So What is Life Coaching, Really?

Ashley Thomas
Jul 3
2 min read

If you're thinking about working with a life coach, it's important to understand what life coaching is—and equally, what it isn't.

Life coaching is a powerful, forward-focused partnership designed to help you identify what’s holding you back and step fully into the life you were meant to live. But it’s more than setting goals; it’s about aligning with your purpose and living unapologetically as your authentic self.

During my doctoral research, I witnessed something remarkable. I worked with individuals who explored their life stories; not just as a reflection of their past, but through the lens of purpose and transformation. Many of these stories involved trauma. And yet, when we examined those experiences with a future-focused mindset, something beautiful happened.

People who had endured deep challenges were able to say, often for the first time in their lives:“I’m proud of myself. Look at what I’ve overcome and how I’m using that journey to positively impact others.”

That moment? It was freeing. Empowering. Life-changing.

What You Can Expect from Coaching

As your life coach, I’ll help you uncover the internal and external barriers that may be keeping you stuck; whether they’re limiting beliefs, unhelpful mindset patterns, or subconscious narratives you didn’t even realize were running the show.

Together, we’ll:

Bring awareness to what’s holding you back
Reimagine what your life could look like if you lived fully and authentically
Define clear goals and a vision that excites you
Build actionable plans to help you step confidently into that vision

This work is about empowerment, clarity, and momentum.

And Just as Important: What Life Coaching Isn't

With a masters degree in Community Counseling and a deep respect for therapeutic work, I’m crystal clear on the line between coaching and therapy. Life coaching is not mental health counseling or psychotherapy.

Coaching doesn’t involve diagnosing or treating mental health conditions. We won’t dive deep into healing past trauma—but we will honor your story and use it to shape your next chapter. And if at any point I feel therapy might better support you, I have trusted mental health professionals I can refer you to. Maintaining these boundaries is not only ethical—it ensures your journey is both safe and transformative.