Frequently Asked Questions

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Investing in life coaching can be highly beneficial, especially when working with a skilled and experienced coach. Life coaching offers personalized support, guidance, and accountability, which can significantly enhance personal growth, goal achievement, and overall well-being. There is a litany of research that demonstrates the power of life coaching, but here is a short summary:

• Investment Return: A study conducted by the International Coach Federation (ICF) in collaboration with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) found that individuals who engaged in coaching experienced a median return on investment of 7 times their initial investment and reported an increase in their income levels (ICF, 2009). 
• Improved Career Performance: Life coaching can help individuals enhance their career skills, identify opportunities, and overcome obstacles that may be hindering their professional growth. A study published in the International Journal of Evidence-Based Coaching and Mentoring revealed that coaching interventions positively influenced individuals' career-related outcomes, including job satisfaction and income growth (Passmore et al., 2008). Coaching can assist in developing strategies, networking skills, and self-confidence, which can positively impact income-related achievements.
• Increased Entrepreneurial Success: Life coaching can also benefit entrepreneurs and business owners by providing guidance and support in areas such as business planning, goal setting, and strategic decision-making. A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that coaching interventions had a significant positive impact on entrepreneurial success, including increased revenue and profit growth (Slay & Smith, 2011). Coaching can help entrepreneurs maximize their potential and navigate challenges, leading to improved financial outcomes.
• General Wellbeing: The positive impact of life coaching has been supported by research, demonstrating its value in improving various aspects of life resulting in a significant increase in overall life satisfaction and joy (Green, Oades, & Grant, 2006). Life coaching sessions can vary in length, but typically last between 30 minutes to an hour. The frequency of sessions can also vary depending on the needs of the client.

Life coaching is a collaborative and forward-focused process that aims to support individuals in identifying their goals, overcoming obstacles, and creating a fulfilling life. It emphasizes personal development, goal achievement, and enhancing overall well-being. Unlike therapy or counseling, which often address psychological issues and past traumas, life coaching is not intended to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. While therapy tends to focus on healing and emotional recovery, life coaching concentrates on helping clients clarify their aspirations, develop strategies, and take action to achieve their desired outcomes. In rare cases, life coaches will also bring with them qualifications as mental health counselors. In these cases, you will be afforded the freedom that comes with life coaching with the professional experience and educational background of a mental health counselor. It is the best of both worlds!  Life coaching is a process in which a coach helps individuals identify and achieve their personal goals. The coach works with the client to create a plan of action and provides support and guidance throughout the process.

Life coaching can help individuals improve their self-awareness, develop new skills, create a plan for achieving their goals, and overcome obstacles that may be holding them back from success.

Life coaching sessions can vary in length, but typically last between 45 minutes to an hour. The frequency of sessions can also vary depending on the needs of the client.

Research suggests that the frequency of coaching sessions can impact the effectiveness and outcomes of the coaching process. A study published in the International Journal of Evidence-Based Coaching and Mentoring found that coaching interventions that included more frequent sessions tended to produce better results (Passmore, Gyllensten, & Freire, 2008). Another study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology showed that regular coaching sessions over a longer period of time led to higher levels of entrepreneurial success (Slay & Smith, 2011).

While the optimal frequency may vary depending on individual circumstances, it is generally recommended to have regular coaching sessions to maintain momentum and maximize progress. Many coaches and coaching organizations, including BetterUp, typically suggest meeting with a coach once or twice a month. This frequency allows for a balance between consistent support and allowing time for reflection, implementation of actions, and progress between sessions.

However, it is important to note that the frequency of coaching sessions can be tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences. Some clients may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially when working on time-sensitive goals or addressing significant challenges. Conversely, others may find that less frequent sessions suit their needs and allow for more independent reflection and integration of coaching insights into their lives.

Ultimately, the frequency of coaching sessions should be a collaborative decision between you and your coach based on your goals, availability, and progress. Open communication with your coach about your preferences and needs will help establish a coaching rhythm that maximizes the impact of the coaching process.

In general, anyone can use the title of a life coach as it is not a regulated profession. However, it is important to exercise caution when making your selection, as not all life coaches are created equal, and it is important to select a professional with appropriate certifications and credentials. Accredited coaching organizations such as the International Coach Federation and BetterUp offer certifications that ensure coaches have met specific standards of training and ethical guidelines. At Limitless Life Coaching, our life coaching is led and developed by Chelsea McLain, a mental health counselor with thousands of hours as a professional counselor and member of the American Counseling Association. In addition to having her Coaching Foundations Certification from BetterUp, she has completed her Master of Science degree in Counseling from Clark Summit University. When selecting a life coach, it is important to validate the qualifications of the individual to which you are offering tremendous trust and power in your life.  Research indicates that working with certified coaches is associated with better outcomes and client satisfaction (BetterUp, n.d.). 

A life coach, such as Chelsea McLain, can play a vital role in helping you achieve your goals and improve your life. Through their expertise and guidance, they provide a structured and supportive environment where you can clarify your aspirations, overcome obstacles, and create actionable plans. Research conducted by BetterUp indicates that coaching can lead to improvements in various areas of life, including work performance, well-being, and resilience (BetterUp, n.d.). Life coaches utilize effective coaching techniques to help you gain clarity, leverage your strengths, develop strategies, and hold you accountable to stay focused and motivated.

Determining whether you need a life coach depends on your specific needs and circumstances. While it is possible to figure things out on your own, a life coach can provide valuable support and guidance to accelerate your progress and help you overcome obstacles more effectively. Consider engaging a life coach if you find yourself feeling stuck, lacking clarity or direction, or facing recurring challenges that hinder your personal or professional growth. Research by BetterUp suggests that coaching can enhance leadership skills, increase self-awareness, and facilitate positive behavior change (BetterUp, n.d.). A life coach can offer a fresh perspective, tools, and strategies tailored to your unique circumstances, empowering you to achieve your goals more efficiently. At Limitless Life Coaching, we offer a free 30-minute consultation to see if life coaching is the right fit for you.  

When choosing a life coach, it is essential to consider their qualifications and certifications. Look for coaches who have completed recognized coach training programs or have obtained certifications from reputable coaching organizations such as the International Coach Federation (ICF). These certifications indicate that the coach has received proper training, adheres to ethical standards, and is committed to ongoing professional development. Additionally, qualifications in related fields such as counseling or psychology can provide a valuable foundation for effective coaching. Though uncommon within the life coaching profession, mental health counselors that offer life coaching sessions bring with them thousands of hours of education and significant experience with patients as a result of completing a practicum. Additionally, BetterUp, a leading coaching platform, partners with certified coaches who have undergone a rigorous selection process and meet specific professional criteria (BetterUp, n.d.). 

During a life coaching session, you can expect a structured and supportive environment where the focus is on your goals and aspirations. The session typically begins with a review of progress since the last session, followed by discussions to explore and clarify your current challenges, goals, and desired outcomes. Coaches like Chelsea McLain utilize various coaching techniques and tools to guide you through self-reflection, goal-setting, action planning, and accountability. You can expect active listening, powerful questioning, and collaborative problem-solving to help you gain insights, uncover limiting beliefs, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles. The specific structure and flow of each session may vary based on your unique needs and preferences.