What is Life Coaching?

Life Coaching is a service that helps people lead better lives. Like a personal trainer helps people set fitness goals and take the steps to achieve them, a life coach helps people set life goals and stay on course to achieve them.

How do life coaches do that?

We’ve recently discovered more about how the brain works. Life coaches apply these discoveries in face-to-face or telephone sessions to help people be happier, have better relationships, find better work, earn more money, lose weight, and more.

What is a life coaching session like?

It’s like a great conversation about what really matters to you. Life coaches believe that the clues to the life that truly suits you are inside you. So our first task is to listen to you and hear those clues. Life coaches ask questions to help you discover your own answers, and then offer steps you can take to make those answers reality.

Who are some well-known life coaches?

Two of the top life coaches are Jack Canfield and Martha Beck. Canfield is the best-selling author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and The Success Principles, and leads annual success retreats. Martha Beck, another best-selling author, wrote Finding Your Own North Star and is a columnist for O magazine.

Are life coaches certified?

There is not yet any governmental certification for life coaches. A number of organizations that train life coaches offer certification, including the International Coach Federation, Coachville, and Martha Beck Inc. In addition, the International Coach Federation has developed a set of ethical guidelines which most life coaches are happy to follow.

Do life coaches have specialties?

Yes, many life coaches choose to focus on specific challenges, such as relationships, growing a small business, weight loss, career changes, and more. There are even coaches who specialize in the Law of Attraction, or combine yoga and coaching, or lead wilderness coaching adventures! These coaches have special expertise in the area they specialize. Most of them are happy to work on other issues, as well.

How long does life coaching take?

Some situations take only one session to resolve. For example, if you are facing a difficult choice between two job offers, a life coach can help you explore what is truly important to you in your work so you can make the best choice. Most issues resolve in three to six months – for example, changing the way you think about food to lose weight without dieting, or exploring new career options. Although life coaches provide wonderful ongoing support, most people who choose to continue beyond six months have decided to apply the powerful tool of life coaching to a second or third area of their life.

How do I find a life coach?

More local phone directories are listing life coaches as a category in the yellow pages. You can also search online for life coaches in your city. In addition, coach training organizations such as the International Coach Federation and Martha Beck Inc. list contact information for the coaches they have certified.

What makes a life coach a good fit for me?

Look for a coach you feel comfortable with. Personality and coaching styles differ, and not all coaches are a good match for all people. Most coaches will gladly speak to you on a quick call to answer your questions and check whether your styles match. Some will offer a free or reduced rate first session. Another decision to make is whether you want to see your coach in person or work over the phone. Finally, if you have a specific challenge, you may want a coach who specializes in that challenge.

What do life coaches charge?

Life coaching fees are similar to other well-trained professionals who see clients by the hour. The prices will vary, depending on the area the life coach works in, the life coach’s experience and training, and any specialty the coach has. There may be discounts for paying a month in advance, or committing to several months of coaching. Ask about fees and packages when you talk to a coach who interests you.

This brochure is provided by Anna Paradox, a Martha Beck Certified Life Coach. Anna serves Las Cruces as a general life coach, and also specializes in helping writers complete great books. You can learn more about her at her website, www.WingsOfInfinity.com. Or call her today with your questions about life coaching at (575) 640-0979.