Personal Stylist & Life Coach

What's the average age of your clients, and what are the most common life challenges they're experiencing when they come to you?

Asked by Arlene in Scottsdale over 11 years ago

Clients come with all ages and in all shapes and sizes! There is a coach out there for almost every need and desire (business, relationship, dating, health/fitness etc.). I myself am a relationship coach and wardrobe stylist for women. Some examples of one of my clients would be a women who is a new mom, widowed, divorced, newly single, just out of college or looking for a new job ...to name a few. No matter the age or challenge, together we can implement a plan and reach the goal! :)

What makes someone qualified to life-coach someone else? How do you demonstrate skill when talking to potential clients?

Asked by Matty over 11 years ago

That's an excellent question! There are several training programs where you can get certified to coach in your specialty of choosing. The ICF (International Coaching Federation) is one of the most well known and accredited agencies. I myself, also have a Masters in Psychoanalysis and have worked with patients on a clinical level. This sort of training is also helpful when working with coaching clients. On a more personal level, life experience of the coach is also very important when it comes to connecting with your client.

Who's the hardest client you've worked with? Have you met anyone you thought was completely helpless?

Asked by orangina over 11 years ago

I think the hardest clients to work with are the ones that dont really want to be there. They like the idea of a coach and genuinely want a change in their life but are very resistant or think they already have all the answers. Obviously, if that were true then they would be happy and excited about their life and most of the time they aren't. With that said, i dont think anyone is completely helpless. Everyone has the capacity for change. My goal isn't to change the client as a person but to help them become the best version of themselves!

Did you ever hire a life-coach yourself? Is that what made you want to do this for a living?

Asked by slowgrind over 11 years ago

I do have a life coach and before that i had a psychoanalyst. I think that "therapy" gets a bad rap too much of the time. People assume that you should only go if you have a mental health issue but the truth is, i think everyone should talk to someone that can give them a completely unbiased opinion and someone who is obviously educated and experienced enough to do so. I have always been attracted to all forms of talk therapy. After i received my masters in Psychoanalysis, i started researching life coaching and really connected with the approach. I find it easier to have more of a personal relationship with my clients and since i also do wardrobe styling for the women i work with, this is a very important aspect of my business.

What's the difference between a life coach and a therapist?

Asked by Arlene in Scottsdale over 11 years ago

Most types of traditional therapy come from a medical model. Its main focus is the patients past and how it is influencing todays choices. The therapist will help the patient analyze past behaviors and maybe even uncover repressed memories in order to help the emotional healing process of the present. A coach helps the client focus on the future and together they come up with specific strategies to put into practice in order to achieve certain goals. Let me give a real life example: A women who has recently gone through a divorce is struggling with getting her life to a place where she feels comfortable. Therapist: The therapist would maybe help the women try and figure out what is keeping her from moving on. They would go back and look at things that happened in the marriage and even before that and discuss how that may be influencing how she is feeling today. They would verbally work on getting her emotional life healthy. Coach: A coach would look at the present situation and together with the client come up with a plan to move forward not just emotionally but physically as well. They will be there to support the women and hold her accountable until she feels comfortable going on with her life without the support of the coach. I myself offer wardrobe styling to women who want a change inside and out! (this type of women is a great example of a client that would choose this service). * Both therapists and coaches are important and just have different approaches to dealing with the clients needs.

Life-coaching has exploded in recent years, but to be honest, it feels like a racket. Vulnerable, "lost" people shelling out $$ for an ear and no guaranteed results. I hope I'm wrong, but how would you dispel all that?

Asked by sinbad over 11 years ago

I think there are guaranteed results! The choice is really up to you. But you have to put in some work. With coaching, the client doesn't just lay on the couch and talk about their childhood (which isnt a bad thing). A life coach is there to help you come up with ideas and solutions to reach a certain goal. They hold you accountable and are their when you are struggling. It is more hands on than therapy and i believe has a much higher success rate. But, like i said, the client needs to put in most of the work. It is your life after all.

what made you decide to focus only on female clients? did you at first try with both men & women?

Asked by rita luv over 11 years ago

When i was studying as an analyst, i worked with both men and women. I enjoyed working with both sexes but i was also single with no kids. Since i became a mother, i have really had a desire to work with women going through transitions. That then grew into a passion to work with all women who need someone to just talk to, or that needed a fashion pick-me-up, needed motivation getting back into her skinny jeans, help online dating, meeting men in the "real world", just had a baby, got divorced etc. You get the idea. Its not that i dont like men, i do! :) I just have a lot of life experience that i really want to be able to use to help other women.

How many consultations do you typically administer to a client before she's "done?" Is it an ongoing/indefinite thing, or is it typically like 2-3 sessions total?

Asked by ~~Rona b~~ over 11 years ago

There is really no specific number of sessions one person "needs". I always recommend at least six since most of the time reaching a certain goal is more than just me as your coach advising you to go something. It can be changing the way you think or substituting a bad habit for a more positive one. These things, or course, take time. However, there are some clients that incorporate coaching into their way of life. It can be similar to traditional therapy in that it is nice to have a 3rd party person to talk to about not just your goals but concerns. And as women, communication is a life line for us!

How long did it take you to get an MA in psychoanalysis? Most programs require 5-10 years of undergoing psychoanalysis. The New York Psychoanalytic Institute requires you to already have an MSW, MD or PhD in psychology.

Asked by FreudFan over 11 years ago

I'm not sure where you got your information but, it is inaccurate.  There are prerequisites to becoming licsensed in New York State and yes, they are extensive however, anyone can get a Masters degree in Psychoanalysis just like you can get an MA in any degree you choose.  I'm not sure why you would think someone would already need a PhD to get a Masters.  It took me 3 years to complete the program but only because i had a baby during my studies.  Most students finish the program in 2 years.  I also spent 1 1/2 years doing a field placement program working with highly psychotic as well as paranoid schizophrenic patients in a state hospital in Brooklyn, NY called FEGS.  If you would like more info on the program i completed you can visit www.nygsp.bgsp.edu. 

What do you think of Tony Robbins and other self-improvement gurus?

Asked by Hyun about 11 years ago

Hello
How did you get started? I've been a clothing stylist for a year and I think that being a life coach as well would be a great opportunity to really help some of the men I work with. I'd love to hear your story.

Asked by Nicolas Perez-Molina almost 9 years ago

How did you get started and what kind of degree do you have to get for the position. I am a master cosmetologist and would like to put it all together to help people more than just hair. Thanks

Asked by Devyn stylist over 8 years ago

I'd like to buy a watch and I want it to be massive, but I'm a tiny girl)) How do you think will a watch like this http://www.ermitagejewelers.com/WatchView.aspx?category=38&ProductID=4816 for example be ok or shall I choose another? can u help?

Asked by Jane over 8 years ago

In light of MTA's question, do you find yourself having to justify the profession to a lot of skeptics? Does this get frustrating?

Asked by Matty about 11 years ago

How do I become a life coach? Do I need a degree?
Where do I find the training?

Asked by wantingtosucceed almost 10 years ago