Life coaching? anyone??

[extra-vert]

Question: Has anyone ever had experience using a life coach? I spoke with one yesterday and she'll be calling me back today for me to give her a decision, but I 'm reticent to go ahead with this. I've been grappling with a few issues lately in my life, (my love life and business life, particularly) have been in a rut.
What makes me reticent is that she seems a bit pushy, (then again, it's kinda her job I guess); and when I inquired as to the price for her services she started in with, "well right now we're having a special - buy all 3 months up front and you'll save $200!" It's not that I think she'll take the money and run, becuase she has an extensive website up, it's just that in her line of business as a licensed therapist, (w/ a masters in Psych, btw) I found it an immediate red flag to hear the words, 'right now we're having a special'. - sounds cheesy and unprofessional. Anyway, it can be seen as a prudent investment that will pay for itself, but at the same time, after a big talk about my issues with my SIL yesterday, I came away with a burden lifted and wonder if I can now lift myself from this rut with her help instead.

Opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[michelem]

While I have not had personal experience with a life coach, a friend of mine has - with great results. My suggestion is to interview several different life coaches and find the one that's right for you. This is going to be a big investment - time, money, and self - and personally, I would want to take my time and "shop around" before making a decision like this. It sounds as though you have some reservations about this one. In the end you may decide that she is the one for you, but maybe these reservations are your intuition telling you she is not the one!

Just my two cents. Good luck to you.

[Irulan]

The special may just mean the economic slow down has hit her, too and she's looking to generate some business.

[extra-vert]

Both of your comments occurred to me - thank you. I did, perhaps get a vibe that maybe she's not the right particular fit. Maybe I am wrong in feeling this, but I perhaps get the sense that I want some one a bit older and more seasoned - she seems young, maybe 40-42, not sure. Also, yes the economic slowdown - this can be an obvious crunch in her line of work, but then again, economic slowdowns are when people start to take stock and reconsider their options or "reorganize" if you will, so it could be a job booster for her - who knows - sounds like a slowdown.

[tulip]

My brother had great results with a life coach.

Why does her age bother you? I mean, it's not like she's 22.

Get references and talk to others for comparison.

[extra-vert]

Not sure Tulip why the age seems an issue, just that someone a bit older has been through more. At the same time, she seems quite qualified. Not only the masters in Psychology, but she's on various coaching boards etc. I think I've decided, after a restless night, to take one more month to think about it and to interview a few others - make sure she's the right one.

[kelownagirl]

I think if you're going to meet with a life coach, you have to click, like talking to a therapist. If you don't respect her, you won't take her advice. This one may be a good coach but she may not be for you. Keep trying to find the one that clicks!