Is Life Coaching any similar to therapy, counseling or psychology?



Coaching derives itself from a number of disciplines like sociology, psychology, career counseling, and numerous other types of counseling. But where it differs from these disciplines is the quest for results rather than gaining a deep understanding of the past.

To put it simply, coaching involves focusing on action.

Moreover, coaching has its goals set at the future rather than the past. It's about what you want and not why you are like this.

The bottom line is that coaching involves making better those areas of a client's life, which need strengthening.

Who can become a coach?

Anybody!

There are no strict regulations on who can become a Life Coach. Since each individual has varying qualities it would be fair to say that a willingness to contribute and a commitment to personal growth are the most basic qualities a Life Coach should have.

What is the lifestyle of a coach like?

A Life Coach has total control over his work hours. The freedom to set your own hours at work is something every individual is looking for. With coaching, it becomes a reality.

You can make a difference to people's lives and do it at your own pace!

Since all you need is a phone and a computer, you can take working holidays, lounge in a garden and work, and even network with your coaching community while deducting the cost of all your personal development courses and books on your tax return!

Is it possible to work from home?

Working from home requires loads of discipline, and that applies to all fields of work. Therefore, working from home is a decision you have to make, keeping all the distractions in mind.

What do coaches charge?

An individual coach may charge somewhere around $200-$600 per month in the US.

These may include 4 sessions over the telephone that may last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.

Note here that executive coaching and corporate coaching are charge higher fees, and group coaching costs much less per person.

How long will it take for me to make a living out of Life Coaching?

Like in every other field of work, in Life Coaching too it will take a while to settle down and make a comfortable living out of it. Roughly you could take anywhere from 1 to 3 years.

It is advisable to start small while you are with a regular job.

Is there specialization in any particular aspect of Life Coaching?

Yes. And usually successful coaches specialize.

If you choose a niche where you have specialized experience then you are most likely to get instant credibility on it.

What kind of qualifications or training do I need?

In the current scenario of Life Coaching there is no specified requirement of qualifications or training.

But with increasing competition this is likely to change. As public awareness grows the demand for technically qualified coaches may make an entry. However, that is just a speculation, and at this point it's difficult to make an assessment.

Anyhow, at the end of this module you will find a few courses mentioned that are currently available.

How do I get my first clients?

It's easiest to first start with friends and colleagues. You can begin with offering them free or low-cost coaching services. While they get to talk about themselves and their lives, you get to train. It is give and take!

Gradually, you can move on to other marketing methods like Referrals/ word of mouth, Advertising, Mailing, Alliances, Public Speaking, Internet, and Publicity. Weigh the pros and cons of each and apply those that suit you the best.

Are their any regulations that govern this industry?

As of now there is no system that oversees the coaching industry. And that is why you may come across both efficient and incompetent coaches out there.

But in any case clients will stick to only those coaches who are nothing less than first-rate. Who would want to spend $400+ per month and get awful services in return?

One possible option aside from direct training is a coach mentoring program.

A coach mentoring program would suit you if you:

*already have satisfactory experience and training and can still offer people a lot, and do not need any accreditation just yet,

*have already been unofficially coaching friends, colleagues and other acquaintances, and now want to get paid for it

*want to first explore the coaching career before getting accredited,

*need a basic foundation to kick off your coaching business.