When I’m asked what life coaching is, I describe it as “working with people who have good lives and are at the point where they’re asking themselves what’s next. As a thinking partner, I help clients get very clear about “who they are” and what they most deeply desire. Then I help them get it!” Also known as ‘personal and professional coaching,’ life coaching is a relatively new career field (from the 1980’s) that supports people in determining what they want in all areas of their lives, including: family, friends, work, home, travel/fun, health/fitness, finances, spiritual and contribution/volunteering. Clients decide which dreams and goals they want to attain and work with a life coach to accomplish them.
I started out as a career counselor, moved into career transition coaching and then started my coaching business, Authentic Communication, 12 years ago. I did additional training and become a certified life coach (Professional Certified Coach—PCC) through the International Coach Federation (ICF). My business specializes in life and career transition and in coaching people who have artistic leanings or are creative problem-solvers, since I’m also an artist.
- Some of the aspects of this unique career field are that life coaching:
- Focuses on the present and helps clients move forward toward the future
- Clarifies desired dreams and goals and develops actions to reach them
- Provides support and accountability to implement actions
- Is paid for directly by clients and addresses issues not covered by insurance
- Does not yet have a licensure procedure in place
- Is provided in person, the majority is done by phone, on-line with Skype, etc.
- Often has agreements or contracts of 3, 6 months or one year time periods
- May be paid by the hour or on a monthly retainer basis
- Most coaches are self-employed with very few jobs available in organizations
- Coaches work with local, national and sometimes international clients
- Often has coaching sessions lasting from 30—45 minutes, not always an hour
- Is perceived by clients as having a positive focus
Potential clients often want to know what results they can get from coaching. I tell them the results are as varied as the clients and depend upon what they want and are willing to commit to achieving. These results can range from fun, exciting, helpful and challenging to profound. Some results are:
- Improved personal/work relationships
- Accelerated rates of reaching goals
- Clear communication
- Effective leadership
- Habit changes
- Increased confidence
- Satisfying careers
- Work/life balance
- Increased creativity
- Resolution of indecision
Trends of interest to counselors are:
- Increasing numbers of people from many backgrounds are becoming coaches as second, third or encore careers
- Some counselors/therapists decide to stop counseling, get training and become coaches
- Some counselors/therapists get coaching training and provide both services
- Positive Psychology Coaching and Solution Focused Coaching was created/adapted by therapists who became coaches
I’ve found that when I have clients who have personal issues that keep them from moving forward in coaching, I talk with them about counseling and make referrals. There have been numerous therapists over the years who have referred their clients to me when: 1) clients needed help with career-related issues, 2) clients no longer needed therapeutic help yet still wanted additional guidance in life goals. Life coaching and counseling meet different client needs, and I enjoy using my skills and experience (28 years) to provide life coaching for motivated clients.
To contact Lorrie: 816-363-4171, http://myauthenticlifecoaching.com
