Life coaches can help with anything from losing weight, to starting a new business, to developing a deeper spiritual connection. They do this by asking questions that get their clients thinking about what they truly want in their lives and then helping them devise ways of achieving those goals. Coaches can also work in corporate environments to provide group services and guidance on a range of important areas.

It is important to recognise that life coaches are not therapists or counsellors, nor are they motivational speakers. Life coaches offer something more tailored to your specific situation. They become a confidential, impartial sounding board and guide to help you clarify your life goals and take steps to achieve them.

This will typically begin with an introductory session, where your coach will ask a series of questions to get to know you better and understand what you hope to gain from coaching. You don’t have to enter knowing the answers – it actually might be the perfect opportunity to start shifting your perspective onto what is most important to you. Together, you will then progress to develop a plan with specific goals and objectives.

Coaching sessions typically take place either in person, by phone, or online. Between sessions, your coach will also offer homework or exercises to help you stay on track and accountable.

Face-to-face interactions are great, as they allow clients and coaches to build a rapport in a shared setting. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, due to geographical or time-frame restraints. Thanks to recent advancements in technology, however, meetings and conversations can be conducted in new, virtual settings that provide the same level of support, but at the convenience of your location and schedule. In fact, many people actually start to prefer Skype coaching, as they have more time available to pursue the goals discussed in the sessions.