The Top Risks of Working with a Certified Life Coach and Exactly How You Can Avoid Them

In this blog post, I'm tackling a sensitive topic that may make many coaches uneasy. However, it's crucial that we educate the public to make informed choices that lead to positive changes in their lives. The surge in popularity of coaching services has also given rise to an unregulated segment of the industry, which can negatively impact those seeking to benefit from working with a certified life coach.

Thinking of hiring a certified life coach but worried it could go wrong? Don't fret - here are the top risks and exactly how you can avoid them for a successful partnership.

Risk #1: Life Coaches Lack Regulation

The life coaching industry faces limited regulation, allowing individuals to claim to be certified life coaches without rigorous credentialing. However, reputable organizations like the NeuroLeadership Institute and International Coaching Federation do provide ethical guidelines and certifications to help ensure quality coaching services.

When seeking a professional coach, look for one who has been certified by reputable organizations.

Risk #2: The Effectiveness of a Certified Life Coach Has Not Been Demonstrated Through Research

Despite the lack of extensive research and empirical studies on coaching, as seen in other industries, there is evidence suggesting the benefits of working with a certified life coach. Here are a couple of interesting studies that support this:

A study led by the University of Central Florida's Department of Psychology and reviewed by the University of Paderborn in Germany and the University Institute of Psychological (ISPA) in Portugal analyzed the impact of certified life coaching in the workplace using a pool of over 1,000 participants. The study concluded that coaching was effective in achieving positive organizational outcomes.

A study by the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, using randomized controlled trials, found that coaching has an overall positive effect, though its effectiveness was slightly lower than that typically observed for psychotherapy. This lower effect size for coaching, the study suggests, may stem from psychotherapy's higher problem pressure, more structured sessions, and greater influence wielded by psychotherapists. The complete study is available online.

Risk #3: Life Coaches May Offer Simple Solutions to Serious Mental Health Problems

Oversimplifying complex issues can be problematic. It's critical to distinguish between therapy and coaching. Therapists are trained to treat mental illness and significant emotional/relational concerns, while certified life coaches aim to enhance performance in specific areas. 

Therapy focuses on a person's history, looking to the past to help manage the present. Coaching, on the other hand, is future-oriented - the coach examines the client's current situation to help create their desired future. Clients who dwell excessively on the past may require the healing and support of a therapist.

In therapy, practitioners diagnose disorders and address traumas. A certified life coach, however, uses a collaborative process where the solution is co-created between the coach and client. The coach does not dictate solutions, but rather asks questions and facilitates the client's thinking to leverage their strengths and resources.

Risk #4 Unrealistic Promises: Some Life Coaches May Make Exaggerated Claims About The Results They Can Achieve.

A certified life coach should create a safe, client-directed environment where the coachee can choose the discussion topics, explore their vision of success, and identify available options to achieve their goals.

The role of a certified life coach is to guide, not dictate. The objectives and solutions explored during a session should be driven by you, the client, not imposed by the coach. Instead, the focus should be on collaboratively examining your thought processes to uncover new perspectives and generate meaningful insights.

Risk #5 Cost: Working with a Certified Life Coach Can Be Expensive

Let's discuss the cost of coaching. Rather than viewing it as an expense, I encourage you to consider it an investment. To ensure a strong return on your investment, it's important to find a coach who is certified or in the process of becoming certified by a reputable coaching institution. This certification will help guarantee that your investment yields the results you desire.

Coaches often offer discounted package deals with a set number of coaching sessions. This can provide better value for your investment. Another option worth considering is to see if your employer is willing to cover the costs, as working with a certified life coach has been shown to improve productivity and workplace satisfaction.

While it may seem counterintuitive for a certified life coach to discuss the risks of working with one, it is crucial to understand how to select the right certified professional. The rise of self-proclaimed "life coaches" on social media has created a dangerous trend, with many unprepared individuals falsely claiming to be certified experts. By being aware of the potential pitfalls, you can ensure you find a qualified life coach who will truly support your growth and well-being.

Before working with a life coach, you should verify their credentials to ensure they have the necessary experience and qualifications. While this doesn't eliminate all potential risks, taking this step can significantly reduce the risks and set you up for a more successful coaching experience.