I'm thinking of doing a life coaching course and just wanted to get some feedback on what people thought. Is it a service that is in demand? has it had it's day or is it the future of a new era? Also is NLP/ hypnotherapy a neccesary part? and which course would you recommend. Maybe I need some coaching...
RE: Life coaching
Hi
This question has been asked quite a few times on the Life Coaching forum, so you may be able to find some useful info there.
Is NLP/hypnotherapy necessary? - I don't use these and I know of many coaches who also do not use these techniques. So they aren't essential.
Has it had its day? - I don't believe so, but some coach training schools may lead you to believe that it's easy to make pots of money as a coach where in fact it's just like any other business - you need to put the time and effort into getting clients if you're going to make a living from it.
As for course recommendations - difficult to do on this forum without advertising, but there are many coach training organisations and you need to speak to people from several before making a decision. You'll need to get factual info as well as a 'feel' for what the coach training is like. Some are UK based, others are not - I went with a US based company because I wasn't bothered about having face-to-face training, but other people do want this. Some were also a bit 'hard sell' for my liking, but that's just my personal opinion. And of course the course cost is also a factor.
Good luck!
Helen
RE: Life coaching
Hello Angel
I have to agree with what Helen has said above.
I don't think that coaching has had its day, particularly since it is becoming better known and thus people are more likely to turn to it. However, the coach training organisations will tell you, either implicitly or explicitly, that there is a lot of money to be made in this industry. Even so, like any other business start up, you have to work hard to attain and retain clients and whilst hourly coaching rates look good, you will put in a lot more unchargeable hours as well as paying for marketing, computer equipment etc.
I don't think that anyone will recommend a particular course. My course was very good in its content but I found the organisation a bit 'snake-oil salesman' in its approach before during and after qualification. There is at least one free course out there but by all accounts it sounds like you get what you pay for. Your best bet is to speak to people who have studied at each institution. Look at some coach's websites and see where they trained. I am sure that most would be more than happy to speak to you about their experience, me included.
I am not sure personally about how hypnotherapy combines with coaching. However, I find NLP a very useful way to build rapport and understand clients.
Finally (I only meant to write a few lines!), Coaching is a fabulously rewarding occupation and I feel honoured that my clients choose to be coached by me but you have to enjoy the business side as much as the coaching side.
I hope this helps - and Good Luck!
RE: Life coaching
Hi
I have to agree with everything that has been said. Coaching is definitely a growing business but, as already mentioned, it is just like any other business and you need to be patient and realistic about building your own client base to achieve a sustainable income from it. Many coaches diversify into other areas, including NLP and hypnotherapy, as a way to broaden the services they offer - so it's not essential but may bring you more clients!
In terms of training providers, I think it's important to understand your preferred learning style - be it academic, face-to-face, distance learning or whatever. Once you are clear about how you like to learn, you can target those providers.
Coaching is my passion and I think many coaches would agree that the motivation is in the personal satisfaction and reward it provides, rather than huge incomes!!
I hope this helps and best wishes for the future
Diana Coldman
Holistic Life Coach
www.libertycoaching.co.uk