What is a life coach? And how I’ve seen it changes lives
I get asked this all the time: “So… what does a life coach actually do?”
Sometimes it comes from genuine curiosity. Other times, from quiet skepticism. And honestly, I understand both.
Before becoming a coach, I had my own questions. I thought coaching was mostly for people navigating a huge life crisis or climbing a corporate ladder. I also did not fully understand the difference between coaching, mentoring, and even therapy — aren’t they all essentially the same? I also had no idea how powerful it could be to simply pause and ask: What is going on beneath the surface of my life?
Now, as a Personal Development Coach, I see just how transformative this work can be — not just for others, but in my own life too.
So what is life coaching, really?
Life coaching is not about someone giving you advice or telling you what to do. It is not therapy. It is not mentoring. And it is definitely not about having all the answers.
To me, life coaching is about creating a space where you can finally hear yourself think, in the middle of all the noise present in our everyday life. It is about slowing down long enough to get curious about what matters — and brave enough to act on it.
As a coach, I walk alongside you — not in front or behind — as you explore your values, build confidence, untangle limiting beliefs, and reconnect with the version of you that has always been there — just beneath the noise.
What actually happens in coaching conversations?
Every session is a little different, because you are the expert in your life — not others, not me. We might talk about your career. Your relationships. Your identity. Your energy. Your goals. Your fear. Your boundaries. Or the simple, unsettling feeling that something is “off.”
We use reflection, frameworks, neuroscience-informed tools, and sometimes silence — because growth is not always loud.
But one thing stays constant: in our coaching sessions you are seen, heard, and supported. Fully. No judgment. Always confidential.
How is coaching different from therapy?
Therapy is powerful — and often very necessary. It focuses on healing, mental health, and working through past experiences or trauma.
Coaching, on the other hand, is forward-looking. It is about building awareness, making aligned decisions, and moving with clarity and courage into the next chapter.
In many cases, coaching and therapy can work beautifully alongside one another.
Who is coaching for?
I get this question often. Many times with skepticism. Coaching is for anyone who wants to grow — not by force, but with intention. You might be going through a big change… or just feeling like something is shifting under the surface. You might be asking yourself:
Is this it?
What do I actually want?
How do I find balance between who I am and who I am expected to be?
These are the kinds of questions I love exploring with clients. They are not always easy, but they are where change begins.
Do I need to be at a crossroads to work with a coach?
No. Not at all. Some of the most meaningful work happens outside of major life changes — when people realise they are ready to grow, even if nothing looks wrong on the surface. Coaching is not just for transitions. It is for people who want to live and lead more consciously.
What kinds of life coaches are there?
There are coaches who focus on leadership, on careers, on health, on families — and many who blend several of these together.
In my case, I focus on Personal Development Coaching, Executive and Leadership Coaching & Family Coaching. My Personal Development Coaching often supports:
People navigating identity shifts
Individuals returning to work after parenting leave
Professionals who want more purpose in how they live, not just how they work
Anyone ready to stop living on autopilot
I also work with leaders and blended families — because often, personal growth spills into every part of life.
Does coaching actually work?
Yes, absolutely — when you are ready, and when the coaching relationship is based on trust.
I have seen clients reconnect with themselves, speak more clearly, set healthier boundaries, shift long-standing beliefs, and move forward with greater clarity. No magic. Just presence, reflection, and support.
What do clients ask in sessions?
Everything from:
“How do I stop doubting myself?”
“Why am I not happy when I am supposed to be?”
“How do I lead in a way that feels authentic?”
“What do I do with this feeling that I want something more?”
Often, it starts with a question. Then the real work begins — gently, over time.
Choosing the right coach
Fit matters. More than credentials (though those matter too), it is about trust and resonance.
I always offer a free discovery or chemistry call, so you can get a sense of whether we are the right match. You should feel safe, challenged, and respected — never judged or pushed into something that does not feel right.
A gentle word on red flags
Not every coaching experience is created equal. If someone promises a quick fix, gives you constant advice, or ignores your context — that is not coaching. Good coaching empowers you to lead your process — not follow someone else’s.
So… is coaching right for you?
Only you can know that. But if something inside you is stirring — a question, a restlessness, a desire to reconnect — then I invite you to listen. Not to me. To yourself.
And if you are ready to explore what that voice is trying to say, I would love to walk beside you.
Ready to take the next step?
At Kakuaa Coaching, I help people grow from within — with clarity, courage, and care.
As an ICF-certified coach with over 300 hours of experience, a background in psychology, and training in neuroscience-based coaching, I bring both structure and heart to every conversation.
If you are ready to explore, I invite you to book a free discovery or chemistry call. No pressure. No push. Just presence.
