What is Life Coaching?

It’s a powerful conversation between a coach and a client. Just like coaching in any arena (like sports, arts, music) where a coach helps a client perform better, similarly in life coaching, a coach helps the client perform better in some key areas of their life.

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t expect an Olympic athlete to train without a coach. Even the best athletes in the world have coaches who help them see their blind spots, push them beyond their comfort zones, and hold them accountable. Life coaching works the same way—except instead of helping you run faster or jump higher, a life coach helps you deal with the challenges life throws at you more powerfully.

Who Can Benefit from Life Coaching?

Nobody needs a coach, but everyone can benefit from the support a coach provides. You can deal with challenges life throws up on your own, just the way you’ve probably been doing so far. The difference is that with the support of a coach you will get to your goals much faster. Coaching can benefit everyone from corporate managers, business owners, entrepreneurs to students and housewives.

Here’s the truth: if you’re breathing, you can benefit from coaching. Whether you’re a VP at a tech company earning ₹50 lakhs a year or a homemaker trying to find your identity beyond your family roles, coaching works. I’ve coached surgeons, lawyers, IT professionals, businessmen, airline pilots, and young professionals just starting out. The common thread? They all wanted to perform better in life, and they were smart enough to know that getting support would help them get there faster.

For What Areas of One’s Life Can One Benefit from Coaching?

Your goals or challenges could be in any area of your life – performance, productivity, business, office-related, relationships, wellness, money or even a family matter. Sometimes we are so busy dealing with day to day matters in work and personal life that we don’t even have time to set goals, leave alone chase them. A coach can help you set clear goals and support you in moving towards them.

Here are some common challenges people bring to coaching:

Career and Life Purpose

• Feeling stuck in your career despite being good at what you do
• Lacking clarity and direction about where your career should go
• Feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus at work
• Loss of enthusiasm after years in the same industry
• Wanting to make a career change but unsure how to start

Relationships

• Conflict in marriage or with family members that drains your energy
• Difficulty setting boundaries with people
• Feeling unappreciated or disrespected
• Struggling with extra-marital affairs or relationship decisions
• Problems with in-laws or extended family

Confidence and Mental Well-being

• Overthinking and inability to focus
• Stress and anxiety that won’t go away
• Anger management issues
• Fear of failure or rejection
• Self-doubt after setbacks

Productivity and Habits

• Procrastination because of fear
• Inability to form good habits or maintain consistency
• Time management struggles

What Makes Coaching Work?

Coaching works because the coach becomes that one person to whom you decide to be accountable to. That itself works wonders because the primary aim of coaching is to move you into taking action. Especially on those aspects of your life that are important to you, but you have been ‘stuck’.

In coaching we believe that you are capable of generating better solutions than you are currently generating. We believe that you are taking full responsibility of your life and all the answers are hidden within you. The skill the coach brings to the table is to help you bring out those answers.

A coach who tries to ‘fix’ you is ineffective, because no coach (for that matter nobody other than you) really understands your challenges as much as you do and therefore is not in position to give you perfect solutions. Only you can do that.

Here’s an example: If you’re not exercising regularly, a coach won’t tell you “just exercise more.” Instead, they’ll ask you questions that help you discover why you’re not exercising. Is it because you don’t have time? Or is it because you’ve told yourself you don’t have time, but really you’re afraid of failing at it? Is it because you don’t see the value in it? Or is it because every time you think about exercise, you remember that gym teacher who made fun of you in school? A good coach helps you see the real reason, not just the surface excuse.

How is Coaching Different from Mentoring, Consulting or Therapy?

The most obvious point to remember is that coaching is not therapy, counseling, or psychology. In addition, coaching should not be confused with consulting or mentoring as there are subtle differences between each of these interventions. While the coaching process may have originated in the field of psychology and intervention often follows some psychological models, the actual coaching process should not be mistaken for a therapeutic intervention.

Mentoring: The passing on of knowledge, experiences, and skills usually by someone within the company who is older and wiser. Usually more specifically career-oriented information. A mentor has normally achieved the goal themselves, while a coach may not have any experience in the given area.

Consulting: Often using your own skills to improve a given situation, as opposed to developing the client’s skills to a level that they can cope with the situation. Consultants tell you what to do. Coaches help you figure out what to do.

Therapy and Counseling: Tends to focus on feelings related to past events and processing such feelings. Therapy is designed to help people who are dealing with depression, trauma, or serious mental health issues. If you’re having suicidal thoughts or dealing with severe anxiety that prevents you from functioning, you need therapy, not coaching.

Coaching is oriented towards goal setting and encouraging the client to actively move forward. Therapy is like helping a person with a broken leg to walk again. Coaching is helping them to run the marathon faster.

Here’s the key difference: If your past is preventing you from moving forward, you need therapy. If you want to move forward faster and more powerfully, you need coaching. Many people need both at different times in their lives.

Does Life Coaching Really Work? Is It Worth It?

This is probably the most common question people ask before investing in coaching. And it’s a fair question. You’re about to spend significant money and time, so you want to know: will this actually help?

Here’s the honest answer: Coaching works if you work. It’s not magic. A coach can’t fix your life while you sit back and watch. What coaching does is give you tools, insights, and accountability to create the changes you want. But you have to do the actual work.

Think about it this way—if you hire a personal trainer but never show up to the gym, will you get fit? Of course not. Same with coaching. The coach provides the structure, the challenge, the accountability, and the mirror that shows you what you can’t see yourself. But you have to be willing to look in that mirror and take action on what you see.

The clients who get the best results from coaching are the ones who:

• Come to sessions prepared and honest about their challenges
• Do the work between sessions
• Are willing to be uncomfortable and try new approaches
• Stay committed even when they don’t see immediate results
• Take responsibility for their own growth instead of waiting for the coach to “fix” them

If you’re willing to do these things, coaching will absolutely work for you. The question isn’t whether coaching works—it’s whether you’re ready to do what it takes.

How to Choose the Right Coach

Choosing a life coach is a big decision. You’re going to share your deepest struggles with this person, trust them to guide you, and invest your time and money in the process. So how do you find the right one?

Start by asking yourself what you actually need help with. Are you dealing with career stress, relationship problems, or feeling stuck in life? Different coaches have different areas where they’re most effective. Some coaches are great with business owners while others work better with salaried professionals. Some focus on career transitions while others help with personal growth and relationships. Be clear about your challenge first, then look for a coach who has experience helping people like you.

Next, pay attention to their coaching style during that first conversation. A good coach isn’t there to give you advice or tell you what to do—they’re there to help you discover your own answers. During your initial call, notice if the coach listens more than they talk. Do they ask questions that make you think differently? Do they challenge you or just try to make you feel good? Real coaching isn’t about being comfortable; it’s about growth. And growth can be uncomfortable. If a coach promises you easy solutions or quick fixes, run. Life doesn’t work that way, and real coaches know it.

Look at their track record and experience. How many hours have they actually coached? How many clients have they worked with? Anyone can call themselves a coach, but sustained success in coaching requires skill, commitment, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Check their success stories—not the polished testimonials on their website, but the real stories where clients share specific results they achieved. Did people actually transform their lives, or did they just feel good for a few weeks?

Ask the coach directly about their credentials, their training, and most importantly, whether they’ve walked the path you’re on. A coach who has faced their own struggles and overcome them will understand yours better than someone who just read about it in books.

Key Questions to Ask a Potential Coach:

• What coaching certification do you have? (ICF, CCA, EMCC are recognized bodies)
• How many hours of actual coaching have you completed?
• What’s your specific area of expertise?
• Can you share success stories of clients who had challenges similar to mine?
• What’s your coaching process and approach?
• How do you measure progress?
• What happens if we’re not a good fit after a few sessions?

What Exactly Happens During Life Coaching Sessions?

Here’s what happens. After having completely understood what your challenges and goals are, we start addressing the thinking patterns you have developed over time which make you feel stuck or where you lose power. Our coaching conversations will be all about helping you see what you yourself are blind to. When you start seeing yourself through a Coach’s eyes, you start noticing what is REALLY dis-empowering you.

With every session you make progress in terms of seeing your world (and yourself) in a new light. That itself opens up new possibilities which didn’t exist earlier. It’s like you’re stuck in a prison cell and new doors emerge simply by changing the glasses you’re wearing in your mind.

A typical coaching session looks like this:

The coach asks you what you want to focus on in this session. This ensures you’re working on what matters most to you right now, not what the coach thinks you should work on.

You talk about what’s happening in your life—the challenges, the stuck points, the situations that are draining your energy or keeping you up at night.

The coach listens deeply and asks you questions. These aren’t surface questions like “how did that make you feel?” These are questions that make you stop and think. Questions that challenge your assumptions. Questions that help you see patterns you’ve never noticed before.

You have insights. Sometimes small ones, sometimes huge “aha” moments where everything suddenly makes sense.

You commit to actions. Not actions the coach tells you to do, but actions you decide to take based on your insights.

The coach holds you accountable. When you meet next, the first thing they’ll ask is “Did you do what you said you’d do?” This accountability is powerful.

How Long Does Coaching Take? How Many Sessions Do I Need?

This is like asking “how long does it take to get fit?” It depends on where you’re starting from and where you want to go.

Most coaches work in packages of 10-12 sessions spread over 3 months. This isn’t arbitrary—it’s based on how long it actually takes to create lasting change. In the first few sessions, you’re getting clear on your challenges and starting to see your blind spots. In the middle sessions, you’re taking action and dealing with the resistance that comes up. In the final sessions, you’re consolidating your learning and building systems to maintain your progress.

Some people come for a specific issue and after 10-12 sessions, they’ve dealt with it and move on. Others find that as they solve one challenge, they want to work on other areas of their life, so they continue coaching.

Here’s what you can expect:

• After 2-3 sessions: You’ll start seeing things differently and having some insights
• After 5-6 sessions: You’ll notice some changes in how you respond to situations
• After 10-12 sessions: You’ll have new habits forming and feel more in control of your life

Real transformation doesn’t happen overnight. If someone tells you they can fix your life in one session, they’re either lying or they’re not dealing with the real issues.

Can I Do Life Coaching Online or Over the Phone?

Yes. In fact, most professional coaches in India conduct sessions over the phone or on video calls. This has several advantages:

No commute time: In cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, or Delhi, you could spend 2 hours just traveling to and from a coach’s office. Phone coaching eliminates that completely.

Flexibility: You can take your coaching call from wherever you’re comfortable—your home, your office, even while traveling.

Focus on conversation: When you’re not face-to-face, there’s often less social pressure and more focus on the actual conversation. Some people find it easier to be honest and vulnerable over the phone.

Access to the best coaches: You’re not limited to coaches in your city. You can work with the best coach for your needs regardless of where they’re located.

The effectiveness of coaching doesn’t depend on being in the same room. It depends on the quality of the conversation, the questions being asked, and your willingness to do the work. All of that works just as well (if not better) over the phone.

Do I Need to Commit to a Certain Number of Sessions?

Different coaches have different policies on this. Some coaches require you to commit to a full package upfront. Others work on a session-by-session basis.

Here’s the reality: Change requires commitment. If you’re not willing to commit to at least 10-12 sessions, you probably won’t see significant results. The first few sessions are about building trust and understanding your challenges. Real change happens in the middle and later sessions.

That said, a good coach will always give you an exploratory session before you commit to anything. This is a real coaching conversation (not a sales pitch) where you can experience their coaching style and decide if you want to work together.

Most coaches also have policies about what happens if you’re not satisfied. Ask about this upfront. If a coach is confident in their abilities, they’ll have a fair policy about this.

How Much Does Life Coaching Cost in India?

Let’s talk money. Life coaching in India isn’t cheap, and frankly, it shouldn’t be. You’re investing in transforming your life, not buying a product off a shelf. The cost varies widely depending on who you work with, but here’s what you need to know.

Most professional life coaches in India charge anywhere from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 per session. Yes, that’s a big range. The difference usually comes down to the coach’s experience, track record, and what they bring to the table. A coach who’s been practicing for 10+ years with hundreds of successful clients will charge more than someone who just got certified last month. And they should. Experience matters when you’re dealing with your life’s challenges.

Most coaches don’t work with you on a per-session basis. Instead, they offer packages—typically 10 to 12 sessions spread over three months. This is because real change doesn’t happen in one conversation. You need time to work on yourself, test new approaches, face setbacks, and have someone hold you accountable through it all.

A typical three-month coaching package can range from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakhs, depending on the coach’s experience and reputation. Before you think that’s expensive, ask yourself this: What’s the cost of staying stuck? What’s the cost of another year of stress, broken relationships, or feeling unfulfilled in your career? When you look at it that way, coaching starts looking less like an expense and more like the smartest investment you’ll ever make.

Most serious coaches offer a complimentary exploratory session before you commit to working together. This isn’t a sales pitch—it’s a real coaching conversation where you get to experience their style, share your challenges, and see if there’s a fit between you two. Use this session wisely. Come prepared with your real issues, not surface-level problems. See how the coach listens, how they ask questions, and whether they challenge you or just try to make you feel comfortable. That 45-minute call will tell you everything you need to know about whether this person can actually help you or not.

What Happens in the First Coaching Session?

The first session (after your exploratory session) is about getting clear on what you want to work on and establishing how you’ll work together.

The coach will ask you about:

• What brought you to coaching right now
• What specific challenges you’re dealing with
• What you want to achieve through coaching
• What success would look like for you
• What’s worked in the past and what hasn’t
• What obstacles you anticipate

You’ll also discuss logistics—how often you’ll meet, how you’ll communicate between sessions, what you’re committing to, and what the coach is committing to.

The coach might also give you some assignments or suggest some reading before your next session. These aren’t busy work—they’re designed to help you start making progress right away.

How People I Coached Benefited from Life Coaching

The people who come to me aren’t weak or broken. They’re successful professionals—working at companies like Infosys, Wipro, HSBC, Godrej, and Deloitte—who are stuck despite their achievements. They’re dealing with stress that won’t go away, relationships that are falling apart, or a nagging feeling that something important is missing from their lives. Through coaching, they don’t just feel better—they actually transform how they live.

One client came to me suffering from low self-esteem after being made redundant years earlier. He was procrastinating, filled with fear, and his personal life was crumbling. After our 12-week coaching program, he told me he now wakes up “full of confidence” knowing what he needs to do to lead a powerful life.

Another professional was dealing with extreme relationship issues with his father, spending too much time on social media, and struggling with his health and marriage. Through coaching, he transformed his relationship with his father without even trying to “fix” him—he just changed his own way of being. He separated his work phone from his personal life, started working on his health, and learned to express love freely to his wife. Most importantly, he discovered what it takes to be happy even when life throws challenges at him—nagging parents, failed plans, difficult clients—none of it makes him unhappy anymore.

What really happens in coaching isn’t magic. It’s about discovering your blind spots—those areas of your life that aren’t working but you’re not even aware of them. One businessman told me his life had “turned on its head” after coaching because he moved from a “self-pity, no one cares” mindset to realizing that he’s more important than others’ opinions.

A woman who left her high-stress job started her own business after our sessions gave her the courage and practical tools to take the leap. Whether it’s managing overwhelming stress in Mumbai’s corporate culture, rebuilding broken marriages, or finding the confidence to quit a job and start fresh—coaching gives you the tools to deal with whatever life throws at you, powerfully.

What If I’m Not in India? Can NRIs Work with Indian Life Coaches?

Absolutely. In fact, about half of my clients are NRIs living in the US, UK, Europe, Middle East, Australia, and Southeast Asia. My telephonic coaching model makes it easy to work with a coach regardless of time zones.

There are actually some advantages to working with an Indian coach if you’re an NRI:

• They understand the cultural context you come from
• They get the family dynamics that are unique to Indian families
• They understand the specific pressures NRIs face—the guilt about leaving family behind, the identity struggles, the pressure to succeed
• The time zone difference can work well—you can take calls early morning or late evening your time

How Do I Know If Coaching Is Working?

Good question. Here are some signs that coaching is working:

You’re taking action on things you’ve been procrastinating on for months or years.

You’re responding to situations differently than you used to. Instead of getting angry or anxious, you’re staying calm and making conscious choices.

People around you are commenting on changes they see in you—you seem less stressed, more confident, more present.

You’re having insights about yourself that change how you see things.

The things that used to bother you don’t bother you as much anymore.

You’re making progress on your goals, even if it’s slower than you’d like.

You’re taking more responsibility for your life instead of blaming circumstances or other people.

If you’re not seeing any of these signs after 4-5 sessions, it’s worth having an honest conversation with your coach about whether the coaching is working or if you need to adjust your approach.

What If Coaching Doesn’t Work for Me?

Sometimes coaching doesn’t work. Here’s when that happens:

You’re not ready: Maybe you say you want change, but deep down you’re not ready to do the uncomfortable work that change requires. That’s okay—come back to coaching when you are ready.

You’re not being honest: If you’re not being fully honest with your coach about what’s really going on, the coaching won’t be effective. Coaching only works when you’re willing to be vulnerable.

You need therapy, not coaching: If you have unresolved trauma, serious mental health issues, or addiction problems, you need therapy first. A good coach will recognize this and refer you to appropriate help.

You’re not a good fit with this particular coach: Not every coach is right for every person. If you’re not clicking with your coach after 2-3 sessions, it’s worth trying a different coach before deciding coaching doesn’t work for you.

You’re expecting the coach to do the work: Coaching isn’t passive. If you’re waiting for the coach to fix you or give you all the answers, it won’t work. You have to do the actual work of changing.

What Credentials Should a Coach Have?

Coaching is an unregulated industry in India, which means technically anyone can call themselves a coach. This makes it even more important to look for proper credentials.

The major international coaching certification bodies are:

• ICF (International Coach Federation) – The largest coaching organization globally
• CCA (Certified Coaches Alliance) – Based in Canada
• EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council)

In India, there’s also the Coaching Federation India.

A properly trained coach should have completed at least 60-100 hours of coach training and have logged hundreds (ideally thousands) of coaching hours with actual clients.

But credentials alone don’t make a good coach. Look for:

• Actual coaching experience (hours coached, not years since certification)
• Success stories from clients
• Their own life experience and what they’ve overcome
• Their ongoing commitment to learning and growing

Some of the best coaches have lived through significant challenges themselves and used coaching to transform their own lives. This lived experience often matters more than any certification.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably seriously considering working with a life coach. Here’s what to do next:

Get clear on what you want help with. Don’t just say “I want to be happier” or “I want success.” Get specific. What specifically isn’t working in your life right now? What do you want to be different?

Research coaches. Look for coaches who have experience with your specific challenges. Read their success stories. Watch their videos if they have any. Get a sense of their style and approach.

Book exploratory sessions. Most good coaches offer a free exploratory session. Book calls with 2-3 coaches and see who you connect with.

Trust your gut. After the exploratory sessions, notice how you feel. Did you feel heard? Challenged? Hopeful? Did you get insights even in that first conversation? Your gut will tell you who the right coach is.

Commit fully. Once you choose a coach, commit to the process. Show up to every session. Do the work. Be honest. Give it your best shot for at least 10-12 sessions before deciding if it’s working.

Remember: No one NEEDS a coach. It’s just a slower, less fun, and often more expensive road without one. The question isn’t whether you can figure it out on your own—of course you can. The question is: do you want to figure it out faster, with less pain, and with someone in your corner who believes in you even when you don’t believe in yourself?

That’s what coaching offers. And for people who are serious about creating extraordinary lives, it’s the smartest investment they’ll ever make.