Last updated on September 13, 2023
Life coaching can look very different depending on the coach, the client, and the approach. Holistic life coaching is one example of an approach that can look very different from traditional solutions-focused life coaching.
If you are someone who believes deeply that the mind, body, and spirit are one, you may find that you resonate with holistic life coaching practices. In this article, we’re covering the basics of this life coaching approach–what it is, how it differs from traditional life coaching and therapy, and what you can expect from (or as) a holistic life coach.
Table of Contents
What is Holistic Life Coaching?
The term holistic generally refers to the treatment of a whole person instead of just the symptoms of a disease. Holistic life coaching, then, focuses on looking at a person as a whole and setting goals to guide them in aligning their body, mind, and spirit–to help them live a more mindful and intentional life.
Holistic Life Coaching Methods
A holistic life coach might incorporate a variety of different coaching methods into their practice. Here are some common ones.
Guided Healing Meditation. Many coaches will use a form of guided meditation to help clients visualize, to heal, and to connect mind, body, and spirit. What this looks like will vary from practice to practice.
Reiki. Using touch, a holistic life coach can channel energy into a client to help restore their physical and emotional well-being. In order to practice reiki, a holistic life coach requires training and certification.
Crystal Healing. Through the use of different crystals, a holistic life coach can help to balance and focus a client’s energy. This balance can then help to heal a client by focusing on the connection between spirit, body, and mind.
Creative Healing. Holistic life coaches use this method to help a client connect more deeply with emotions to free the spirit so that it can heal. Creative healing can include things like, movement, music, art, journaling, vision boards and more.
Holistic life coaches may also employ the Holistic Breakthrough Method, which helps clients identify emotions, connect to those emotions, and use inner strength to resolve deeply rooted issues. Instead of trusting limiting beliefs that cause guilt, shame, grief and anxiety, a client will learn how to find their authentic selves and their truth. This will help them to live life in complete body, spirit, and mind alignment.
Holistic Life Coaching vs. Traditional Life Coaching vs. Therapy
Therapy tends to focus on identifying and exploring a client’s past history and current thinking patterns, with a solutions-focused approach. Therapy is administered by a licensed therapist, who will tend to focus on research and evidence-based methods of addressing mental health issues and improving behavior.
A life coach may or may not be certified, and there are no laws regulating the practice. Traditional life coaching may often more closely resemble therapy than holistic life coaching, with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
Traditional life coaching may not always focus on the spiritual aspect, or the connection between mind, body and spirit. This tends to be the main difference between a traditional life coach and a holistic life coach. Holistic life coaching emphasizes spiritual, holistic methods and tools to improve a client’s overall emotional and physical wellbeing, as well as spiritual wellness.
Find a Holistic Life Coach
Already decided you want to work with a holistic life coach and wondering where to find one? The internet and social media have made it easier than ever to find the best life coach for you. Search ‘Holistic Life Coaches Near Me’ on Google, search the #holisticlifecoach hashtag on Instagram, or check out directories like Thumbtack.
You might also turn to your own social media circles and ask your connections on Facebook or elsewhere for information. Many of these coaches are actively promoting themselves and their work on social media sites like Instagram and Facebook. With a little searching, you should be able to easily create a list of excellent holistic life coaches ready to work with you.
How to Hire a Holistic Life Coach
Before you hire a holistic life coach, here are a few things to consider. You might create a list of questions to ask the life coach before you decide to work with them. Questions to ask can include,
- What coaching methods do you use?
- How long do you work with clients? What results can I expect?
- Do you have any certifications or accreditation?
- What kind of holistic life coaching packages and rates do you offer?
This initial interview will also help you to figure out if you and the holistic life coach will work well together. Many coaches will offer a free initial coaching session, to see if you are a good fit.
How to Become a Holistic Life Coach
If holistic life coaching is something that appeals to you, becoming a holistic life coach is a great career option. Here are a few things to consider.
Questions to Ask Yourself
First, ask yourself a few questions about whether or not a career in holistic life coaching is right for you. Do you place a lot of value in the importance of the spiritual? Do you feel strongly that body, mind, and spirit are one? Do you want to help people live happier, healthier lives? Do you want to teach others how to make lasting lifestyle changes? Do you have the entrepreneurial drive to run your own business? Your answers to these questions will guide you in taking the next step.
Holistic Life Coach Certification
To become a holistic life coach, you may benefit greatly from taking a holistic life coaching course or program. When you successfully complete the course, you’ll earn a holistic life coach certification or diploma. On average, these kinds of courses take 6 to 12 months to complete. Often, it is possible to complete your certification or diploma through online courses.
You might want to consider joining the International Coaching Federation (ICF), or an ICF accredited coaching program. The ICF is a global organization with the largest group of professionally accredited and trained coaches. Its mission is to build a network of trained professionals, set high coaching standards, and offer independent certification.
What is your experience with holistic life coaching? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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