How do I find a Life Coach?

Posted on November 08, 2013 by Christa King, One of Thousands of Health and Fitness Coaches on Noomii.

By now, you’ve probably researched “What is Life Coaching?” If not, I’ll start with a brief overview of what coaching is and, more importantly, what it isn’t. Life Coaches are not therapists, psychologists, analysts, advisors, etc.

Great coaches aren’t attached to their own agenda. They won’t tell you what you “should” do. Their number one goal is to follow your lead and help you achieve your goals. They will pull out your own, inherent, beautiful wisdom. After all, nobody knows you better than YOU! However, it’s easy as humans to become stuck in our perspectives and/or be trapped by negative self-talk. A coach provides a new perspective, or a reminder of your past successes as proof you CAN do it! A coach also provides the accountability piece that we all need at times.

A highly skilled coach does know how to hold a safe, confidential space for you to explore your deepest values and then helps relate them back to your goals and aspirations. They look for patterns in language (both verbal and non-verbal) to assist you in breaking through obstacles so that YOU, the client, can create the life you envision.

So what makes a great coach? How do I find my ideal coach? What kind of education should they have? How will I know I’m going to feel safe? How much coaching will I need? Can I afford it?

Lots of questions and all great ones! Here’s a list to help you find your ideal match:
1. Who would be a great coach for ME?
While a coach isn’t a therapist, the relationship can look very similar. Because a successful coaching relationship requires an honest partnership, often times, you’ll be sharing information that can leave you feeling uncomfortable and/or vulnerable. Knowing your coach is there to provide a safe, supportive, confidential space to explore yourself is at the core of having a successful coaching experience.

Style counts! Every coach has a different style. Some are more matter-of-fact, direct, and assertive. Others have a much softer, nurturing approach. Lots of coaches are upbeat, positive, and a cheerleader, while others can be straight-up goal focused.

The best coaches out there know how to tailor and match their style to YOURS! One of the most exciting parts of my job is being able to adjust my tone-of-voice, language, and even my enthusiasm level to the way my clients responds best. All GREAT coaches know this!

2. How do I find my ideal coach?
While the Internet is your number one research tool, it can also be overwhelming. The best advice is to follow your intuition. Research websites, read their bios and notice if you connect to their story. Read their testimonials, blog entries, on-line reviews and newsletters. This will give you awesome insight on their style, specialties, and the RESULTS their clients achieve!

Don’t be limited to where the coach is located, unless you feel you need in-person coaching. Amazing coaching experiences can happen via the telephone or Skype! Most of my clients are not located in Portland, OR. I’ve worked with clients throughout the US and even Internationally!

You’ll be creating a deep partnership with your coach so it’s critical you feel great about them. Be open with your coach! If you find that after a couple of sessions, something just doesn’t “click,” share that with your coach. A true professional will help you find a coach that may be a better fit. I personally, am most interested in ensuring you get your needs met. Sure, this is how I make a living, but the Universe will provide the right clients for me…and I’m driven by integrity so if you aren’t getting results with me, I can’t in good faith accept your money.

3. What kind of education should they have?
Currently, Life Coaches are not governed the same, as say a therapist. A certified Life Coach (one who’s gone through a formal training program), will have the letters CPC after their name, which stands for Certified Professional Coach.

The International Coach Federation is the largest, global organization that is dedicated to the coaching profession. They provide individual certification, as well as approved training programs throughout the world.
If having a coach that is connected to a “governing” body is important to you, then look for an ICF membership, certification, and/or note they’ve attended an ICF approved training program. Coaches will feature this information on their website because they know the weight it carries in providing credibility on their credentials.

I have gone through two certification programs through Fowler-Wainwright International, and most recently, The Baraka Institute, which is an ICF approved training program. I’m also an ICF member and follow their Coaching Code of Ethics.

4. How will I know I’m going to feel safe?
The #1 way to know if you’ll feel safe with a coach is to talk to them! Look for a coach that offers a complimentary consultation call or session. This is a MUST so you don’t waste your time and money. It’s during this call they will start to build a rapport with you and create that trusting relationship. TRUST YOUR GUT! Select a few coaches to consult with. After your consultation calls you’ll have a sense of who’s the best fit for you.

5. How much coaching will I need?
Most clients work regularly (weekly, or bi-weekly) with a coach for an average of 3-6 months. Happiness and abundance takes work…and time! It’s a commitment to your personal growth and realizing the life you were meant to. As you begin to work with your coach, you’ll realize how interconnected each part of your life is. Just when you thought your goal was to lose weight, you learn how this connects to relationships and self-esteem and family…and the list goes on! Lasting change requires addressing all areas of life because they are ever connected.

6. Can I afford it?
Let’s face it, the economy has been rough for a while now and money is always a concern. When considering, “Can I afford life coaching?” ask yourself, “What is it costing me to NOT have life coaching?”
Everyone has a different price point for happiness. It can be hard to put a value on it when you aren’t actively experiencing it fully. We find amazing ways to cope with the status quo.
Try this exercise to help you understand the value of YOUR happiness:
Find a quiet space, take a comfortable seat, close your eyes and enjoy 5 deep breaths.

Ask yourself, “What does happiness look/feel/sound like?” Allow your imagination to run wild here with NO limits on what abundance includes. Love, security, peace, money, life-purpose, etc.
Now notice how it feels to have acquired all of that – as if it’s already happened!

Bask in those emotions and allow them to amplify. Experience your body, mind, and spirit filling and expanding with these amazing sensations.
Now take 5 more deep breaths.
Ask yourself, “How much would I pay to have this manifested?”
Write down the first thing that comes to mind!