What is a ‘life coach’? 

The Oxford Dictionary defines a life coach as “A person employed to help people achieve their goals in life.”

Generally speaking, a life coach supports their clients in achieving their personal goals. They let the client decide which area of their life needs attention in coaching and then empower them to attain what they desire.

Can you make this more tangible? 

Yes, let’s compare a life coach with a sports coach. 

Picture a basketball coach. They coach the players to perform at their best to win the game. They guide them on how to refine their tactics, challenge them to perform better, and motivate them to keep going. They empower them to be the best players they can be. But they don’t play the game for them. The player still has to commit to the practice and perform to win the game.

As a life coach, I do the same for my clients. I support you in bringing out the best in you to achieve your personal goals. I listen and guide you to the answers that are already within you, challenge you to stretch your comfort zone, and motivate you to keep going. They empower you to transform your life. But I won’t create your dream life for you. You still have to commit to the practice to achieve your goals and live your abundant life.

How is coaching different from therapy?

Coaching is a goal-oriented process. By focusing on what the client wants to achieve, the coach supports them to bring those future goals, dreams, and visions into reality now.

Therapy primarily explores the past and focuses on healing something that has already happened to help deal with issues in the present.

These are the key differences between coaching and therapy:

Coaching

• Focuses primarily on the present and future.

• Centered around personal growth and professional development.

Therapy

• Focuses on the past, present, and future.

• Designed to help you work through deeper issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.