How to become a life coach

Thinking about a career change? Becoming a life coach isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. There are plenty of ways to get started, whether that’s through formal training programmes, certifications or learning through hands-on experience. 

And just like the paths to becoming a coach vary, so do the ways you can work with clients. Some coaches focus on one-on-one sessions, while others run group programmes or even take their practice online. 

The beauty of life coaching is that it’s flexible. You can shape it to match your style and strengths while supporting others in reaching their goals.

What is a life coach?

A life coach is like a personal cheerleader, guide and accountability partner rolled into one. They’re there to help you figure out your goals, overcome obstacles and make the changes you’ve been wanting in your life. 

Life coaches come in all shapes and sizes, working in areas like health, relationships, career or even spirituality. They might work independently, as part of an organisation or online, making their services super flexible to fit your needs. Essentially, life coaches help you level up, whatever that means for you. 

Here are some common types of life coaching:

• Addiction and sobriety coaching
• Business, executive, and leadership coaching
• Career coaching
• Dating and relationship coaching
• Diet and fitness coaching
• Divorce coaching
• Family life coaching
• Financial coaching
• Health and wellness coaching
• Life skills coaching
• Mental health coaching
• Spirituality coaching
• Sports coaching

Job description of a life coach

The job of a life coach is to help people achieve their goals, feel more confident and make positive changes in their lives. Typical responsibilities include:

• Working one-on-one with clients to set personalised goals
• Developing action plans and offering strategies to overcome challenges
• Providing motivation and emotional support
• Tracking progress and adjusting plans as needed
• Specialising in areas like wellness, relationships, career or finances

What’s the difference between a life coach and a therapist?

Life coaches and therapists both support personal growth, but in quite different ways:

1. Training and qualifications

No formal qualifications are required to be a life coach, although many people complete certification programmes. Their focus is mainly on goal-setting and personal development. On the other hand, therapists require advanced degrees (e.g., psychology or counselling) and licensing. They go through years of education and clinical training to address mental health issues.

2. Areas of focus

In general, life coaches focus on the present and future. They help clients achieve specific goals like career growth, improving relationships or health and wellness. Therapists, however, treat mental health conditions (like anxiety or depression), explore past traumas and address emotional or psychological issues.

3. Approach

Life coaches are known for their action-oriented strategies, accountability and results. They work with mentally well clients, helping them improve in specific areas. On the other side, therapists use evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat mental health issues. Their approach is often more reflective and therapeutic.

4. Legal and ethical codes

There are no legal regulations for life coaches, although they usually follow voluntary ethical standards if they’re certified. Whereas therapists must adhere to strict codes of conduct and confidentiality laws, and they’re regulated by licensing boards such as the BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

5. Scope of practice

It’s important to note that life coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. They work with clients who are functioning well but want to achieve more in life. Therapists are trained to diagnose, treat and manage mental health disorders, often working with medical professionals if necessary.

In a nutshell, life coaches focus on goal-setting and motivation, while therapists address deeper emotional and psychological challenges. 

Education and requirements: Life coach training

Becoming a life coach legally requires no formal training, which is why it’s such an accessible career path. But in a competitive industry, having a higher level of training and expertise can make all the difference. 

Clients are more likely to trust and invest in someone who can show a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, making training an essential step for long-term success.

Luckily, there are many ways to train as a life coach. You can take online certifications, attend in-person workshops or pursue mentorship programmes – all of which can boost your credibility. 

If you’re looking for the highest level of qualification, some universities now offer psychology degrees that integrate life coaching, or standalone coaching courses. London College of Arts and University of Cambridge, for example, both offer a life coaching course. This is the most expensive and time-intensive route, but some see it as the gold standard in life coaching education. You could also take training through the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), which offers a range of courses in coaching methods.

So if you’re thinking about becoming a life coach, while training isn’t legally required, it’s a solid investment if you want to stand out and build a successful coaching practice.

How long does it take to become a life coach?

The time it takes to become a life coach varies depending on the training path you choose. If you opt for an accredited training course, you can typically expect it to take around 12-18 months to complete. These programmes are designed to provide in-depth knowledge, practical experience and a certification that can enhance your credibility with clients.

On the other hand, shorter courses or skipping formal training altogether can get you started much faster. While this approach might seem like the obvious choice, it comes with drawbacks. Without comprehensive training, you may feel less equipped to handle complex client needs and might struggle to establish trust and credibility in a competitive industry.

If you’re serious about building a long-term coaching practice, investing the time in quality training can help you stand out in the crowded life coaching market.

Could I become a life coach?

Are you passionate about making a difference in someone’s life? If yes, then you’re already off to a good start.

It’s worth thinking about the traits and skills that make a great coach. Strong life coaches tend to have certain soft skills in common that help them connect with their clients and guide them effectively.

Being a good listener is key, as you’ll spend a lot of time trying to understand your client’s needs, goals and challenges. Strong communication skills are also essential, as you’ll need to share insights and strategies clearly and confidently. Empathy and a non-judgmental attitude are equally important – your clients need to feel supported and understood, no matter where they are in their journey.

Patience, creativity and the ability to stay organised are also traits that will probably come in handy. If you naturally find joy in helping others grow and thrive, or if people often turn to you for guidance, these could be signs that you’d find life coaching a fulfilling career.

Day In the life of a life coach

The beauty of life coaching is that you can plan your day as you see fit! As a self-employed life coach, your day is as flexible and dynamic as you make it. 

Many coaches start their day by heading to their office or home workspace. The counselling treatment and therapy rooms at UNTIL provide a peaceful, private, and welcoming space for your clients (did we mention there’s unlimited free coffee?). And if you need some additional privacy while performing remote sessions, you can rent a call booth. These are perfect for making confidential calls in a quiet, safe space.

Once at their desk, some life coaches will start by taking some time to organise their schedule and plan for upcoming sessions. This might mean reviewing notes from previous meetings, setting goals for the day’s clients, or fine-tuning coaching plans tailored to their unique needs.

Your day typically involves one-on-one sessions with clients, either in person or virtually, helping them work toward goals like career changes, improved relationships or healthier lifestyles. Between sessions, you might respond to emails, check in with clients for progress updates or do some admin work like invoicing or marketing to grow your business.

Some life coaches carve out time for professional development, like reading up on new coaching strategies, attending webinars or networking with other professionals. Others dedicate blocks of time to creating workshops, content or programmes to offer additional value to their clients.

Each day can look a little different, but the constant is the rewarding feeling of guiding people toward meaningful growth and finding purpose in their lives. And as your own boss, you have the flexibility to shape your workday to suit your life – what more could you want from a career?