Many coaches use the telephone for life coaching. Others have set up their websites for online coaching. This is a drastic change from counselling days when the coach and client meet face to face. This seems like distancing to some clients. They do not understand how coaching can work if they cannot see the coach.
The simple fact is, online life coaching is catching on, because it works.
There are some draw backs to online coaching or using the telephone:
In person you can see non-verbal responses, eye movement, posture, balance, and reactions
The coaching room is closed off and silent, removing distractions
There is an intransigent value added when a client travels to visit the coach
Both the life coach and the client can hear and see the silences
It is easier to add visual aids to help with coaching
However, there are some strong benefits to coaching online:
The client is more relaxed. They are at home in their ‘safe place.’
The client feels more in control than in a clinical setting
There is more Time and Organizational flexibility with online coaching or telephone coaching.
Telephone coaching sessions can be intense and open opportunity for clients who have less time for a longer more relaxed session.
The client is probably more open. They worry less about whether their answer is the ‘right one’ or if they are saying something wrong.
It allows clients to pick the perfect coach for their situation, not just settle for a coach who lives in their area.
Online life coaching is less expensive for both the client and the coach.
The Online life coaching strategy allows for addons, like mid week reminders via email or txt.
It helps the client focus on communication skills which are vital to relationships, career success, self esteem, and making successful transitions.
Online coaching from a computer, via skype, includes no long distance fees.
The computer creates a focal point that removes distractions
The life coach can use visuals that the client can keep for future reference.
Homework can be done in one place, and does not necessarily need to be done under the eye of the coach. This lets clients think about their answers before committing.
It is easy to share articles, web links, videos, images, podcast and audio files. It takes much less time of the coaching session, optimizing the use of the session. Every minute in a coaching session is valuable and shouldn’t be wasted with organization and explanation.
Everything can be done online, even signing the contract. This eliminates the postage cost and delay associated with telephone coaching.
The important thing to focus on is picking the right coach. Life coach is a broad term. Under this label are many disciplines that include core values, balance, transitions, relationships, success, among other disciplines. Clients may already have an idea of the specialist they are looking for. Online life coaching lets them choose their specialist beyond any geographic, time, or organizational boundaries.
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