Life Coach
What is the work like?
Life coaches support and encourage people to help them fulfil their potential and make the most of their lives.
As a life coach, you would aim to empower your clients to take control of their situation in areas such as relationships, careers, fitness, work-life balance and self-confidence. You would work with clients to:
- explore their situation
- discuss their values, attitudes and beliefs
- find ways in which they might achieve their aims
- help them to set appropriate goals
- encourage them to stay motivated and committed
- explore ways of overcoming barriers and setbacks.
Your clients could range from individuals to an entire business. You could either offer a general service or specialise in a particular area, such as executive and business coaching, life changes or spiritual coaching.
You may sometimes refer clients to an appropriate therapist if they agree that this would be beneficial.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Life coaching is not regulated in the UK – at present anyone can work as a life coach if they feel they have the necessary skills and qualities. However, clients tend to favour coaches who have accreditation and membership of professional organisations. A good starting point would be to choose a course that is endorsed by the professional bodies.
It is important that you gather as much information as possible before choosing a course. As well as looking at the costs involved, check that the course offers:
- contacts with other coaching and mentoring bodies, or universities
- testimonials from coaches that have attended the course
- good resources for developing skills
- practical training, such as workshops and seminars
- some supervised work with a practising life coach
- advice on setting up a business
- opportunities for continuing professional development.
For information on accredited training and other useful information, visit the Coaching and Mentoring Network website. This is an independent body that helps to promote the services of life coaches.
If you already have a degree, you could study for a postgraduate degree in coaching at some universities. These courses contain life coaching modules which are generally business-orientated.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a life coach, you can become accredited by the UK International Coach Federation (ICF). There are three grades of membership, depending on your training and experience. These are:
- Associate – 100 hours’ coaching experience and 60 hours’ training
- Professional – 750 hours’ experience and 125 hours' training
- Master – 2,500 hours’ experience and 200 hours’ training.
Contact ICF for further details of accredited training providers.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) offers an Advanced Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring, which is aimed at people with some experience.
You could also join the Association of Coaching. As a member, you will have access to training opportunities, networking services and continuing professional development (CPD).
Some courses may be connected to the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, which promotes good practice and standards within coaching generally.
Where can I go for more information?
PO Box 5551Newbury
Berks
RG20 7WB
Tel: 0870 733 3313
London
SW19 1JQ
Tel: 020 8612 6200
Oakleas Estate
Wimblebury
Cannock
Staffordshire
WS12 2GZ
Tel: 01922 414980
London
W7 1LB
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Life coaches earn on average £50 to £75 a session, although some can earn up to £250 an hour, particularly for corporate work. They may take the client’s financial circumstances into account when charging.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally set your own working hours. You would work to a schedule of sessions lasting between 30 minutes and one hour, as agreed with your client.
You would normally be office-based, conducting sessions face-to-face, over the phone or online. Some of your time would be spent preparing and reviewing sessions.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent listening, questioning and 'people' skills
- the ability to inspire confidence
- an objective and non-judgemental approach
- respect for confidentiality
- the ability to motivate clients and encourage them to achieve their goals.
What opportunities are there?
You would usually be self-employed, and would develop your business through networking, marketing and reputation. As a member of a coaching organisation you may receive help with this.
You may also find it easier to get professional indemnity insurance if you are a member of a professional organisation.
Visit the Coaching and Mentoring Network website for articles, case studies and other useful resources.
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