Curious about life coaching? Start with these FAQs!
- Laura Haywood
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
People regularly ask me what I do as a life coach. In a nutshell, coaches are change agents. I facilitate and empower you to make the changes you truly want, after exploring where you are now and where you want to be, shifting your blocks and mindset to give you clarity and choices to make the changes. These FAQs will answer some questions about life coaching that you maybe pondering.
What is Life Coaching?
Life Coaching is:
A collaborative partnership to help you move forward
Helping you to find your answers. A coach does not tell you what to do
The coach actively listening and asking you
the right questions, to provide you with new insights and clarity
Empowering you to make choices
Providing feedback & new perspectives that you may not have considered
Helping you gain insight, clarity, purpose and motivation
Helping you to re-frame old beliefs and patterns that have been holding you back for years
Empowering you to be in control of yourself and your choices
Helping you to move forward with positivity
A different approach when other methods are not working
A sounding board
Helping you see your blind-spots
Being your champion
Helping you stay motivated
Read more about professional coaching on the ICF's site here
What are the benefits of life coaching?
We can all feel stuck in life, work or relationships & need help figuring things out. The benefits of coaching can be:
Increased confidence
Reduced stress & anxiety
Improved relationships & communication
Self-growth & understanding
Letting go of what's been holding you back
Clarity & insight
Mindset shift
Personal transformation
Increased positive perspective
Better work-life balance
Achievable goals
Self-acceptance
Making decisions & choices
Seeing change & transitions from a fresh lens
Getting unstuck
Being the real you that you want to be
Read more about the benefits of coaching on the ICF's site here
What are the differences between coaching and therapy?
There are similarities between coaching and therapy as they both aim to help you with challenges. Generally:
Therapy focuses more on diagnosis
Coaching does not diagnose or work directly with mental health diagnoses
Therapy focuses more on your past and experiences
Coaching focuses on the present and future
Coaching challenges your old beliefs and mindset
Coaching is based on positive psychology and client led
Therapy maybe more directive and therapist driven
Coaching is solutions focused
Is coaching worth the cost?
Yes!
The cost of life coaching is about investing in your wellbeing for your future
We regularly spend money on temporary things. Life coaching can be sustained change
You are worth the investment!
Working with a trained, professional life coach can be life changing
It can help you shift your perspective & move forward after various life events (divorce, bereavement, health challenges, relocation, empty nest), figure out who you are, let go of beliefs and behaviors that have been negatively holding you back, improve relationships with yourself and others, reduce stress and increase confidence, handle situations at work or home differently, improve communication skills. The list could go on!
Tips for choosing a life coach!
Coaching is a specific skillset
Find someone who is a trained and certified coach
The gold standard is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified coach
Do some research - do they have reviews?
Have an initial 'discovery call'
Consider if you 'connect' with the coach? Do you trust the coach? Were they easy to talk to? Did they listen to you?
Think of questions before the call - What do you want from coaching? What are you looking for in a coach?
Trust your intuition - are you a good 'fit'?
Did you feel understood & heard in the call?
Be honest with the coach
How do I know if coaching will help me?
Coaching could help you if you:
Are feeling stuck
Want to feel good enough for yourself
Have tried other things & they haven't worked
Want to figure out who you are now
Are feeling overwhelmed
Want to create new stories & beliefs
Are struggling with change & transitions
Want to let go of old negative patterns
Want to move forward
Are looking for growth
Want more confidence
Want to feel more positive
Want help with accountability
Have decisions to make
Want to say yes for yourself
Want to have boundaries
How long will coaching take?
That depends on you!
Average time for change is 66 days (Lally et al, 2009)
Consistency is key for neuroplasticity (rewiring your brain)
The more you put into coaching, the more you will get out of it
Coaching is led by you, and your motivation to change
Be open to new ways of thinking and responding
How long have the challenges been around?
No one size fits all
Coaching is a commitment to yourself and your future
How do you want to keep motivated?
Change takes time. I will be with you on your journey
Coaching tends to be shorter term
Practice till it sticks - this is more effective with someone to support
you, like a coach
If you still want more info, there are more answers in the FAQs on my website. Feel free to pass this onto anyone who may find it helpful.
Laura is an experienced ICF certified life coach. She is passionate about helping people get unstuck, out of their own way so they can create the changes they want. As a previous therapist, and now coach-for-life, Laura brings deep insight, compassionate honesty and groundedness when working with her clients. If you are looking for a coach (or know anyone who would benefit from coaching) then reach out for a free discovery call, to see how coaching with Laura could help you shine in the world.
Rooted in therapy, powered by coaching, focused on you!
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