Have you used a life coach?

[PMBiscut]

Just wondering if anyone has and whether it was useful? I think I need some help working out my life and how to balance things and was wondering if a life coach is the right way to go.

I kind of used one, she was a creative professionals life coach or something. It was a bit something and nothing, I’d done/heard lots of it before. She just asked loads of questions eg responded to my questions with more questions. I get that it was to make me think, but I needed answers and had been overthinking these things for years 😂
Luckily it was a 4 free session set up so I just quietly didn’t book any more 😅

I work as a coach so I'm biased. What i would say is if you are going to look for a coach get a recommendation. Unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a coach (it's an emerging profession) and have little or no qualifications or belong to a professional body. Ask them about their training, ongoing cpd, years of practice, do they have indemnity insurance and fo the access professional supervision. Also ask about fees - some charge and awful lot for not very much and make outlandish claims

Mine is epic worth every penny. Cheaper and better than any therapy I’ve ever had. My self compassion is so much better and I now feel so much more balanced and now exercise regularly and more aware and working on other things

Thank you all, lots to think about. @LadyCurd can I ask why you sought a coach and how you found one?

This! We can buy membership of things like the Association for Coaching so ask questions about where they qualified and what the qualification was (you're looking for something like ILM or ICF accredited qualifications), and yes, hours of practice, how and how often they access supervision, what their CPD looks like. Look for testimonials from a range of people and over a longer period than, say, the last few months.

I know a few people who have recently done a frankly shitty online course because they can't hold down a job or work well with others, and come out of it 'qualified' as a coach and they are, putting it mildly, not people who I would trust to create a safe listening space for others. None of them could offer a client evidence of any of the above.

Thank you for this @Perplexed20 and @Gliblet. Is it worth pursuing if their credentials look good or is there a better alternative?

We're probably both a bit biased 😁 but yes, coaching can be an incredibly powerful tool to explore what you need and value in your life and how to keep that balance healthy. It gives you the kind of space that family and friends can't give you because they already have a prebuilt set of assumptions about what you're capable of and what you'll enjoy, and may even feel like they have a 'stake' in what decisions you make.

Personally, with a good coach I think you can have a good experience (I use a coach for myself sometimes - its hard to coach yourself). So yes (but then as I've said I'm biased). I've been coaching for nearly two decades and i often see people who have seen a therapist before or in conjunction. They should offer you an initial meeting to see if it feels right for you. Do not sign up for packages without this. I personally don't do packages - I think people should want sessions rather than feel tied into them.
They should help you define what you want to achieve as a result of the work you do together. It doesn't have to be well defined at the beginning and they should help you keep defining it - and then how you get there, overcoming blocks/obstacles and how you sustain any change.
Hope this helps.

Thank you both so much. This is really useful.

I found it useful post separation to give shape and direction. It helped to clarify my thoughts on where I wanted to go with my life and what my goals were. Things have shifted, but I'm still headed in the same general direction.

In answer to your question, I would say yes for sure, BUT be careful. As a qualified coach (13 years) I've noticed a HUGE surge in personal development leading to an influx of newly trained life coaches (1000s), online courses as an example, with no accountability. My suggestion for finding an experienced coach is to do some research on who is specifically aligned with your needs and challenges, and who has the necessary qualifications, training, and experience to support you appropriately. Coaches tend to niche down on specific pain points.

Life coaching is not a regulated profession, which means anyone can claim to be a life coach, regardless of their training or experience. This has led to many let's say, 'únder' qualified individuals entering the field, with some more focused on profit than delivering real, lasting impact. Without regulation, the industry can also be vulnerable to a lack of trust and professionalism.

When looking for a life coach, I suggest researching directories like the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), which has a coaching division, or other reputable coaching platforms like 'The Coaching Directory' that require their members to provide evidence of their qualifications. Many directories only allow coaches to register if they have completed accredited training and have demonstrated a certain level of experience, ensuring you’re working with someone who has the expertise to help you.

It's also essential to clarify what specific help you need, whether it's career development, mindset, confidence, or other personal/professional challenges. A qualified coach will have a clear framework to guide you, offering professional support which will help you achieve meaningful, long-term results.

REMINDER: Take the time to do some research and find someone whom you feel comfortable with. Many coaches offer a free initial consultation to ensure that you're a good fit for one another before commitment. Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK ;O)

No, because it's unregulated so they might be able unqualified charlatan.

Yes life coach will certainly help in setting and achieving life goals. However for long term changes and growth a Transformational Coach can provide you with tools which will empower you for transformation peeling away the outer layers which are hindering your growth like fear, limited beliefs, self doubt and go deeper to connect you to your inner hidden potential so that you can Reclaim Rebuild and Rise

I did in the past, they were good and interesting.

To be honest though, my experience was it was simply the entry drug to therapy.

For those of us who are starting to have an inkling we could live more skillfully, but don't yet think "we need therapy" ...but actually would benefit because probably everyone would...

So I'd go straight for the hard stuff ;)

I’m a trained and qualified executive coach to masters level.
Best coaching I’m aware of is free via able futures. Highly recommended!