In life coaching, our coaches utilize diverse therapeutic techniques that are tailored to individuals, including cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, mindfulness, and positive psychology approaches. They also utilize active listening and empathetic communication to provide a supportive space for you to explore and achieve personal goals and overcome challenges, fostering personal growth and clarity.
Grace is happy enough in her current job. It pays the bills. She is well-liked by her boss and co-workers. However, she is thinking about leaving it all behind. Grace is not sure what to do. Since they were kids, Grace and her sister have dreamed of opening a bakery together. It was always a dream until her sister approached her last week with a solid business plan. Grace knows that going into business with her sister is a risk. Does she stay at her job (the safe option) or take a calculated risk? Grace has been working with a life coach, so at their next meeting, brings up the opportunity. During their session, Grace and her life coach discuss, analyze, dream, and wonder. They look at the business plan from different angles. They consider risks and rewards, and by the end of their time together, Grace knows what she is going to do. She is confident, having processed the decision so thoroughly with her life coach.
Jay is striking out and heading out on a new adventure. For the past two decades, he has lived in the same apartment and worked at the same job and shopped at the same grocery store. Jay has always wanted to live in a different part of the country, and a job came open within his company. Jay applied and got it. Next month, he moves to a new city and will start building a new life. He is excited but very nervous. To plan for the move, Jay starts meeting with a life coach. They talk about the different areas of his life—professionally and socially. Jay and his life coach make a plan for getting established in a new home, making friends, and tackling his new job. Jay is confident and excited about this change, and he and his life coach continue to meet online throughout the first year of the transition.
Thriveworks St. Louis offers life coaching, and we have worked with many who are just like Jay and Grace. Everyone faces roadblocks and transitions in their lives. Life coaches can be allies to overcoming obstacles and creating a meaningful life.
Who Are Life Coaches?
“Each person holds so much power within themselves that needs to be let out. Sometimes they just need a little nudge, a little direction, a little support, a little coaching, and the greatest things can happen.” —Pete Carroll
When most people think of coaching, they usually think of sports, but life coaching is also a growing type of mental health care. There are many people who need care, but are not served by traditional therapy. That is where life coaches may step in. Because it is a new discipline among mental health professionals, it may be helpful to define who life coaches are and what they may do. Here is a little picture of the type of mental health care life coaches may be able to provide:
- The main purpose of life coaching is to help people reach their potential and fulfill their personal and professional goals.
- Each life coach has a personal style of care.
- Therapists and life coaches are not the same. Counselors and life coaches are not the same—they are different professional disciplines.
- A client’s needs and preferences often drive each session with a life coach, and life coaches can be more flexible than traditional therapy.
- Life coaches can be independent contractors.
- Life coaches can also work with other medical and/or therapeutic professionals.
- The International Coach Federation (ICF) is an organization that has laid out a professional development path for life coaches.
- ICF also commends ethical standards for life coaches.
- None of the ICF’s ethical or professional recommendations are binding.
- The title “life coach” is not regulated, so anyone can take the title.
- The care that life coaches offer can vary greatly—it is important to choose an experienced and educated life coach.
- Life coaches often use techniques that are based upon the principles of coaching an athlete.
Why Work with a Life Coach?
Life coaching offers unique and individualized care. It is often goal-focused, and goals can be set for any and every aspect of an individual’s life. The possible benefits are unlimited, but here are a few examples of how life coaching may positive impact a person’s life…
- A more clear view of who they are and what they want from life.
- A more clear path of how to set goals and achieve what they want from life.
- The ability to articulate the values that drive their life and decisions.
- Unbiased and honest feedback from their coach about their life—information that can be hard to hear but is helpful.
- Techniques for achieving their full potential.
- Accountability to achieve their full potential.
- Professional development.
- Personal development.
- Time and space to dream.
- Incentives for overcoming setbacks and tackling roadblocks.
- Increased self-esteem and confidence.
Setting Up an Appointment at Thriveworks St. Louis for Life Coaching
What do you think? Is it time to work with a life coach? The professionals at Thriveworks St. Louis are experienced life coaches who are ready to meet with you. When you call our office, you may have your first appointment within 24 hours. Our life coaches are also certified therapists, and they are paneled with many insurance companies. If you have insurance, we may accept your plan. We also offer evening and weekend appointments. Call today to set up a session.
