Has the term “life coach” been coming up more frequently in conversations recently?
You may be contemplating working with a life coach for a number of reasons. COVID-19 may have put stress on your relationships; you want (or need) to change careers; or you just feel stuck and would like to move on to something else, but aren’t sure what.
You know you need an objective ear to help guide you from where you are now to where you want to be, but you’re not sure where to find it.
Trusted friends can provide that ear for a while, but may not be properly equipped to help you when you’re feeling really stuck. That’s where a trained professional can help.
How do you find a life coach that’s right for you?
With so many people offering coaching services, it can be difficult to know where to begin. When searching for a new product or service, I start by asking for personal recommendations, whenever possible. Ask trusted friends if they have a coach in their circle whose work they can vouch for. When looking online, be sure to choose accredited coaches with certifications from reputable sources.
Remember that this is an interpersonal relationship – it’s perfectly acceptable to prioritize finding someone with whom you feel you have a comfortable, easy rapport. And don’t be afraid to shop around; you might need to take a few exploratory meetings before getting started.
They:
- Articulate a clear coaching process, including an onboarding procedure that details exactly what you’ll be getting for your money.
- Are upfront about their pricing structure
- Listen closely to you and your goals
- Emphasize that they let you reach your own conclusions about your next steps, and support you throughout the process
- Are personable with a sense of humour that puts you at ease, and is in line with your own.
Red flags go up when they:
- Boast about how many clients they have worked with in the past
- Are unwilling to share their fee structure, or unclear about the cost of their services.
- Deflect your questions about their professional accreditations or how long they have been coaching
- Deny your request for references
- Insist on charging you for an initial 30 minute consultation, which is usually free as the coach and client take the opportunity to see if they can work together
- Have little or no online presence (including a website, LinkedIn page or other original content) or:
- Claim they can ‘fix’ your life fast, or make promises that sound too good to be true.
If cost is a concern, there may be options that suit your situations. Some coaches are able/willing to offer sliding scale payment plans. Or, you can obtain life coaching services from a life coach in training as part of the Centre for Applied Neuroscience Life Coach Accreditation Program. For $20 you’ll receive a one-hour discovery session, and three one-hour sessions. Learn more at knowyourbrain.ca/volunteer-client-registry
Book a discovery session today to learn more.
