LIFE COACHING DEFINITIONS

LIFE COACHING DEFINITIONS

October 18, 2013

By: Jeff Monachelli

Certified Professional Life Coach & Holistic Astrologist

What exactly is a Life Coach? Find out here:

Here are some definitions as regards Life Coaching and the process a Coach goes through.

Phrase Life Coach

Life Coach means a variety of things to different people.  In some ways, a personal or Life coach is similar to a tennis or baseball coach.  A coach is a cheerleader of sorts; inspiring you to do your best.  Life Coaching is about bringing out a person’s true potential.   Rarely does coaching put knowledge back into a client.  The process involves discovering what the client’s wants, needs and desires are.  

Coaching fosters personal growth 

Ethical coaching fosters client growth, rather than imposing a rigid set of principles or methodologies to follow.  It doesn't direct or dictate; it reflects.  The Coach can be a mirror of sorts for the client.  The client must acknowledge what needs to change, before any real transformation can take place.   

Judgement free zone

A responsible coach should never judge or criticize a customer.  Your client needs to feel supported, nurtured and free to be themselves;without fear of sharp critique.  This doesn't mean a Coach should not be firm or challenging on occasion;clients want to be accountable for their dreams and goals.

Empathy is at the core

In order for a client to feel a circle of trust and be honest; a extraordinary Coach will use a empathetic, caring approach.  Chances are the person is going through a rough patch personally or professionally...the coach must listen clearly and express understanding in an authentic way.

Life Coaching covers a broad spectrum of topics

The phrase “Life Coach” is somewhat of a brand to the industry.  In practice, it covers many aspects of self-development: career/work changes and transitions;leadership, community and executive;life and work skill sets;proper work/life balance, etc...Most coaches choose to specialize in one or two areas.  E.G. A life coach may market himself as a “Career Coach” or a “Relationship Coach” in addition to the general area of Coaching.   

Purpose of a Life Coach

*Sounding board for client to bounce ideas off of and brainstorm decision making processes.

*Career direction and reinforcement of skills and confidence

*Achieving a healthy work/life balance

*To uncover a person’s true essence and passions

*Coaches can give the client unbiased, objective support and feedback

*Coaching is a two-way process;both client and coach benefit from their exchanges

*To guide(not advise) each client to a process of self-discovery and reflection

Coach synonyms

We all have a picture in our minds when we hear the word, Coach.  Perhaps you remember your music teacher in school, or the pop warner football coach when you were a kid.  Here are some synonyms that resemble what a coach is:

*Mentor

*Teacher

*Trainer

*Educator

*Instructor

*Guide

*Informal counselor

Whatever your idea of a Life Coach is probably at least partly correct.  Ask good questions to determine the style, approach and pace of your Coach before embarking on your process of personal development.

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