How to Tell if You Are Ready for Coaching?

Coaching (Future) vs. Therapy (Past)

Coaching has been a life-changer for me. Trust me, there’s absolutely a place for therapy, therapists, and all kinds of self-help paths—and I’m a huge supporter of all of them. (Honestly, I think everyone deserves a great therapist, a great coach, and a great hairstylist!)

But when I’m ready to move forward in life and need momentum, coaching is what inspires me to take action.

I’m often asked, “What’s the difference between therapy and coaching?” Therapy and coaching both support personal growth, but their focus and methods are different. Therapy typically centers on healing past wounds, understanding emotional patterns, and addressing mental health concerns. Therapists help clients process trauma, navigate anxiety or depression, and gain insight into how the past shapes the present.

Coaching, on the other hand, is future-focused and action-oriented. A coach helps you set goals, identify strengths, overcome present obstacles, and create a plan for personal or professional growth. Coaching is about moving forward, building confidence, and achieving specific outcomes.

To quote O, The Oprah Magazine:

“Therapists help you heal and understand the past, while coaches help you plan for and achieve the future.”  (Source, “Should You Try Life Coaching?”, May 2018)

How to Know You Are Ready for Coaching?

• You feel something inside stirring — like a quiet nudge that says, “There’s more for me.”

• You have tried and keep getting in your own way!

• You don’t follow through on the promises you made to yourself

• You’re tired of living by 'shoulds' and want to reconnect with what you really want.

• You’re navigating a life shift like a career, relationship, identity, health crisis, etc..

• You’ve outgrown parts of your life but aren’t sure what’s next — only that it’s time.

• You want a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore your voice, your truth, and what’s next.

• You’re stuck! And overthinking everything but still not moving forward.

• You’re craving clarity on what’s next and how to get there.

• You’re longing to be seen, celebrated, and supported as you grow.

• You need accountability, someone to witness your progress, call you out on your BS, and walk with you as you grow.

If you’re nodding your head or feeling a little tug in your heart right now… that’s your sign. YOU ARE READY!

Choosing a Coach is a Personal Decision

You’re not just hiring someone; you’re inviting them into your journey. It’s important to make sure it’s a good fit.

• Do you feel safe and seen? A great coach creates a space where you feel heard, respected, and never judged.

• Are they aligned with what you need? Look at their specialty like  life transitions, confidence, business, etc.

• What is their training? Are they certified or do they have coaching experience aligned with your needs?

• Do they challenge you (with love)? A coach shouldn’t just cheer you on but should also lovingly call out the patterns that keep you stuck.

• Do they help you take action? The right coach bridges the gap between insight and transformation.

• Do they walk the talk? Do they embody what they teach?

• Can you see yourself being honest with them? Coaching requires honesty;  the good, the messy, and everything in between.

• Do their values resonate with yours? Do they talk about authenticity, empowerment, growth that aligns to you?

• Do they offer in-person, remote, or hybrid sessions? What’s your preference?

Where to Start?

• Ask friends or trusted peers for referrals.

• Google search for what kind of support you need (confidence, divorce, leadership, mid-life, etc.).

• Search for life coaches in your niche: divorce coach, health coach, confidence coach, etc.

• Explore coaches through Instagram, LinkedIn, or coaching directories.

• Search the ICF (International Coaching Federation) website for trained coaches.

• Set up exploratory calls, this helps you get a feel for their energy, values, and style.

• Ask about their approach and process — what does working with them look like?

Before signing up, schedule an exploratory call to get to know the coach.   During the call, ask questions like:

• What is your coaching style? Do you follow a specific program or structure?

• What does a typical session look like?

• What kind of training or certification do you have? (If that is important to you)

• How do you support clients in the past and any result they can share?

• Do you offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid coaching?

• Most importantly, do you feel a genuine connection, trust, and comfort with them?

You’re not looking for someone to fix you. You’re looking for someone to walk beside you - to reflect, support, challenge, and celebrate you as you grow. When it’s the right fit, you’ll feel it. And if you’re curious whether I might be that person for you, let’s connect. No pressure — just a real conversation.  https://www.mmcfarlin.com/booking-calendar/discovery-call