What is life coaching?

So what is a life coach, and how do they help people? I take the view that a life coach moves people forward, by supporting individuals to identify and explore their personal goals in life and to help them maintain their motivation and commitment to achieve those goals.

Coaching is a positive, forward-facing process helping people to achieve their ambitions. It is not about analysing the past or solving deep-rooted problems it is about helping individuals to positive outcomes through the use of listening, questioning and the setting of simple and realistic goals.

Good coaching in my view is based on the following principles:

• A close feeling of trust and empathy, with the coach client relationship being strengthened by real equality and independent thinking.

• A desire on the client's part to look to the future and to develop their self-awareness to make them happier and better able to make the changes necessary to improve their lives.

• A belief in stretching and challenging the client to ensure progress on agreed goals.