How to Train to Become a Life Coach

As a life coach, you work one-on-one to help guide individuals to meet their personal and professional goals.

A career as a life coach requires both special skills and natural talent. A life coach works with individuals to help them find direction and motivation in all aspects of their lives. As a life coach, you can choose to specialize in a specific area, such as careers, relationships or personal growth. Demand for life coaches is growing as more people become aware of the benefits they can receive from working with a coach.

Instructions

1. Decide what area of specialization you would like to study. Specialization will provide you the opportunity to become skilled and knowledgeable in your preferred area. You can specialize in relationships, careers, personal goal setting, fitness and weight management, addiction life coaching or virtually any other area of life that can benefit from guidance and structure toward success.

2. Choose a life coach educational program that concentrates on your chosen area of specialty. Two of the most popular programs include The Spencer Institute, which offers online training in the personal wellness, fitness and nutrition areas, and Erickson Coaching International, which offers online and onsite programs.

3. Use your real life experiences in your training. The people that your already know and the issues that they deal with can act as your starting ground for implementing some of what your learn in your program. This real world application will aid in expanding your skills.

4. Seek continuing education opportunities. Life coaching is subject to continual advancements in research and implementation. The Spencer Institute and Erickson Coaching International offer many continuing education classes to support and enhance your skills. Read books, such as "The Life Coaching Handbook" by Curly Martin to stay fresh and current on new developments. Join the International Coach Federation, or ICF, to receive peer support from approximately 13,500 other members. Attend the ICF conference for continuing education opportunities. Read ICF publications for news, tips and information on the latest trends in life coaching.

Tips & Warnings

• Keeping accurate and complete records of client progress and data is essential for successful life coaching.

References

• CNN: Getting Unstuck: Does your life need a coach?
• Solveyourproblem.com: Becoming a life coach
• Erikson Coaching International: Online live coach training
• Spencer Institute: Life Coaching and wellness
• International Coach Federation: In the spotlight

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish