The world has moved online, so have many forms of service. Life coaching is probably one discipline which made the most successful transition. Not only has life coaching made a smooth transition to the internet, but the level of service offered exceeds that of telephone and face to face coaching in many ways.

Some clients may wonder if it is a real form of assistance. Counsellors see people in a clinical environment. This has an authoritative value, but when it comes to coaching vs. therapy, this clinical setting may actually work against the process, slowing or inhibiting the client’s progress.

The online life coaching approach gives the client more control. Progress is faster, and there is a wealth of information only a mouse click away. There are resources like auto access forms, and PDFs, or emails that are not available in a clinical setting. Why spend ½ hour at clinic going through the Meyer’s Brigg’s personality assessment while in session when you can do it online just before the session – focusing on how it effects your communication and relationship styles to make the most of the session.

Coaching creates a connection between two people. In essence, the coach’s role is to ask questions. The Client finds the answers. The coach will guide the client to various options, but the client must take action to change their lives.

Coaching happens in the moment. It doesn’t matter what caused your current problems. The focus of coaching is to change any misguided thought processes or beliefs that are limiting the client’s opportunities and success.

Coaching is designed to start on a very shallow level, the conscious mind. Here the coach and client will try to reconstruct a strategy for making better decisions. This will move to a sub-conscious level where the coach’s empathetic approach will help the clients see how their emotions control their decisions and actions. This level helps the client see whether they are in control, taking action, or out of control, reacting when a situation arises.

The third level touches on the spiritual level, the true identity of the client. The client is encouraged to look at who they are, and challenge whether they are that person by choice, or by the actions and words of other people.

These three layers must balance for a successful coaching session. All of this can be done online. There is more power for the coach to help when using online tools. They can include music for audio learners, images for visual, and a variety of other tools for hands on learners. The client is not forced to sit and listen, and remain inactive.

There is also the benefit of being able to take notes, on both sides, without pausing the session. This happens very often in face to face, and quite often in telephone coaching. This is vitally important, especially in my coaching approach.

A coach is trained to empower their client. To help them take back control over their actions and reactions. My job, as a coach, is to help you define your own empowered inspiration and revelations. To be able to create a self image based on your beliefs about yourself. To create a core person that is healthy and attracts other healthy people. And most important, give you a solid foundation so you can handle conflict, negotiate in relationships so you feel loved, and negotiate at work so you have a voice in your career.

I do not believe this can be done if you are limited to listening. The Client must take action. They gain control by taking control. And, I find this is accomplished best using online coaching tools.

Author's Bio: 

Suzanne James has 10 years experience as an online life coach and using the telephone to facilitate her coaching strategy. She has vast experience helping clients reset their core values, make changes in their communication and relationship styles, and take back control of their lives. There is a wealth of information on her website: http://www.suzannejames.com