Defining a Life Coach

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Defining Life Coaching A Life Coach is a person who teaches others how to navigate the complexities of life; however, the evolution of life coaching has made it difficult to give it a specific definition. Understanding this unique form of non-clinical therapy is imperative to comprehend the benefits of having a life coach. During a session, the coach and client work closely together to formulate a solution for the betterment of the client’s life. This is not counseling or therapy although it utilizes the same tools as licensed professionals. Coaching does not focus on the problems of the past; it begins with the present moment and moves the client forward into the future. Coaching is a unique relationship in which the client explores with their coach how to live their life more fully and “on purpose” (Williams and Davis 2002). During the 1950’s life was simpler, more secure, and everyday circumstances were basically predictable. This all changed in the 1970’s. Because of corporate downsizing, workers were moved into more of a decision-making role for the efficiency of the company, therefore more training was needed for this transition. This meant bringing in consultants to work on common work place issues such as morale, absenteeism, and worker relationships (Hudson, 1999). Not only did the dynamics of the workplace change, it affected everything in our society. The family life, the communities, the personal relationships, the economy, and all of society in itself were changed. The consultants, realizing that these factors influenced the worker, became more involved in helping with numerous aspects of the worker’s life; thus, the profession of a Life Coach emerged. Coaching being fairly new and growing quickly has no set criteria or applied framework for the psychology of coaching (Grant 2001). Because of this, it is difficult to create specified
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