Can Life Coaching Help with Depression?

In recent years life coaching has become more and more popular as a way for people to develop themselves personally and professionally. So what is it all about? And how will it help someone in need of direction and encouragement to improve their life?

Life coaching for depression is different from therapy, psychology and counselling, it doesn’t look back on the past or claim to have the answers. It is about getting the best out of someone, improving careers, personal relationships, self confidence, spiritual fulfilment or getting the work/life balance right, whichever area you feel you need help with.

A typical life coaching session for depression would be between 45-60 minutes and conducted over the telephone. Face-to-face (individual or group sessions), email and Internet sessions can all be found, depending on which life coach you choose. You will be asked about what you want to achieve and set goals to work towards. A life coach will work with you throughout your journey but it is up to you to challenge and reflect on issues in order to move forward. A life coach is there to listen and help you find solutions, not to advise or force you to make decisions, all of the sessions are confidential so you can explore your feelings and thoughts privately.

Although life coaches are not regulated at the moment in the UK, there are professional bodies that offer accreditation and ethical codes of conduct, you should ensure that your life coach is a current member of one of these bodies. A new website has been set up to make it easier to access the details of life coaches, their experience, training and fees. All details can be found at www.lifecoach-directory.org.uk, there is a postcode search facility to find life coaches in your area and each life coach has a profile so you can check they have the relevant experience to address your problem areas.

Extract taken from Depression - The Essential Guide. For more information on life coaching for depression, take a look at the book - available now in eBook and printed book formats. Buy the printed version and get the eBook free!