With all of the options available on the Internet, finding the right coach can be a confusing and frustrating undertaking. The first step to finding a successful coaching partnership is to look for a coach who specializes in the areas you're interested in working on.
To be effective, coaches don't have to be experts at anything but coaching, but it if they have a personal understanding of your lifestyle or other areas of interest, you'll find it easier to open up and feel comfortable with them.
Here are additional things you should keep in mind while looking for your life coach:
#1 - CERTIFICATION
Not all people who call themselves life coaches are certified by an accredited professional school, nor are they even true coaches. In fact, most self-proclaimed life coaches are neither. Certification is extremely important; because life coaching is a profession that requires very specific skills, standards of conduct, and a foundation of training that is only taught in qualified schools. Regardless of what some may try to tell you, life experience and other types of experience or training are simply not enough. Would you hire a psychologist who didn't have formal training?
I have been certified by one of the most highly acclaimed coach training institutions in the United States, Coach Training Alliance. CTA was one of the first schools worldwide to have their coach training fully accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF). The ICF is the organization that sets and monitors the international standards for professional coaching ethics, training and practices.
#2 - REFERENCES
An effective coach will have happy and satisfied clients who, after contracting the services of the coach, have made significant changes in their lives. I have references available upon request.
#3 - COMPATIBILITY
An effective coach for one person may not be a good match for another. Personal chemistry is important. To find a good match, it's best to speak directly with your potential coach and ask for a complimentary consultation. You'll want to be sure you feel comfortable enough with your coach to develop the deep trust so necessary for breakthrough coaching.
I offer each potential client a complimentary consultation so you can see for yourself what coaching is all about and together we can decide whether or not we make a good team.