Life coaching is a structured, goal focused conversation that helps you work out what you want, what is holding you back and what your next step is. Rather than giving advice, a coach asks precise questions and helps you reach your own answers.
Coaching is not a treatment for mental illness and does not replace psychotherapy. It suits people whose mental health is fairly stable and who want clearer direction in work, relationships or life path.
Something else may fit better if…
Coaching usually starts by clarifying the goal. The coach helps turn something broad like "I want to feel more satisfied" into something specific you can track.
Later sessions look at outer and inner obstacles, weigh options, and you choose one or two concrete steps before the next meeting. The coach supports follow through and accountability.
In most countries coaching is not a legally protected title. It is worth asking about a coach's training and experience and whether they also have a background in psychology.
Sessions take place online and often last between forty five minutes and an hour. They are usually one to two weeks apart so you have time to act.
The tone is mostly forward looking and practical. Some sessions feel full of ideas, others harder; change is usually gradual and no result is promised in advance.
Examples are fictional and illustrative.
Reza was an engineer in Iran and now does simpler work in Germany. In coaching he lists his skills and plans small steps such as updating his CV and contacting a few people in his field. Each week his coach checks what got done. This is a fictional example.
Sara has wanted to start a small business for years. With her coach she breaks the big goal into small steps and notices where fear of other people's judgement stops her. This story is invented.
Kaveh feels all his time goes to work. In sessions he reviews his values and tries a few small changes to his weekly schedule. This example is for illustration only.
These therapists list this on their profile. All sessions are online and in Persian.
A clinical psychologist or counsellor is trained to assess and treat psychological problems. A coach focuses on goals and action and does not provide treatment, although some coaches also have a psychology background.
Usually not. Through questions and reflection a coach helps you see your options and make the decision yourself.
It varies with the goal. Some people book a few sessions for one decision, others work over several months with gaps between sessions.
Tell your coach. They may suggest psychotherapy for a while, either instead of or alongside coaching.
This page is general information and does not replace a professional assessment. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact your local emergency services. Urgent help
