I finally found my life calling, and it is to be a Life Coach or Personal Coach. I have no idea what is the best way to study this relatively new field, so I can become one. I see online "schools," and they're very expensive. Are they necessary? What is the best route to go overall? Thanks!
2006-07-11 12:13:48 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.
I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:
* Getting Started in Personal and Executive Coaching: How to Create a Thriving Coaching Practice by Stephen G. Fairley, Chris E. Stout
* The Life Coaching Handbook by Curly Martin
* Total Life Coaching: 50+ Life Lessons, Skills, and Techniques to Enhance Your Practice...and Your Life by Patrick Williams
* Coaching Manual: The Definitive Guide to the Process, Principles & Skills of Personal Coaching Paperback by Julie Starr
I also posted links to some free articles in the source box.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-07-12 04:37:40 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No offense, but have you asked yourself if there really is a legitimate field called "Life Coaching" ?
Or is it a way for people to be able to get around state licensing laws that say that you can't call yourself a psychologist, counselor, or therapist without having actual credentials?
Perhaps you should look into this a little more. You might find that you really want to become a school psychologist, counseling psychologist, guidence counselor, etc. At least if you followed one of these career paths, you would end up with credentials that were actually recognized by something other than the institution that you paid to get the credentials in the first place.
At the very least, you should question why people want your money to teach you how to become a "Life Coach". There is no real schooling/credentialling/licensing process for this. If you called yourself a "Life Coach" today and put an ad in your local Yellow Pages, then... *poof*... you're a "Life Coach". No one can sue you for false advertising because there is no legal definition of a life coach. Ask yourself why universities don't offer degrees in this, if it's a real field. Anyone on this board could call themselves a "life coach" without even a GED. There is no way to tell a fraud from someone who is legit. Hell, what IS a legit "life coach"?
You sure you want to be a part of that kind of thing?
I want to really underscore that I'm not p*ssing on your asperations. I'm betting that what you really want to do is already represented out there in a legitimate profession. If you become a life coach and that fad goes away, what are you left with? Nothing. If you go to college and earn a degree, then you will always have legitimate qualifications.
Good luck.
2006-07-11 12:45:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
You don't need a course to help out, but you may want to learn what your clients are going through, so take a couple courses.
And when I say clients, I don't mean you necessarily want money.
Start practicing on here, and get the hang of giving free advice. Talk to strangers, read lots of books, write your ideas down, and then even, you'll know better of what way you should go with it. You have the courage sister, and a life coach will go a long way for the tribes of life.
If however, you mean a personal stylist coach, or home decor tutor, then maybe look into the more realistic venues that are around, and you may just get what you need!
2006-07-11 12:22:12 · answer #3 · answered by littleblanket 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's a great field. It truly needs good, dedicated people who really want to help others. Take a women's study course (if women will be your specialty), get with whatever group is at your local college, hospital, and churches are great starting points. everyone needs some help sometime and bless you for wanting to help.
2006-07-11 13:05:35 · answer #4 · answered by Gloria 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Coaching is definitely a cool field. Here is a site that will give you some good and reliable information:
http://www.coachfederation.org/ICF/For+Future+Members/
2006-07-11 12:26:39 · answer #5 · answered by truly 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋