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First of all, you may wonder what the difference is between a professional life coach, a mentor and a counsellor. It is important that you understand the difference between these three so that you can choose the right kind of support that you need.
A mentor is someone who you might use to help you achieve success, and has usually gone down the same path as you and is further down the line. They can advise you on what you need to do, and the mistakes you need to avoid. A mentor does not have to be qualified and can be used on a very informal, friendly basis. They do not necessarily have understanding of psychological or confidence issues that might be blocking your success, but will often have some personal experience of these that can be of help.
A counsellor is professional who deals with intense or traumatic personal issues that are having a damaging effect on your life. They will help you to analyse what has created these issues and helps you to overcome them, often dealing with issues of grief, anger, anxiety and other disturbing feelings and events. It is imperative that you find a fully qualified counsellor who has an understanding of psychological issues.
A life coach is a professional who, like the mentor, will help you get from where you are now to where you want to be. However, like counsellors, their services are more formal and they should have qualifications in established coaching techniques. They do not deal with deep psychological issues, but they do understand personal issues of confidence, self-belief and self esteem and will usually work on these whilst also helping the client set goals and action plans to achieve them.
So, once you have decided that life coaching is the service that you need, what do you need to look for in a professional life coach, and how do you find one?
First of all, you need to have a clear idea of why you need a life coach. Most coaches work within niche areas, such as careers, relationships, wealth etc, so think first about the type of coaching you need. Are you having difficulty making a marriage work, or are you stuck in a job you don't like and have no idea how to move on?
What do you want to achieve out of coaching? What would be the end result of a successful series of coaching sessions?
When you start looking for a life coach, find someone who:
• Is professionally qualified. Unlike counsellors, there are not yet any restrictions on who can set up a coaching practice. Make sure that they have trained with a professional body and use recognised coaching techniques.
• Offers a free initial consultation. It is important that you feel comfortable with your coach, so they should offer a complimentary session so you can both find out whether you are right for each other.
• Has a professional looking website or literature. If a coach is not prepared to take their business seriously and create a presentable image, how do you know they will treat you professionally?
• Will work with your own personal values and beliefs in a non-judgmental way to support you in finding what's best for you. Someone who merely gives advice is not a life coach.
• Listens well. Professional life coaches should be trained in the art of active listening. If you go to an introductory session, and you find that they interrupt you or do not take on board what you say, find another life coach.
• Has a positive and motivational attitude. A life coach should believe 100% in their clients' ability to succeed, and be able to create the same belief in the client.
• Is firm. It is no good having a coach who is just sympathetic and with whom you can have a nice chat. You can go to a friend for this. A good coach will take you out of your comfort zone and hold you accountable for what you have said you will do.
• Writes articles, newsletters and/or books or eBooks. A life coach who is committed to helping others will want to reach as many people as possible through the written word.
• Has a testimonials page on their website or literature. You will want to know what previous clients have said about the service before making up your mind.
You need to do your homework before you finally decide on the life coach for you. By visiting the websites of various life coaches, you should be able to get a feel for whether they comply with the above criteria. Find some coaching directories where coaches are listed in your area under the niche you want, and check their qualifications and techniques.
If you are unsure, spend some time reading articles or books written by coaches. If they offer a free newsletter, sign up for that and get a feel for their way of working. You will soon get a good idea of which coach feels right for you.
Finding a professional life coach is not difficult once you understand exactly what your needs are and what you need to look for in a coach.
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