Where can I find a reputable lifecoach?

Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to that question.

Life coaching has been around for the better part of two decades, originating in the United States and coming to the UK in the last ten years or so. In the UK today, there are thousands of practitioners who call themselves ‘life coaches’. However, there is no one over-arching professional standards body that monitors entry or practice in the field—either with respect to training institutions or actual coaches. Some training organisations and coaches say they are members of this or that governing body, but the truth is that anyone can call themselves a life coach, and anyone can claim they are qualified to train others to become life coaches.

As a prospective client, it means that you are pretty much on your own when searching for a coach. Of course, you should research all the available resources, for instance, the web, the press and trusted friends. However, ultimately, you will have to rely on your own judgment and trust your gut feeling about anyone you find.

Ask yourself whether you could imagine opening up to a particular coach, and stay away from coaches who make promises they simply couldn’t keep. Avoid coaches who demand a lot of money upfront. You need time to find out if you like working with someone.