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Tips for choosing a Life Coach

What essential questions should you ask a Life Coach?

Here are some useful TIPS for choosing a Life Coach and it gives an indication of the range of Coaching services you are likely to find

Whether I coach you or not, I want you to be informed to make the best decision for you

1) Coaching qualifications:

What are their qualifications or certification as a Professional Life Coach?
There can be a wide difference in qualifications and to call yourself a Coach you don’t need any formal qualifications

I qualified with distinction after 18 months of practice and study with the Coaching Academy. The CA is the largest Coaching Training organisation in Europe.

Other certifications exist, so be sure to ask what is entailed?
For instance was it a weekend course or several years study and practice?
Ideally they should have a Coaching qualification from a recognised organisation which should have included both practice and study over a period of months if not longer

Coaching organisations are now plentiful. Well known ones exist and the standards for these have become more rigorous in recent years. A decent accreditation will show that specified training and experience has been undertaken and a prescribed standard passed.

2) Affiliation to a recognised Coaching body:

The Coaching industry is developing rapidly. Affiliation to large recognised Coaching bodies is on the increase, although it cannot guarantee either skill or credibility.
However as organisations like the Association for Coaching or International Coaching Federation focus on ethics, standards and quality, they are gaining greater credibility all the time.

3) Bound by a Code of Ethics

By being affiliated to such an organisation Life Coaches are often bound by their standards and guidelines and so you know how they work and any issue can be referred to them. This can give peace of mind and is not an insignificant back-up for you. You should be able to ask to see their 'Ethics or values' and 'terms and conditions'. There may be details in a contract. Contracts are often used to explain ethics and responsibilities.
It is important to understand that you call the shots for the Life Coaching. If you are not happy with anything, you say so.

Read my Code of Ethics

4) Related Experience or skills

In addition to Life Coaching and training organisations a coach may be a member of, or affiliated to, other related bodies and may possess complimentary skills. For example
some Life Coaches may be Hypnotherapists, Counsellors or Psychologists. Ask if their qualifications are up to date. They should be willing to show evidence of certificates. Don't be afraid to ask

Philip is a qualified NLP Hypnotheripist (BSCMEH) and is very happy to explain exactly how that helps you in his coaching.
Please see the 'What is Coaching' section for an explanation of how other 'Personal help' disciplines fit in with Coaching.

5) Where does the Coaching take place?

Working on the phone is the most common format. Indeed much Life coaching was designed around the phone. Many clients prefer the relaxed nature of being in their own home and saving in travelling time. However I also meet clients in person, which is great if you're close to me in London, UK. If you live elsewhere, with fewer coaches then settling for phone coaching is not settling...you don't have to be face to face for great coaching.
Email and phone is also used between sessions for messages and updates.

Ask us how we can help you set-up a FREE to use phone service on your PC. This is a complimentary service on starting a series of Life Coaching sessions* with us.

We use services like ‘skype’ via the internet which allows confidential clear conversations at no cost. This can be explained and is quite simple. The added bonus here is, that this system is easy to set-up and you can also then speak to anyone you want to anywhere in the world at NO cost. So coaching with us could actually save you money as well.

6) How long is a Coaching session?

Generally sessions range from 1 minute (yes really) to 90 minutes with the average around 45 minutes. The sessions can be quite intense so be aware that after around an hour concentration levels may dip together with the effectiveness of the session; But we are all different so see what works for you. Our sessions are typically 50 minutes long.

7) How much does a Life Coach cost?

Prices vary coach to coach and can also be charged on ability to pay. We have several such weekly slots available. Our Personal Coaching rates outside of business start at £75 / session. This covers one session and provides access by phone or email contact in between sessions.
Executive Coaching rates vary depending on the project and type of work.

8) How long should the Life Coaching take?

This is a tough question as not only coaches vary but also the issues discussed.

I find that the majority of clients are seeing and feeling real benefits within a few sessions with sessions typically being once a week.

Sometimes projects can mean coaching is required more frequently for short amounts of time. It is also common for clients to come back once in a while after the initial coaching has worked it's magic.

9) Do Life Coaches have current Public Liability Insurance.

They should do. It's a general insurance that businesses have to help provide security and safety for the public

10) How long should I book Life Coaching in advance?

Beware of anyone trying to get you to put down too much cash before you have had a chance to sample the coaching.

Some programs exist which may require signing up for a few sessions at a time but in the main it is YOUR decision and it should be one session at a time unless there is a particularly good reason to sign up for longer. If you’re happy, you continue and if you’re not, you don’t. Some even offer money back guarantees!

Payment is usually asked for in advance of each session which is standard practice. It ensures that the coaches’ time, which is their key resource, is ‘respected’ if the client fails to show.

Payment is either by cheque or on-line payment using Credit card or bank transfer.

11) How do you know if a coach is any good?!

"Proof of the pudding"....You will know because your motivation, clarity and overall well-being will improve and within a few sessions. You will feel relaxed and comfortable with your coach. You will feel you can be open and honest and see them as the same. That's why I recommend speaking to a few before deciding. You are in control...remember that and best of luck!

If you have further questions or there is any other information you think would be useful to see here please do not hesitate to contact us.

* - The FREE to use phone service is based on a fast internet connection and minimum 3 sessions booked in advance. This service is then available to use to call ANYWHERE in the world..for FREE (if another skype user) or at reduced cost!

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