In my latest blog post, I share professional insights into what really happens in a life coaching session and how this can impact coaching clients.
So, what does a life coach actually do?
Life coaches empower people to find clarity and make changes in their lives so they can become happier, more satisfied and fulfilled. This can be in any area of life such as wellbeing and health, career and finances, relationships, personal development and growth.
What does finding clarity mean, and how can that help?
When we think about changes we wish to make, we can spend a long time thinking about all the possibilities but not take any action. Basically thinking ourselves around in circles. Procrastination and anxiety can creep in, both of which stop us from moving forward. If we are stressed or anxious, we can start to feel stuck and unsure of the best way out of a situation. This can lead to muddled thoughts, brain fog and a reduced sense of clarity. If we don’t know what we need to do, how will we ever make the change we feel is needed?
By giving someone a safe space to talk openly and honestly about what their current situation looks like, alongside asking targeting questions around their intentions and motivations, we can start to unravel thinking. Once this happens, people often find they know the answers themselves and regain the confidence and motivation they need to create an action plan.
Coaching is centred in action – if there is no goal, there can be no coaching. There’s a useful article here which offers further information: What is Coaching? – Life Coach Directory (lifecoach-directory.org.uk) However, it’s vital to be able to break down longer term goals into small steps. A life coach will help clients to do this so as to reduce overwhelm and increase chances of success!
What else does a life coach do?
Life coaching can uncover limiting beliefs during a session. Not everything we believe about ourselves is true. A life coach may challenge these by asking questions such as; ‘Is this actually true? What evidence is there for and against this belief? What could you do if you believed something else?’ For example, if I’m career coaching and my client says they think they are too old to start their own business, it’s not up to me to say whether this is true or not. But it is my job to challenge their thinking if it could be holding them back from making changes they want. ‘How old do you think you have to be to start a business?’ This could be a thought provoking question which may result in them realising that there is not an age limit on business start up! (Or they may choose to continue to believe this and look at alternative goals.) My profile features on the life coach directory which offers further details of the coaching I offer: Abi Unwin – Bristol – Life Coach Directory (lifecoach-directory.org.uk)
What are some of the issues presented in a life coaching session?
Coaching can be used to help people with a variety of issues. These can include career changes, relationships and communication, confidence and motivation building and dealing with addictive behaviours. If there is an area of your life you wish to change, a life coach can empower you to make that change with confidence and clarity.
It may be that a coach will uncover issues which could need further support such as counselling, referral to a GP or other professional. The coaching process can encourage and motivate clients to engage with the support they need to improve their health and wellbeing. For example, if a client wishes to make changes to their career and reduce their working hours. During a coaching session, they disclose a health issue they have been ignoring due to having a poor work life balance. The coach may ask what action might be needed. The client knows they need to make a doctors appointment and will commit to doing so. As a coach will also provide an accountability check in during further sessions, the client can be more motivated and focussed to take the action they realise they need to. This may then support them to make improvements in other areas of their lives. Many coaches will take a holistic approach to working with clients.
How can working with a life coach benefit me?
Coaching is empowering and facilitating so you won’t become dependant.
It’s also about difference and allows you to break negative thought patterns which may have held you back before.
Life coaching is about listening – most people say they are listening but often they are just waiting.
Most of all, coaching increases your self confidence and resilience.
Book a FREE Coaching Consultation – Bristol – UK – Worldwide (abigailjanecoaching.com)