Professional coaching is on the rise. But with so many options, it can be hard to know, “what type of professional coaching is right for me?” In this article, explore four different types of professional coaching to help you identify which one might be right for you.
You have a solid grasp of the concept of coaching and its benefits, and now you’re considering working with a coach to help you in your professional or personal life.
But what type of professional coaching is best for you right now? Is it best to hire a general coach to help navigate life’s busy terrain, or could you benefit from a specific type of coach? Here, we’ll explore four different types of professional coaching to help you identify which one might be right for you.
It’s no secret that professional coaching is on the rise.
According to the 2023 ICF Global Coaching Study, the number of active coach practitioners around the world is growing — with a reported global increase of 54% between 2019 and 2022 alone!
With the trending demand of individuals looking to invest in their overall growth, there’s no doubt that professional coaching is here to stay. However, exploring the different types of coaching has the potential to be daunting.
In such a diverse field, with such individual needs, you may find yourself asking, “What type of professional coaching is right for me?”
It’s a common question among those contemplating hiring a professional coach: Is it best to choose a coach with a specialization or hire a general coach?
What are the 4 Types of Professional Coaching?
The 2023 ICF Global Coaching Study identified the top four types of professional coaching: business coaching, life vision and enhancement, career, and health and wellness coaching.
In this blog, we’ll explore what these four types of coaching are; and, just as importantly, what they are not.
What is Business Coaching?
Business coaching, which is primarily made up of leadership coaching, executive coaching, and business/organization coaching, is for those hoping to identify and strengthen their weak areas in leadership by developing high-performance habits and enriching their overall mindset.
This type of coaching is ideal for individuals in various career levels or positions, including those in middle management seeking to sharpen their leadership skills, entrepreneurs looking for help navigating blind spots or accountability for goal-setting, and senior executives needing a safe place to share their thoughts and feelings on the pressures of leading a team.
Oftentimes, this specific type of coaching is confused with “management consulting.” While leaders who engage with this type of coaching can certainly improve a company’s culture, it’s more geared towards helping the leader transform as an individual.
According to professional executive coach Timothy Tiryaki, PCC, MEd, PhD, this type of coaching is imperative for high-ranking executives who may have difficulty finding time to navigate their own thoughts while leading their organization.
“Senior roles come with a lot of power and rank dynamics, strategic challenges on where and how to steer the ship to,” says Timothy. “…Executive coaching helps the leader as a sounding board, reflecting on current and upcoming situations, brainstorming and ideating on strategic directions, executive presence, and communication.”
What is Life Vision and Enhancement Coaching?
Life vision and enhancement coaching is perfect for individuals hoping to develop their goals and dreams for their lives and, ultimately, their legacy. This type of coaching is tailored specifically to each individual as they craft the overall mission for their future personal and professional life.
According to ICF credentialed coach Abirambika Ravivarman, ACTC, PCC, this type of coaching can sometimes require new habits, visioning, and lifestyle changes.
“Life vision and enhancement coaching often involves addressing limiting beliefs and mindset blocks that may hinder personal growth and success. Clients seeking a more comprehensive and integrated approach to self-improvement may prefer working with a coach who specializes in this niche.”
Clients seeking this type of coaching should know this isn’t a quick fix or a self-help guide to battling life’s problems but a way to acknowledge and enhance the vision for their life.
What is Career Coaching?
Career coaching is so much more than crafting a resume or even helping you discern what sort of career you should pursue. According to professional career and organizational coach Andrea Fruhling, PCC, it’s also about helping clients who may feel stuck or are facing changes in their careers. Clients often seek career coaching for a variety of reasons; they may be looking for a new opportunity or career direction, seeking formal education opportunities, brushing up their skills for their current job, or entering the job search market.
“We are always making career decisions,” she says. “Whatever age and stage we’re at, being able to learn about who you are, and how you make career-focused decisions is an essential skill that is necessary throughout life. Working with a coach who understands the nuances and theories that are present in this line of work will help clients not only make a decision but will also support them as they take control of their own career progression.”
What is Health and Wellness Coaching?
Health and wellness coaching is for those clients looking to foster healthy lifestyle and behavior changes. Individuals seeking this type of coaching should be ready to engage in regular accountability regarding their overall wellness goals.
This extends far beyond a mere diet, meal plan, or exercise regime. Health and wellness coaching, according to holistic coach Hélène Thériault, MCC, BScOT, MadEd, “Operates within a framework that empowers clients to take purposeful actions to participate in activities they want or need to. The process involves collaboratively setting lifestyle goals that hold meaning for the client. Through self-discovery and content education, a health and wellness coach empowers their clients to sustained change for improved health and well-being.
And the benefits of health and wellness coaching may extend beyond those of conventional coaching.
“Engaging the services of a health and wellness coach is a strategic choice for individuals seeking to optimize their overall health and [well-being],” says Hélène. “Whether the goal is to sustain good health, work [toward] preventive measures, or embark on a transformative journey, health and wellness coaching caters to a diverse range of needs.”
Choose the Type of Professional Coach You Want to Work With.
No matter what avenue of coaching you choose, a professional coach will give you a roadmap to unlock your full potential. Exploring coaching in these four areas will help further identify your reason for seeking a coach and lead you to discover if you are ready for coaching.
Ready to hire a professional coach to help you navigate the terrain of leadership, life vision, career, or health and wellness? Take the first step in maximizing your potential and check out our ICF Credentialed Coach Finder Tool to select the best coach for you today!
