Behind the Coaching Trend: Making Informed Choices for Your Personal Growth
Coaching is something that, within the past few years, has exploded on social media. Posts from life coaches, career coaches, nutrition coaches, and so on, often litters your feed. Coaching can be an amazing resource, but like with anything, takes some research to understand what services are being offered, what results you can expect, and why credentials matter. Let’s break these down so you can make an informed choice on what meets your needs when considering coaching.
There are a variety of services that coaches can offer, which are most often found in the career, health, and wellness sectors. A big part of choosing the best fit is reflecting on what area you’re wanting to focus on: Are you wanting to set goals around weight loss and dieting? Do you need support with a career transition? What about learning stress and time management skills? Some coaches offer guidance in more than one area, but if you’re wanting specific help on a topic, it’s important to decide if you want to work with a coach who specializes in that topic. A coach should be open with clients on what they do or do not coach on. As a wellness coach who focuses on mental health, I work with clients who want to improve their emotional and mental wellbeing. Bottom line is to explore what type of services you’re looking for.
What you’re hoping to achieve (what results are you after) is another important consideration when choosing a coach. A responsible, ethical coach will not market their services as the solution to all of your problems. “Work with me and make $10,000 per month!” is not an attainable goal for most of us. Be wary of coaches who are offering too good to be true results. An ethical coach will be upfront about what you can expect from the coaching process. They will work with you to identify your goals and explore the next steps needed to achieve them. A coach is someone who supports you, provides guidance, and most of all helps you uncover your unique strengths and inner wisdom.
Now, you probably wouldn’t go to a dentist or a doctor who didn’t graduate from school (please don’t). Credentials are also important when it comes to choosing a coach, too. Credentialing provides a framework for professional standards and ethics for coaches to adhere to. There are requirements for education, experience, and board testing for certification. Two main accrediting boards are the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching and the International Coaching Federation, among other accrediting bodies for specializations. Working with a coach who has credentials gives you security in knowing that they are held to a standard that other coaches may not be. There isn’t specific licensing for coaches, so it is up to your discretion if you want to work with a coach who has a different educational background. I’m upfront with clients that I am a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and have a master’s degree in social work. I know that my education and experience gives credibility to the services that I offer. Being informed about your coach is essential for establishing a good working relationship with them!
Navigating the world of coaching can seem overwhelming with the abundance of options available on social media (and beyond!). That said, by taking the time to understand the variety of services offered, the realistic results you can expect, and the importance of proper credentials, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your personal goals. Whether you’re looking for support in career transitions, health and wellness, or mental wellbeing, finding the right coach who specializes in your area of interest and adheres to professional standards is crucial. A good coach will not only help you identify and achieve your goals but will also empower you to navigate your unique journey. Remember, investing in the right coaching relationship can be a transformative step towards achieving your goals and changing your future.
