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Life coaching can be extremely useful in helping you to overcome issues in various different facets of your life. The process involves a series of guided conversations between you and your coach, with the intention of helping you to overcome barriers or problems hindering your happiness and wellbeing.
However, with this particular form of coaching, it’s never a case of ‘one size fits all’, since everyone will react differently to different methods and techniques. In this case, it’s essential to thoroughly research prospective coaches in advance of starting your session. This will ensure that you get the best value for money and see the best possible returns from your investment.
But how do you set about finding the perfect match? Here are four ways you can help whittle down potential coaches.
Decide upon an area of expertise
Whilst all life coaches will be proficient in helping you to overcome the general worries we all face, some will specialise in particular areas. As a result, if it is one specific part of your life that is causing you stress or difficulties, seek out a coach who has the relevant knowledge and expertise to help you with that particular problem.
Perhaps you’re struggling to progress in your professional life, or are looking for advice in setting up your own business. In this situation, it would be advisable to seek knowledge from a career coach who will help to give you all the tools necessary to take the next step. Alternatively, you might have been going through a difficult time with your family or your partner, in which case a relationship coach would be more adept at helping you to address and solve these issues.
Check reviews and profiles online
Anytime you have spent money on a product or service, you will likely have read up on reviews, or had the service recommended to you by someone you trust. Life coaching should be no different. It’s worth noting that due to the nature of the process, a coach who is perfect for another person may not be suitable for you. However, reviews can be the best way to be sure you are making the right choice when it comes to choosing a coach.
At this stage, it could also prove useful to check certifications and qualifications of different coaches. To become a life coach, you don’t necessarily have to have any specific qualifications. But, there are plenty of accredited training courses and certifications available for coaches, which will be published on their professional profiles.
Can you establish rapport?
Above all of the reviews, qualifications and accreditations, the personal relationship you build with your life coach is the most important factor in determining whether they are right for you. Even before the initial meeting, it can be useful to reach out to different coaches to see if you can envisage working closely together.
To get the most out of your sessions, it is important that you feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics which could be causing problems in your life. In order to feel safe enough to do that, you need to implicitly trust your coach, which starts with having a good understanding and rapport with one another.
Ask about their preferred coaching style
All life coaches will work with the intention of achieving common goals for their clients, and there will certainly be some crossover with techniques used between different coaches. However, each coach may have devised their own tried and tested process which will suit some people better than others.
Lots of life coaching services will offer clients a free consultation before any commitments are made. In this initial meeting, you should come prepared with a few key questions to help you decipher whether their coaching methods will be a good fit for you.
For example, do they take a relaxed approach, encouraging open conversation and offering a different perspective? Or, are they achievement-driven, taking a more direct approach, using common methods such as neuro-linguistic programming to bring about progression? If you can’t get a sense of their process in the initial consultation, be sure to check up on reviews or their profile to find out more about their professional methods and make sure they’re the right fit for you.
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1 Comment
Nice content, informative and totally agree with all of it.