I recently had the opportunity to interview Gloria Sloan, a life coach and Xulon Press author, about what tends to keep people from achieving goals they really want to accomplish. The author of Life Skills for the Journey had plenty of insights to share, and even some specific advice for people who want to write and publish a book!
Before you head over to the Xulon Press Substack to read the full interview with Gloria Sloan, I want to answer some basic questions about what a life coach is and what they do.
What is a Life Coach?
A life coach uses specialized training and their unique life experiences to help clients identify and work toward their personal development goals. Coaches can work with clients either for personal development or career development, and sessions can take place one-on-one or in group sessions. Plus, sessions can be in-person, over the phone, or via video sessions.
Life Coach vs. Therapist
While life coaches and therapists both offer confidential and customized sessions to discuss personal roadblocks and challenges, the two professions have some differences as well.
Therapist
Therapy often looks to the past to identify why a person limits themselves, makes the choices they do, and how and why they see themselves as they do. The goal is to confront and resolve the past.
A minimum of a master’s degree is required for a counselor and a doctorate is required for a psychologist. In addition, all therapists need professional licenses to practice. This is because therapists use clinical techniques that are based on decades of research, science, and theory.
Life Coach
Life coaches, on the other hand, aim to have their clients focus on future-facing actions and personal development. While life coaching as a whole, isn’t regulated like therapy, specialized training is available from credible organizations. This process doesn’t require coaches to follow a strict set of therapy principles when working with clients. Think Tony Robbins or Robin Sharma when you think about life coaching.
Interview with Gloria Sloan
To read our full interview with Life Coach, Gloria Sloan, visit Xulon Press Substack.
