General Info:
Life coaching is a service that helps clients with life improvement, specifically working toward reaching goals. As income and education levels rise in our society, so does the demand for coaching. People are consistently looking for help in organizing and strategizing ways to reach their goals. People know, if they can reach their goals, they will have an overall better quality of life. Coaching has taken flight and has become an international service. Coaching is not only for individuals. Coaching is often done with couples, in groups, and for businesses. For example, I offer Lunch and Learn sessions for businesses. The company selects a topic, and during the employees lunches, I will coach them on this particular issue. Some topics include, team building, conflict management and diversity and sensitivity. Coaching services are offered face to face, over the phone and via the internet. Coaching uses clients internal motivation and drive to propel them into reaching their goals. Goals are often centered on career advancement, life improvement, fitness and or weight control, increase sports performance, drug or alcohol rehabilitation, academics, parenting, enhanced relationship satisfaction, and adolescents. A life coach will help you to develop goals and minimize the barriers which block goal attainment. Together you and your life coach will review some techniques that did not work in the past, and revise the action plan in order to move forward. There is very limited focus on the past, and more focus on the here and now and future. Many people are unaware of the differences between coaching and therapy. Both coaching and therapy focus on assisting people with goal achievement, however coaching places a strong emphasis on the future, where the client plans to go and the steps to get there. Therapy often places more focus than coaching does on the past and examines the psychological issues that have led to the problems. Coaching attempts to move the client forward quickly and works to remove barriers that hinder progress. Coaching also does not involve any diagnosis or treatment of a mental disorder. When selecting a coach, you want to ensure competency. A coach does not have to be certified to coach. Be sure you are reading reviews and checking credentials. Look for a coach who is certified, experienced and or has a degree closely related to the field. Overall, you will find that coaching is a service that is structured to help you meet your goals. Your drive, determination and motivation will be extracted and together you and your coach will devise a plan that will quickly lead you toward goal attainment. Your coach will assist in organizing the pursuit of your goals and you will activate the plan. Be prepared to achieve!