We now live in a world where we can connect online and have global access to people, businesses and resources in any part of the world. The internet has changed our lives; it has changed how we live and communicate; and it has created a world of new possibilities. Many businesses these days have some type of online presence and have integrated their business with the online economy. Online life coaching is no different.
Online life coaching allows you to access a personal life coach from anywhere in the world. It is exciting when technology gives you the access to amazing resources while staying in the comfort of your home or having the flexibility to travel. However, online life coaching is still a relatively new concept for many and there is often uneasiness to look for help from someone outside one’s local area.
That being said, more and more people are finding the advantages to online life coaching and recognizing the added benefits as opposed to the traditional “in office” model. Let’s take a look at SIX advantages to online life coaching.
- Convenience
It goes without saying that one of the biggest benefits to online life coaching is the convenience.
- You do not have to spend time traveling to and from an office which can save you valuable time in your day.
- You just need a computer and internet access to have a life coaching session whether in the privacy of your home, office, or even car.
- You can travel, whether personal or business, and still have online sessions to keep you on track.
- Worldwide Access
Most of us don’t think about accessing professional help outside our local area but with online life coaching you have access locally, nationally, and internationally.
- You have worldwide access to a life coach which gives you many more options to find a life coach that is a good match for you.
- You can have a coach from a different country or culture, which can provide growth opportunities both personally and professionally.
- An international life coach can help with issues of acculturation and adjusting to issues that often come up with relocating internationally.
- Face to Face Model
When we hear of the face to face model we generally think of meeting in an office; however online life coaching still remains face to face.
- Most of us are now quite accustomed to talking to our friends and loved ones via Skype or FaceTime and so the transition to talking to a coach online is not as foreign as we may think.
- A coach does not lose their ability to read body language and facial expressions while working with a client online and can still respond to non-verbal cues just as if they were in an office setting.
- Anonymity
One of the reasons that many people do not seek help is they still find there is a stigma associated in working with a professional for personal growth.
- You don’t have to be seen going in and out of a professional’s office and this can be crucial for someone who lives in a small town where everyone knows each other.
- You are not billing insurance so there is no other record of the services being provided except between you and your life coach.
- Safety and Accessibility
Many people are often cautious or guarded when they first go to meet with a professional in an office and this can be a barrier to seeking help.
- You may get more out of the online coaching experience and feel more comfortable with personal exploration from a distance.
- Those with disabilities may find it easier to access help from the safety of their home and not have to navigate accessibility issues.
- Depending on where you live and time of appointment, you don’t have to risk the logistics and sometimes personal safety issues with public transportation, driving, parking, and walking to an office.
- Flexibility of Scheduling
Many of us seem to have limited time when we are available to meet, or we prefer certain times of the day for sessions.
- Since you don’t need to go out for your session, it is often easier to find at least an hour somewhere in your schedule to meet online.
- If you are working with a life coach outside your local area, you may be able to schedule appointments at odd hours that work for you but a local professional would not be available.
Life coaching as profession has many benefits and online life coaching has even opened up more possibilities and benefits. If you’ve hesitated to start working with a life coach due to any disadvantages with an in-person office visit, then don’t hesitate to check out online life coaching.
Erika Bischoff, CPC, LCSW
Life Coaching Now
