What is life coaching, anyway?

I have the map, but you are the tour guide.

I was sitting at my desk as a middle school counselor and it began sinking in that while counseling is my passion, some of what I am doing is not getting through the threshold of a student’s front door. It was a harsh reality to accept. As much as I was processing, sorting through solutions, and connecting students with resources, their parents only knew some of what was being worked on. To help me accept my role as a counselor and it’s limitations, I hired myself a coach… and it radically changed my life.

I learned that coaching is going on a journey with a client. It’s asking the right questions within a proven coaching formula to provoke a client to find their own solutions. Coaches have resources. Coaches have methodology. Coaches have a map, but the client is the tour guide.

I realized I wanted to bring this model into the lives of the young people and their parents. Of course, therapy is highly necessary to unlock past traumas and deeply rooted personal conflicts. The importance of therapy cannot be undervalued.

But just what if doors between family members could be unlocked through a coaching model? What if a mom could relieve her “mom guilt” by taking time to sort through her own needs? What if an adolescent felt truly free to spitball their hopes, dreams, and mistakes, and make a plan for their future?

I was thrilled to earn my Professional Life Coach Certification so I can begin to support families in a whole new way. I believe in putting in the work with adolescents, committed parents, and those who need a hand. I believe in coaching, and I believe we can do this.