach and a Therapist Although there may be some overlap in the benefits of working with a life coach and undergoing therapy, each of these professionals has a very distinct role and serves a unique purpose. Unlike life coaches, therapists and other mental health professionals focus on healing and aim to help their clients work through trauma and other issues from their past. While working with a life coach may help you to deal with certain unresolved issues, life coaches cannot treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction, or any other mental health condition. To that end, a life coach should never be considered as a substitute for a mental health professional. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health problem (such as feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep disruption, and mood disturbance), it’s crucial to consult a mental health professional as soon as possible. What You Need to Know Before You Work With a Life Coach Life coaching sessions can take many different forms. For example, some life coaches meet with their clients in person, while others conduct their sessions over the phone or by Skype. If you’re thinking of working with a life coach, keep in mind that it’s up to you to decide what you’d like to focus on in your coaching sessions. Each session should leave you feeling empowered and uplifted, so it’s critical to find a coach whose style and philosophy resonate with you. For help in finding a qualified life coach, try consulting an organization such as the International Coach Federation.