Does online life coaching really work? Is it worth a try?

At the start of the pandemic, many coaches who had mainly worked face-to-face suddenly had to find a new way to connect. Many of us weren’t sure how it would work, but it was clear that people needed support.

After some trial and error and a couple of crash courses in Zoom or teams, many coaches began a journey into the unfamiliar world of online coaching. Doing our very best to enable it to work. 

Two years on and it has completely transformed the landscape. Although there were some teething problems to begin with - broadband issues and the like - now our clients have the ability to connect easily too, it’s a mode of coaching that has a whole host of benefits. Enabling those seeking support to access it, wherever they are, whatever the situation. 

So what have we discovered, what are the benefits of online coaching?

It can fit in with your schedule

Whereas before you’d have to book out perhaps two to three hours of your day to accommodate your session including travel, now your coach is there in an instant, just when you need them. No need to leave work early, find a babysitter or use up your evening. Being able to schedule in an hour at lunchtime or another quiet period has meant the idea of booking and getting to a session is far less stressful. The result is you ‘arrive’ at your session with a clear head, unflustered and ready to make the most of it.

It’s in your space

At first, it wasn’t clear how a client being their own space would affect the coaching. After all, as coaches, we put a lot of thought into creating a neutral welcoming space for you to come into. Thankfully, we still do. The physical space may be different however it is our job as coaches to allow you to feel relaxed, safe and welcome. That’s exactly what you’ll find right from the start of your call.

It transpires that a client being in their own environment makes it easier to make the changes discussed with your coach and implement them in your own life, as you are already physically connecting those ideas with the space you are in and yourself. All you need is a quiet place where you can focus and won’t be interrupted.

A strong level of confidence

There’s something about online coaching that allows people to open up. Even those who might have found it hard in the past. Somehow it can be easier for people to express themselves and open up their thoughts, fears and dreams. Being able to access all of that information enables your coach to help you get what you want from your coaching - and your life.

It’s surprisingly easy to connect

Once we all got used to talking at a screen, we forgot the screen entirely and began to truly connect. Any experienced professional coach will help you to feel at ease within the first few minutes of your session. As a life and business coach who is also a qualified voice coach, I have found it remarkable just how effective the work is online. How do we know? It’s down to the results - the confidence clients feel, the dream jobs they get, the happy relationships they create. It’s really inspiring how our clients go on to create truly positive change, for the majority of coaches, that’s what really matters. 

It’s opened up a whole new world

Whereas at one point we were all constrained by geography, now the world really is your oyster. Although there are still time zones to consider, you could be in LA and have a coach in Edinburgh, in Aberdeen and have a weekly session in London. It’s about more than geography though, it’s about finding a coach who really fits with where you want to be headed. Perhaps the chance to gain a fresh perspective. The opportunity to do things differently.

Is online coaching here to stay?

With so many great benefits, online coaching has now become a beneficial way to get the support or inspiration you need. I can safely say it will be here long into the future. There is still definitely a place for face to face coaching too, of course, however, online coaching has simply widened the possibilities. If you are thinking about online coaching for yourself, many coaches offer a complimentary consultation. So what are you waiting for, time to jump in and make that change - all from the comfort of your own sofa!