No one told me that they were interested in being a life coach. That's a shame because anyone can do it because there are no licensing requirements. It's a new field, so that explains it.
But there's a movement afoot to regulate it since some life coaches charge a lot for their services, and no one seems sure just what those services are and whether they actually do anything. Maybe its just a scam.
First, what is a life coach?
A life coach is a professional who works with individuals to help them achieve their personal and professional goals, improve their lives, and overcome obstacles. Life coaches use a variety of techniques and approaches to support their clients in areas such as career, relationships, health, personal development, and more.
It's important to note that life coaching is distinct from therapy or counseling, as it focuses more on the present and future rather than delving into past traumas or mental health issues. Life coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions but instead focus on empowering their clients to reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives.
What is controversial about life coaches?
Life coaching has been involved in several controversies, including:
Lack of qualifications: Life coaches are not required to have any specific licenses or certifications, unlike therapists and social workers who need to have a master's degree and state licensure. Some say that this has led to unqualified people claiming to be life coaches, which can harm the profession's reputation. Others argue that life coaches are not qualified to give psychological advice because they don't have the same licensing requirements as therapists.
Unregulated industry: The life coaching industry in the US is unregulated, and there are no government boards of examiners to enforce codes of conduct. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is self-regulated, but it doesn't have legal authority. For example, Tony Robbins couldn't get certified by the ICF because he had violated their code of ethics multiple times.
False promises: Some life coaches have been involved in controversies over making false promises. For example, in 2006, Frank Kern, an internet marketing guru, was fined $250,000 by the Federal Trade Commission for making false promises.
Here's some reading material related to the industry - pro and con.
- I’m a life coach, you’re a life coach: the rise of an unregulated industry.
- How the Life Coaching Industry Sells Pseudo-Solutions to Our Deepest Problems.
- Why Do Therapists Hate Life Coaches? An In-Depth Look at the Controversy of Tony Robbins.
