Life coaching: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What life coaching is

Life coaching is a series of structured conversations with a coach who helps you set goals, clear obstacles and build habits in areas like work, relationships and personal growth. It is practical and forward looking, not clinical treatment.

Signs you need it

  • You have goals but keep putting off the first step
  • You feel stuck between choices in work or life
  • You want accountability to build a habit
  • You are going through a transition and want a plan
  • You want an outside view on priorities

What the pro does

  • An intake on your values, current situation and goals
  • Breaking goals into steps with dates
  • Regular sessions to review progress and adjust
  • Exercises to build habits and clear obstacles
  • A wrap-up to plan what to keep doing on your own

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Coach's experience and specialty
  • Session length and frequency
  • Number of sessions or ongoing
  • In person or video
  • Messaging between sessions
  • Package or session based

What a written quote should spell out

  • Session length, schedule and total number
  • What is included between sessions, such as messaging
  • Cancellation terms
  • Payment terms and refunds
  • What the coach does not provide, such as therapy

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is your background and training?
  • How do you set goals with clients?
  • What will I do between sessions?
  • Do you refer out for mental health concerns?
  • Can I speak with a past client?
  • How do we end the coaching?

Red flags

  • Promises of life-changing results
  • Pressure to buy a large package
  • Giving mental health advice without a license
  • Vague answers about their own training
  • Claims of secret methods

What you can do yourself

You can write down goals, set a weekly review and tell a friend to hold you accountable, but a coach adds structure and outside perspective. If you are struggling with mood or mental health, see a licensed professional and your doctor.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to offer coaching, so ask about training, any certification and how to verify it with the issuer, and ask for a client reference. Coaches are not a substitute for a licensed therapist or doctor, so check with your state or local agency if you are unsure what a coach may offer.

Life coaching questions

Is coaching the same as therapy?

No. Coaching is goal focused and not clinical. A licensed therapist handles mental health concerns.

How long does coaching last?

It varies. A good coach plans an end point with you.

Do I need a goal first?

No. A coach can help you shape one.

Is it confidential?

Ask the coach for their policy in writing.

Pro reviewers

Pros who offer life coaching remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.

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