Life Coaching: A modern day refuge for all?

Hi All,

I was chatting to a friend the other day and the conversation turned to the work that I do as a "Life Coach". One of the things we did talk about was the broad diversity of skill sets and tools used within any given group of life coaches. If you took a random sample of Life Coaches, some would be Hypnotherapists, NLP Practitioners, Counsellors, Reality Therapists, Mentors, Motivators, Reiki Healers, certified life coahes (i.e. have a diploma in life coaching).... I'm sure there are others I haven't mentioned. Some people will often have several of these skills and approaches in their tool bag.

The differences in tools are often reflected in the price that these different coaches charge. And this got us thinking. There must be a difference at the level of customer experience that justifies the range in prices which does extend from anywhere between £30/hr upto £150 (far higher in the case of established coaches). From my own research and experience this is generally what I percieve (which of course is just my perception), it is possible to split this diversity of coaches into two groups.

Firstly those who offer motivation, good advice, a caring ear to act as a sounding board, a guide to assist someone in making positive decisions and who will assist with the following through of these decissions. For thousands of people this is exactly what they need.

Secondly there are coaches who are skilled at all of the above but also assist clients in dealing with specific problems and past issues which are still hindering them in the here and now. Helping them to overcome past traumatic events, phobias, strong habitual behaviours, relationship problems and limiting self beliefs. Assisting people in gaining direct access to resources which will help them become more confident at work or in giving public speaches. For many people this is exactly what they need.

Two quite different areas which all come under the umbrella of life coaching. So why is this? I reviewed my own decision on why to title myself a "Life Coach". For myself it was primarily a business decision tied up with internet marketing. Life Coaching is a popular phrase which potential clients search for. I then began to ponder why this was? Why do many potential clients search for a "Life Coach" and not a hypnotherapist or counsellor? My conclusion is this. Life Coaching is a more accessible term. It currently (I'll come to this point in a moment) doesn't have the stigma that many people still percieve with say hypnotherapy and counselling. Perhaps this situation is changing. Paul Mckenna has done some great work in recent times in promoting hypnosis in a more therapeutic context. But my opinion is that so many people flock to the banner of life coaching because it provides less resistance to potential clients.

I do however see a potential problem with such a diverse range of practitioners over the longer term. Is it possible that the perception of what a "Life Coach" is may become quite a grey area (if it isn't already).

Anyway, just some random thoughts. What do you think?