This is a question I get all the time. And I'm so happy to answer it.
ICF
It's understandably difficult to define since there's currently no regulation of life coach certification. That noted, there is an accrediting body, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) which is the accepted industry standard for ethically trained and certified coaches.
Does that mean all good coaches have ICF training? Not necessarily. Does it mean all ICF trained coaches are good at what they do? Again, no. It just means they've had the training and have agreed to a code of ethics and standards established by ICF.
COACH VS THERAPIST
I commonly get this second question, 'What's the difference between a coach and a therapist?' Here are a few key differences.
Licensing
As mentioned, a coach doesn't have to be certified nor licensed. A therapist does. So there's a little more risk in hiring a coach you know nothing about. Still, vet them both.
Focus and Direction
Think about coaches and physical therapists in the sports world. A coach is going to take your skills and improve them, while a PT is more focused on repair and maintenance. Both will stretch and push you to reach your potential.
Therapists work to mend a problem and it takes consistent, repeated help from a professional, most often over a substantial, if not indefinite, period of time. It's is great for maintenance. I see a therapist every couple of months and think of it like a dental cleaning. Keeping me healthy and figuratively cavity free.
A coach doesn't repair, doesn't dig up your past. In fact, the ICF Code of Ethics precludes us from discussing past trauma. We work from the present forward. If a client brings up baggage, we discuss how it affects them presently and moving forward.
A coach is going to let you determine your goals. You're more likely to follow through that way anyway. They'll help you refine those ideas, identify your values and your potential, then fuel you with the motivation and accountability to see your goals through.
HJ
I love the intimacy and vulnerability of coaching. It yields incredible productivity. As a starter and an optimist by nature, personally helping someone get out of a rut is my ultimate wheelhouse.
Together, we translate your goals into immediate steps - short term and targeted. I help you dig and explore and make realizations. It can be challenging sometimes, but I LOVE challenges. And as a coach, remember, I don't do all the work. Not even most the work.
You are the creator and I respect that role immensely. I'll get you started and help you find a sustainable momentum.
Statistically, people are 65% more likely to follow through on a goal when they have an accountability partner. As a coach, I'll bump that number up. I promise to meet you where you are and not judge. My work is to take you from I've got you to you've got this. If you don't see quick results, I'll help you find a new coach.
Comments