What is a Life Coach?

Some folks choose to live every detail of life on their own terms, while others face confusion over the smallest of decisions. Still others find themselves somewhere in between. Life coaches claim to be able to help any of the three categories. A life coach is a person who offers clients an analysis of where their lives would be in an ideal world, where they are in reality, and guidance in bridging the gap. One life coach may require office visits, while another may only work over the phone, and still yet others will just sell you an information kit online, and set you on your own.

According to LifeCoach.com: "Olympic athletes use a coach; CEOs use the services of an executive coach. Can you imagine how much more successful you would be if you had your own life coach?" They might have a point. But before you start dialing digits to find the latest in magic bullets to effortlessly solve all of your life's problems, let's look at them with a critical eye.

What is a life coach? Are they certified?
A life coach doesn't fall into the category of a therapist, counselor, or any other professionally recognized category. They're sort of like a "professional friend," offering an additional perspective, without emotional attachment. The only certification requirements, as of yet, are for those who want to be seen as being affiliated with an organization of some sort. This still leaves the possibility open that literally anyone, and I do mean anyone, can "hang a shingle" and begin practice. Most have a specialty. Some work with folks recovering from divorce, while others might specialize in start-up businesses. No matter who you are, someone out there says they have the answers.

What is a life coach? Are they safe?
Depending on the area of specialty, a lack of certification could be risky. A divorce recovery life coach who has successfully recovered from their own failed marriage might just be what the doctor ordered, while a health and wellness life coach could be very dangerous. Still yet, an experienced business person could likely save the "newly entrepreneured" loads of hassle. As with so many services offered these days, always remember: Caveat emptor - Buyer beware. Oftentimes, a client who feels defrauded may have civil court as their only recourse.

What is a life coach? Are they effective?
This, too is dependent upon a variety of factors. Is a client looking for stress relief? A meditation life coach might know several good methods to achieve that inner quiet. Does that small business guide have any referrals, track record, or a guarantee? How many others has your prospective weight loss life coach helped before? Effectiveness can only be determined on a case by case basis, so, ask for references that you're able to verify.

Sources:
"Getting 'Unstuck.' Does Your Life Need a Coach?" from CNN.com
LifeCoach.com
FindYourCoach.com