So what do we mean by the term certified life coach?
To begin with let’s discuss the term coaching in general.
The meaning and purpose of coaching has very much expanded in recent years. It used to be that when we thought about coaching it was in regards to sports or fitness trainers.
And the image that came to mind was that of our favorite football team with the coach of the year guiding players through their training season preparing them for the playing season ahead. Or on an individual basis, we might visualize Tiger Woods out there practicing on the golf course with his coach by his side.
Now, however, there are a full range of coaches available for just about any life situation you can think of including business, relationships, careers and the list goes on and on. And these types of coaches are similar to the sports and fitness trainers in some ways but quite different in other ways.
Let’s Define Life Coaching
The definition for coach is a trainer, teacher, instructor or even someone who directs or guides another. So a certified life coach is someone who instructs and guides another person about life situations and has completed a training program that certifies that this coach has the necessary training to instruct others in particular life situations.
Now, you do need to know that all people practicing as life coaches are not necessarily certified. There are no laws at this present time requiring someone practicing as a life coach to have any specific training, education or credentials whatsoever.
What this means to you is that you must do your own homework when it comes to checking out the qualifications of anyone you might be considering hiring as a life coach. Another consideration however is that having a particular certification doesn’t guarantee that the coach will have the qualities or expertise that you’re looking for in a life coach.
In other words, there is no regulation for coaches and no regulation for certified life coach training programs so you should check into both before paying out your hard earned money.
Finding a Certified Life Coach
The best way to find a reliable, qualified certified life coach is to ask friends and family for referrals. And if that’s not possible ask for a free consultation and check out a few for yourself personally before making up your mind who to hire.
Now, I don’t want to confuse you but there are even qualified life coaches with no certifications at all that might even be better than some of the certified coaches that claim to be so qualified. Sorry to be the one to confuse you even further.
Certified Life Coach?
What I’m trying to say is that this field of life coaching is fairly new and has not been regulated by big brother yet which isn’t necessarily all bad. Regulation isn’t always what people hope it will be and can at times even give people false confidence.
So, like I said, do your homework and pre-qualify life coaches certified or not before making your decision. But whatever you do, don’t let any of this stop you from hiring a coach as it will be the best decision of your life.
A well qualified, certified life coach or a well trained and experienced non-certified life coach will help you explore your values, your beliefs, your aspirations, and your goals while at the same time help you uncover issues in your life that might be hindering you from reaching these desired goals and aspirations