Life coaching has become one of the most sough-after professions of the last decade. A mix of therapy and consulting, life coaching also draws techniques from sociology, career counseling, and management training. Life coaching is seen as an ongoing, non-judgmental partnership rather than as a professional and client relationship.

A life coach works one-on-one with a client to support personal growth, behavior modification, and goal-setting. Based on the premise that most people can achieve their goals if properly guided, a life coach will act as a mentor, assisting the client in the process of taking the life-improving actions necessary to take control of the future. A life coach does not focus on reviewing past events or analyzing previous failures. Through a series of attainable steps, a life coach helps clients overcome fears and achieve balance in both their personal and professional life.

Because the coaching process is based on trust, it's important to choose a coach you feel comfortable with. Sometimes it's necessary to try a few professionals before you find the perfect match. A life coach cannot do anything for a client unless the client is ready to step into action. A life coach is a sounding board for ideas, but the final work is up to the client. Coaching is also not appropriate if the client is depressed or in need of a professional therapist.

No degree or formal training is required to become a life coach. Both psychologists and non-credentialed practitioners can work as life coaches. A number of training programs are available for people wishing to become a personal coach, but because no official regulatory standards exist, it's difficult to differentiate the good from the bad. The newly-formed International Coach Federation is now working to regulate the coaching industry by providing a set of standards and a series of credentialing levels.

Hiring a life coach is not cheap. The average professional charges 165 US dollars (USD) for a 45-minute face-to-face session, with a minimum commitment of five sessions required. Many coaches now offer online or over-the phone coaching, which tends to be cheaper. Another way to save money is to buy a bundle of coaching sessions at once. Most experts agree that hiring a life coach is only worth it if it doesn't create a financial strain on the client.

Critics argue that since there is no regulation in place, life coaching amounts to little more than quack psychotherapy. Despite the controversy, life coaching is becoming a respected profession with a special place in modern society.