Life/career coaches - Anyone ever consulted one?

[beekeeper4674]

As title suggests...just wondering if anyone has consulted a life/career coach and did you benefit in anyway?

I keep getting facebook posts along the lines of...change your life...here are the 3 keys to making change (but nothing substantial ever included because obviously they want you to employ their services). All very cryptic.

What actual content do they provide? Pm me if you have specific details. I have had to pay a fortune for private therapy, where the NHS has failed...it isn't like I'm anti all this but hesitant to pay out yet more money. And to be honest, I'm a bit fed up of people making money out of other peoples struggles/difficuties.

Anyone?

I have seen a career coach - it was part of a work provided thing when we were going through a restructure. He wasn't there to provide 'content' as such, that's not what any kind of coaching is about really, it's more about guiding you through a structured conversation to explore your own thoughts/feelings and then decide on actions/next steps - if you establish a relationship and see them regularly they can act as cheerleader or accountability buddy through the cycle of 'identify problem - find solution - make change/implement solution - review how it's gone/are things better now - identify next problem'. The career coach I saw could also then refer me for other things like formal interview training or psychometric testing if relevant but he himself was just there as a kind of sounding board.

TBH I didn't find it that useful, but that was my particular circumstance, I had already done a lot of thinking and planning and talking with others about the situation and because I work in HR was already very aware of all the other resources and things. So although it was nice saying it all again to a sympathetic and neutral person, I guess I was really hoping he'd have some advice or perspective that was new or more of a constructive challenge, but all I really got was an echo back of my own reflections - that wasn't his fault of course but I don't feel it added anything much to what I'd have got just talking it through with a friend or similar. Of course for someone that hasn't really had any space to think/talk things through or that would benefit from more structured reflection or suggestions they might find it very helpful so I'm not saying it's the same for everyone. In my experience with the coaching model/methodology i.e. where you are prompted and led through open questions into finding your own solutions, you are either the sort of person that finds that really revelatory and exactly what you need to 'unblock', or it all feels a bit pointless or even frustrating if you appreciate more directed/constructive advice and guidance.

I would be really careful about randoms advertising on facebook and claiming to have magical answers to all your problems, if you do want to use a service like this I would inquire carefully about their qualifications, coaching is not a regulated profession, anyone can call themselves a life coach or career coach with no certification or experience at all, look for someone that has actually done some accredited study as a minimum e.g. an ILM level 7 qualification. Particularly as you've had MH issues in the past, the last thing you want is some well meaning but under qualified person interfering with a plan/approach that you've come to with a proper therapist. It sounds a bit as though maybe it's not the right thing for you right now, maybe would you be better off spending your money/time on specific training or help/advice, e.g. I have also been on an interview skills training day which was helpful and very practically focused? Or if it is guided/structured reflection maybe some self-help manuals/books might guide that?

I would be interested to know if you did find a life coach and if you found it helpful. I am a registered mental health nurse but currently looking at coaching courses. I know that lots of people do not believe in coaching but I feel it has a place along side other therapies if they are needed.
I am ambivalent about coaching as it has a poor reputation and as a MH professional I understand the importance of people seeking the correct help.
Just thought it would be interesting to hear your experience if you used a coach and didn't mind sharing with me.

i agree with @maxelly.

i have had some coaching through work and also did some short courses.

coaching is basically a structured conversation to guide you towards your own solution to your issue. you still have to put in the work yourself to resolve the issue, so it isn't a quick fix.

It isn't an alternative to counselling and a good coach shouldn't take you on if counselling is more appropriate.

I've looked into this recently. It's a mixed bag, there are some professional associations that mark people out as good but others are basically just a random.

Look on websites to see what qualifications and experience people have. Many have content like blogs etc on websites that tells you what their approach is. They often do a free first chat/session as well.

From what I gathered, they all start with 'lets define your core values' and work from there. They don't tell you anything, but ask the right questions.