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What is life coaching?

Updated: Jul 18, 2023

... and why might you care?


According to me, anyway!


All life coaches will be a little different, as all people are different, just as you would get with any other profession. Many of us have become life coaches further into our working lives, meaning we bring all our skills and experience from our former careers with us into coaching (for me, that’s c. 16 years in HR).


A woman searching for 'what is life coaching' on her PC screen and reading the search results whilst thinking 'and should I care?"

life coaching explained


Coaching is really an experience rather than a process.


It’s not just the coaching sessions themselves that constitute the coaching (process), it’s the thinking, connecting and actions in between that make up the full picture of life coaching (experience).


For me, that experience is unique to each individual because I am always partnering with the one person in front of me, their unique needs, set of circumstances, beliefs, thinking and desires for themselves.


The commonality will be usually along the lines of having courage and self-belief to trust in themselves, to try or think something different, and open up to new possibilities. I also encourage all my coaching clients to think of all aspects of their lives, so not just work or being a parent, there’s how these meld together and also what’s just for them.


How does life coaching work?


First of all, we check two things – is coaching the right means for you to achieve what you are looking for. And secondly, am I the right coach for you. All this is before you’ve committed to anything, so nothing ventured, nothing gained!


In the coaching space, we are equal partners in a coaching relationship – I don’t tell you what to do! The focus is always on what you want to achieve – whether that’s how you think or feel about something (including yourself!), a big fat scary long-term goal, or shorter-term mini goals, relating to any area of your life.


Curious questions from me, and reflective thinking / expanded options and choices on your way forward from you are the ‘bones’ of the coaching relationship of the sessions. There may be tools, techniques and strategies involved, but that will always depend on the client’s needs and wishes, and what is being discussed.


What life coaching services are available?


These will vary coach by coach, but most provide 1-1 coaching due to the very personal and private nature of what can be discussed.


Personally, I’m a huge fan and advocate of 1-1 coaching, especially for those who feel a little apprehensive: it’s all about you, no one else, and your coach is fully there to support you, not judge, keep your information confidential and help you overcome your challenge(s).


It’s the most rewarding career and a privilege to do this for my job! Group coaching, programmes, workshops, or self-guided study are other options, and can support 1-1 coaching or be instead of it for those who like collaboration, or to work through an issue by themselves in their own time.


What are the benefits of life coaching?


You could expect some of the following to apply in a life coaching partnership:


· Greater clarity – on what you want and what really matters to you

· Confidence-building – in yourself and your decisions

· Decisions made and acted upon that feel aligned to you

· Obstacles / challenges navigated

· Greater understanding of yourself – what triggers you, drives you, motivates you and

what assumptions you might be making - meaning you can choose how better to

respond (rather than react)

· Strategies to retain for future situations

· Accountability and gentle challenge – to really help you get where you want to be

· Reflection, evaluation and celebration!



Why pick me as your life coach?


I might be the right kind of coach for you (and I might not, and that’s ok!).


I’m very real, practical, flawed and kind-natured – and I genuinely want good things for you! I tune into what you are saying (and not saying!), with empathy, kindness and compassion; our coaching space is a safe space for emotional release, followed by ‘where do we go from here?’.


Personally, my experience of having a premature baby was a huge and abrupt awakening into parenthood, a massive lesson in resilience, and highlighted to me the conflicting demands on our time and the weight of expectations we regularly contend with. I’ve made major changes in my life too – my career, where we live and how my life looks entirely really!


I’m an accredited coach, having qualified in Spring 2020, and have 3 years’ experience (plus 1 year in training).


Here's my latest testimonial:


"The sessions helped me greatly in 'untangling' my thinking and has resulted in me coming out with a clear plan and feeling much more confident, relaxed and excited about the next 12 months. Kathryn had some great insights and it felt like a safe non-judgemental space. I really enjoyed and benefited from the sessions. Thank you." – MM, June 2023


If you’d like to be feeling something similar (with your own unique spin on it of course!) do get in touch!


My partnerships start from my mini-intensive over c. 6 weeks, to a longer term partnership over 6 months. You can read more about my coaching partnerships here and as a heads up, my prices are increasing on 1 August 2023.


If you have any questions, please do reach out, I really don’t mind! kathryn@kbmindfulcoaching.com


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