Life Coach for College Students Goal-Setting: How It Works

As a parent, you want to help your student find their footing, but your advice can sometimes sound like nagging. It’s a delicate balance. You see their potential, but pushing them to set goals can create tension in your relationship. A coach offers a powerful alternative: a neutral, supportive partner whose only agenda is your child’s success. They provide a safe space for your student to explore their ambitions without pressure or judgment. A great life coach for college students goal-setting isn't another authority figure; they are a strategist and an ally, helping your child build the skills to take ownership of their future.

Key Takeaways

• A coach builds a roadmap for the future

  : Unlike therapy, which often addresses the past, a life coach helps your student create a clear, actionable plan to move forward, turning their aspirations into achievable steps.

• It's about building skills, not just checking boxes

  : A coach equips your student with essential life skills like time management and resilience, empowering them to overcome common challenges like self-doubt and academic pressure.

• The right connection is key to success

  : When choosing a coach, prioritize their experience with young adults and a personality that clicks with your student. The goal is to find a supportive ally who provides unbiased guidance and accountability.

What Is a Life Coach for College Students?

Think of a life coach as a personal mentor and strategist for your college student. College is a time of massive transition—newfound independence, academic pressures, and social complexities can feel overwhelming. While your student has professors for academics and friends for social support, a life coach fills a unique gap. They provide dedicated, one-on-one guidance to help your student manage these formative years with confidence and purpose.

A coach isn't there to give them all the answers. Instead, they help your student deal with challenges, set meaningful goals, and find a healthy balance between their studies, social life, and personal well-being. It’s about equipping them with the tools to not just survive college, but to truly thrive. By working with an online counselor and life coach, your student gets a partner who is fully invested in their success, helping them build a strong foundation for the future they want. This support system is focused on building resilience, clarity, and momentum during a time when they need it most.

How a Coach Supports Student Growth

A coach’s main role is to help your student move from feeling stuck to taking intentional action. This process starts by helping them figure out what’s truly important to them—their values, passions, and long-term vision. From there, they work together to set clear, achievable goals that feel exciting, not overwhelming. A coach helps them break down big ambitions into a concrete plan with manageable steps.

This partnership fosters incredible personal growth. Through guided conversations and practical exercises, students become more self-aware, learn to trust their own judgment, and build genuine confidence. They develop critical life skills like decision-making, time management, and prioritization. We use specific neurohacking tools to help students rewire negative thought patterns and build empowering habits that serve them long after graduation.

Life Coaching vs. Therapy: What's the Difference?

It’s common to confuse life coaching with therapy, but they serve different purposes. Therapy is a form of healthcare that primarily focuses on healing. Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, process past trauma, and help individuals manage clinical anxiety or depression. It’s often about understanding the "why" behind feelings and behaviors rooted in the past.

Life coaching, on the other hand, is forward-looking and action-oriented. A coach doesn't diagnose conditions. Instead, they partner with your student to design the future they want. The focus is on gaining clarity about their goals, building confidence, and creating a strategic plan to move forward. Think of it this way: therapy helps you heal and understand your past, while coaching helps you build your future. Our unique approach is designed to help students ask the right questions, find their own answers, and make smart decisions that align with their priorities.

Why Is Goal-Setting So Hard for College Students?

Getting into college is a huge accomplishment, but it’s often the first time a young adult is truly on their own. The structure of high school disappears, replaced by a world of new freedoms, responsibilities, and overwhelming choices. For many, this transition is paralyzing. Suddenly, the one big goal they’ve been working toward for years—getting accepted—is complete. What comes next? This uncertainty, combined with new academic and social demands, can make setting and achieving new goals feel nearly impossible. They aren't just being lazy or unmotivated; they're often struggling with very real, very new challenges that get in the way of their potential.

The Pressure of Academics and Social Life

College isn't just about classes; it's a constant balancing act. Your student is juggling demanding coursework, a new social scene, and the pressure to make the "right" choices for their future. Many feel an intense need to succeed academically to justify the investment you've made in their education, which can make them afraid to admit when they're struggling. This pressure cooker of high expectations—from professors, peers, and themselves—leaves little mental space for personal goal-setting. Instead of thinking about what they want to achieve, their focus narrows to simply surviving the semester without messing up. Our online coaching sessions provide a safe space for them to work through this pressure.

Feeling Lost Without Clear Priorities

For most of their lives, your child’s path was clearly defined: get good grades, participate in activities, and get into a good school. Now that they've arrived, that path has dissolved into a hundred different possibilities. They’re faced with choosing a major, finding the right friend group, and thinking about a career, all at once. This newfound independence can feel less like freedom and more like being lost at sea without a compass. Without a clear sense of their own values and priorities, it’s difficult to set meaningful goals. They need help sifting through the noise to figure out what truly matters to them and what direction they want to head in next.

The Inner Critic: Self-Doubt and Negative Thoughts

College is often the first time your student is surrounded by peers who are just as smart and accomplished as they are, which can trigger a loud inner critic. Thoughts like, "Am I smart enough to be here?" or "Everyone else has it figured out," can be constant. This self-doubt makes it incredibly difficult to set ambitious goals, because that critical inner voice immediately insists they'll fail. Before they can build a plan for the future, they need to learn how to manage these negative thought patterns. We use specific tools and techniques to help students quiet that inner critic and build genuine self-confidence from the inside out.

Juggling It All: Time Management and Planning

In college, no one is there to remind your student to do their homework or get to class on time. They are suddenly the sole manager of their schedule, and it’s a skill that doesn’t come naturally to most. Between classes, studying, a social life, and maybe even a part-time job, their days are packed. Even if they have goals they want to pursue, they often lack the practical skills to break them down into manageable steps and fit them into their chaotic schedule. Without a solid system for time management and planning, great intentions fall flat, leading to frustration and a feeling of being perpetually behind.

How a Life Coach Helps Your Student Achieve Their Goals

It’s one thing to have a dream, but it’s another thing entirely to have a plan to make it happen. For many young adults, the gap between where they are and where they want to be feels like a giant, impassable canyon. This is where a life coach steps in. They don't just cheer from the sidelines; they provide the tools, structure, and support to build a bridge to the other side. A coach helps your student turn vague aspirations into concrete, achievable goals and then walks alongside them every step of the way. This process is less about pressure and more about partnership, empowering them to take control of their future with clarity and confidence.

Using Proven Frameworks to Set Clear Goals

A common reason young adults feel stuck is that their goals are fuzzy. "I want to do better in school" or "I want to be happier" are noble sentiments, but they aren't actionable. A life coach helps your student translate these feelings into specific, measurable goals that resonate with what they truly value. Using proven frameworks, they guide your child to define what success actually looks like for them. Is it raising their GPA from a 2.8 to a 3.2? Is it joining a club to make two new friends this semester? This clarity is the first step toward building genuine motivation because the goals are no longer abstract pressures—they are personal, meaningful targets.

Building a Custom Action Plan

Once a clear goal is set, the next question is, "How do I even start?" A big goal, like landing a summer internship, can feel so overwhelming that it leads to procrastination and anxiety. A coach specializes in breaking down these intimidating projects into a series of small, manageable steps. Together, they create a custom action plan—a week-by-week or even day-by-day roadmap. For the internship goal, the first step might be updating their resume, followed by researching 10 companies, and then sending out two applications per week. This approach makes the process feel achievable, builds momentum, and teaches a critical life skill: how to plan and execute a project from start to finish.

Staying on Track with Accountability

We’ve all set goals with the best intentions, only to let them fall by the wayside when life gets busy. A coach provides the consistent, supportive accountability needed to keep going. This isn't about nagging or judgment, which is a dynamic many parents understandably want to avoid. Instead, a coach acts as a neutral partner. During regular check-ins, they discuss progress, troubleshoot obstacles, and celebrate small wins. This consistent support system helps your student build self-discipline and resilience. They learn how to hold themselves accountable, make adjustments when a plan isn't working, and see for themselves how small, steady efforts lead to big results.

Building Confidence from the Inside Out

Nothing builds confidence like accomplishment. As your student starts checking off the small steps in their action plan, they gather tangible proof that they are capable and competent. This is where the real transformation happens. A coach helps them recognize and reframe the negative self-talk that so often holds them back. The inner critic that says, "You'll never finish this," is replaced by a voice backed by evidence: "I've already completed the first three steps, so I can do the next one." This process of building self-trust from the inside out is powerful. It rewires their self-perception and creates a positive feedback loop where confidence fuels action, and action fuels more confidence.

A Coach's Edge: Professional Guidance vs. a DIY Approach

It’s natural to hope your student will figure things out on their own. After all, independence is a key part of growing up. But when they’re stuck in a cycle of stress, self-doubt, or inaction, a do-it-yourself approach often leads to more frustration. They might read self-help books or watch motivational videos, but without a clear strategy and personalized support, that inspiration can fade quickly. This is where a life coach makes all the difference.

A coach isn't there to give them all the answers. Instead, they provide the framework, tools, and unbiased perspective your child needs to find their own answers. Think of it like the difference between trying to assemble complex furniture with vague instructions versus having an expert guide you step-by-step. The expert doesn't build it for you, but they ensure you build it correctly, efficiently, and without wanting to pull your hair out. Professional guidance helps your student cut through the noise, identify what’s really holding them back, and build momentum that lasts far beyond a single burst of motivation.

Get Expert Guidance and a Clear Structure

One of the biggest hurdles for college students is feeling overwhelmed. Their goals—like choosing a major, landing an internship, or even just passing a tough class—can feel so massive that they don't know where to begin. A coach helps them cut through that fog by figuring out what’s truly important and setting goals they can actually reach. They learn to use practical tools to break down big ambitions into smaller, more manageable steps. This structured approach transforms a vague wish like "I want to do better in school" into a concrete plan with clear, actionable tasks, making it much easier to manage time and get things done.

Achieve Goals Faster with Proven Methods

Trying to build new habits and a new mindset alone often involves a lot of trial and error. Your student might try a study technique that doesn't work for them or set unrealistic expectations that lead to burnout. A life coach brings proven methods to the table, helping your child create a clear plan for success from day one. By focusing on strategies that are known to work for managing priorities and balancing responsibilities, a coach helps them avoid common pitfalls. This guidance allows them to learn more about themselves and their potential without the frustrating detours, helping them see progress much faster.

Receive Consistent Motivation and Support

Motivation is rarely constant; it ebbs and flows, especially when things get tough. While friends and family can offer encouragement, a coach provides consistent, dedicated support focused entirely on your student's growth. They are a reliable ally who is there to celebrate the wins, offer encouragement during setbacks, and help them stay motivated when they feel like giving up. This steady presence is invaluable. Hearing from others who have found success through coaching can be incredibly powerful, and our testimonials show just how much of a difference this consistent support makes in helping students push past obstacles and stay on track.

Gain an Outside Perspective to See Blind Spots

We all have blind spots—limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns that we can’t see in ourselves. For a young adult, these can be especially powerful, whispering that they aren't smart enough, capable enough, or worthy enough. A life coach provides a safe, non-judgmental space where your student can talk through their fears and concerns without worrying about disappointing anyone. As an objective outsider, a coach can help them identify and challenge those negative thoughts. This process is fundamental to building genuine self-awareness and confidence from the inside out, and having an online counselor and life coach makes this support accessible from anywhere.

How to Choose the Right Life Coach

Finding the right life coach for your young adult is a lot like finding a great mentor or teacher—the right connection can make all the difference. You’re looking for someone who not only has the right skills but also clicks with your child’s personality. This isn’t just about finding someone with a passion for helping; it’s about finding a professional who is well-prepared to support them in healthy, meaningful ways.

As you start your search, think of it as a partnership. You want a coach who can build a trusting relationship with your student and guide them toward their goals without taking over. The right coach will act as a sounding board, a strategist, and a source of accountability. To help you find that perfect fit, focus on a few key areas: their background, their specific experience with students, their communication style, and their approach to the unique challenges your child is facing. This process will help you identify a professional who can truly support your student’s growth.

Key Qualifications and Credentials

While the life coaching industry isn't regulated in the same way as therapy, that doesn't mean credentials don't matter. A big heart is a great start, but it isn't enough to make someone an effective coach. Look for professionals who have invested in formal training or certification programs. This shows they’re serious about their craft and have learned proven methods to help their clients. If a coach is a licensed professional, like a counselor, they will typically list it prominently on their website. At WIDE AWAKE, our coaches combine professional training with a deep understanding of the tools that create real change, which you can learn more about in our story.

Experience with the College-Age Crowd

Working with a college student is completely different from coaching a corporate executive or a new parent. This age group faces a unique storm of academic pressure, social anxieties, and questions about their future. You need a coach who gets it. Ask potential coaches about their experience with young adults. Have they helped students manage procrastination, build confidence for job interviews, or find direction when they feel lost? A coach specializing in this demographic will have a playbook of strategies that are specifically designed to help students move from feeling stuck to taking meaningful action. They understand the landscape and can offer relevant, practical guidance.

Finding the Right Personality and Communication Style

This is where you and your student need to trust your gut. The coach-client relationship is built on trust and rapport. Your child needs to feel comfortable opening up to this person. Look for qualities like compassionate empathy, active listening, and clear, honest communication. Most coaches offer a free initial consultation—use it! This is the perfect opportunity for your student to meet the coach and see if their personalities mesh. Does the coach listen more than they talk? Do they seem genuinely interested in your child’s perspective? The goal is to find someone who feels like a supportive ally, as our clients often share in their testimonials.

A Focus on Student-Specific Challenges

Every student’s journey is different. One might struggle with crippling anxiety, while another feels paralyzed by a lack of motivation. A great life coach doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, they help young adults navigate life’s complexities with resilience and self-assurance. During your consultation, be direct about the challenges your child is facing. Ask the coach how they would approach issues like ADD/ADHD, low self-esteem, or career uncertainty. Their answer should give you a clear sense of their methodology and whether they have the expertise to provide the professional guidance your student needs to move forward in the right direction.

Common Myths Parents Believe About Life Coaching

When you’re looking for the right support for your child, it’s easy to get tangled in misconceptions, especially about a field like life coaching. You want to make the best choice, and that starts with having clear, accurate information. Let's walk through some of the most common myths parents hear about life coaching and separate the fiction from the facts. This will help you see if it’s the right fit for your family.

Myth #1: "It's just another form of therapy.

This is one of the biggest points of confusion, and it’s important to understand the distinction. While both therapy and coaching are valuable, they serve different functions. Therapy often involves looking into the past to heal emotional wounds and treat diagnosed mental health conditions like clinical anxiety or depression. A therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who can diagnose and treat these issues.

A life coach, on the other hand, is a partner for the present and future. The focus is on action. We help students get clear on what they want, identify the obstacles in their way, and create a strategic plan to move forward. We don’t diagnose conditions; we help students build confidence and develop the skills to achieve their goals. While the two can complement each other beautifully, our coaching and counseling services have distinct, forward-looking aims.

Myth #2: "Coaching is only for a crisis."

Many people assume you only seek a coach when things are falling apart. While coaching is incredibly effective during a difficult transition or a period of high stress, its true value lies in proactive growth. You don’t have to wait for a crisis to build a better life. Coaching is for the student who feels stuck, unmotivated, or unsure of their next steps. It’s for the young adult who knows they have potential but can’t seem to tap into it.

Think of it like hiring a personal trainer. You don’t have to be out of shape to work with one; you might just want to get stronger and perform better. A life coach does the same for your child’s personal and academic life, providing tools and techniques to build resilience and momentum before a crisis ever hits.

Myth #3: "A coach will fix all my child's problems."

As a parent, it’s natural to want someone to step in and solve the challenges your child is facing. However, a coach’s role isn’t to "fix" anyone. Instead, we empower students to fix things for themselves. A great coach acts as a guide, asking powerful questions that help students find their own answers. We provide structure, accountability, and an outside perspective, but the student is always in the driver's seat.

This approach is fundamental because it builds genuine self-reliance and confidence. When a student develops the ability to solve their own problems, the change is sustainable. They learn to trust their own judgment and make decisions that align with their values. The goal isn’t to create dependency on a coach but to equip your child with the skills to lead their own life successfully. You can see this transformation in our client testimonials.

Myth #4: "The coach needs to be older to be effective."

It’s easy to assume that wisdom only comes with age, but when it comes to coaching, effectiveness is based on skill, training, and relatability—not the number of candles on a birthday cake. A younger coach can often build rapport more quickly with a teen or college student because they have a more recent understanding of the academic and social pressures they face. They speak the same language and can connect on a more authentic level.

The most important factor is a coach’s ability to provide a clear framework for growth and hold your child accountable. Our unique approach was developed specifically for the challenges modern youth face. Ultimately, the right coach is someone your child trusts and feels comfortable opening up to, and that connection is what truly drives results. You can learn more about our story and why we’re so passionate about this work.

What Is the Investment for College Life Coaching?

It’s completely normal to wonder about the cost when you’re considering a life coach for your college student. Thinking about the price is a practical part of the decision-making process. Instead of viewing it as just another expense, it helps to see coaching as an investment in your child’s current well-being and future success. You’re not just paying for sessions; you’re investing in personalized guidance that helps them build confidence, clarify their goals, and learn skills that will serve them long after they graduate.

The cost of coaching can vary quite a bit, depending on the coach’s experience, the length of the program, and the level of support they provide. Some coaches work with students for a few months, while others offer ongoing support throughout their college years. The key is to find a program that fits your family’s needs and budget. Below, we’ll break down what you can generally expect when it comes to pricing and payment, so you can make an informed choice that feels right for your student.

Understanding Pricing and Session Formats

When you start looking for a life coach, you’ll find that prices can range. On average, a life coach costs between $110 and $160 per session. Newer coaches who are still building their practice might charge less, sometimes between $50 and $150, which can make coaching more accessible. The price often reflects the coach's level of experience, their specific training, and the depth of the tools they use.

Most coaches offer one-on-one sessions that last about an hour, but the format can vary. Some offer packages that include a set number of sessions over a few months, while others might provide ongoing support with check-ins via text or email between calls. It’s important to ask about these details upfront to understand the full value of what you’re paying for.

Available Payment Options

Most life coaches offer flexible payment structures to make their services accessible. The most common option is paying per session, which allows you to schedule appointments as needed without a long-term commitment. This is a great way to start if you and your student want to see if coaching is the right fit before investing in a larger package.

Many coaches also offer packages of multiple sessions at a discounted rate. For example, you might purchase a block of 10 sessions for a lower price than paying for each one individually. This can be a cost-effective option if you know your student is ready to commit to the process. These packages often provide a more structured approach, ensuring your student gets consistent support as they work toward their goals.

Viewing Coaching as an Investment in Their Future

While there's an upfront cost, the return on this investment can be priceless. The skills your student learns in coaching—like managing stress, building self-confidence, and setting clear goals—are tools they’ll use for the rest of their lives. Think of it as building a strong foundation for their future, both personally and professionally. The support they receive can help them perform better in school, make smarter career choices, and develop a stronger sense of who they are.

When you consider the potential costs of inaction—like struggling with anxiety, changing majors multiple times, or feeling lost after graduation—the price of coaching often pales in comparison. By providing them with a dedicated online life coach, you’re giving them a guide who can help them find their footing and move forward with purpose.

What Kinds of Goals Can a Coach Help With?

When we talk about "goals," it’s easy to think only of big, flashy achievements. But for a college student, a meaningful goal might be as simple as getting through a tough week without feeling completely overwhelmed. A life coach helps your student define what success looks like for them—in all areas of their life. It’s not about forcing them into a mold; it’s about giving them the tools to build a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

Coaching is a holistic process. It recognizes that a student’s academic performance is tied to their confidence, their career ambitions are linked to their personal values, and their overall well-being affects everything else. A coach doesn’t just focus on one problem area. Instead, they help your student see the connections between different parts of their life and create a unified plan for moving forward. They help translate vague wishes like “I want to be happier” or “I want to do better in school” into concrete, actionable steps. This process empowers them to take control, and you can see the incredible transformations in our client testimonials. The goals are as unique as the students themselves, but they generally fall into four key areas.

Academic Goals: Better Grades and Study Habits

College academics are a huge step up from high school, and it’s common for students to feel like they’re struggling to keep their head above water. A coach works with them to move beyond last-minute cramming and build sustainable study habits. Together, they’ll create a system for managing coursework, breaking down big projects into smaller tasks, and preparing for exams without the all-nighters. As experts from St. John's University note, setting clear academic goals acts as a guide, helping students stay focused and motivated. A coach provides that structure, helping your student learn how to prioritize their time and energy effectively so they can earn the grades they’re capable of without sacrificing their well-being.

Career Goals: Internships and First Jobs

The question of "what's next?" can be incredibly stressful for a college student. A coach provides a safe, non-judgmental space for them to explore their interests and career aspirations without the pressure of pleasing anyone else. This is where a coach becomes an invaluable sounding board—an unbiased adult who can offer perspective on everything from choosing a major to landing that first internship. They’ll work with your student on the practical side of things, like building a resume, practicing interview skills, and creating a networking strategy. More importantly, they help your student connect their career path to their personal values, ensuring they’re working toward a future that truly excites them.

Personal Goals: Confidence and Self-Awareness

So much of a student’s success hinges on what’s going on inside. If they’re battling self-doubt or a harsh inner critic, it’s nearly impossible to perform at their best. A coach helps them do the essential work of building self-awareness and confidence from the ground up. They’ll learn to identify the negative thought patterns holding them back and replace them with a more empowering mindset. This is where true, lasting change happens. As they become more aware of their strengths and values, they feel more confident in their decisions, both in and out of the classroom. This journey of self-discovery is at the heart of our story and the work we do.

Wellness Goals: Managing Stress and Finding Balance

College can be an emotional rollercoaster. Many students feel overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed but are hesitant to share their struggles with family for fear of causing worry. A coach helps them develop a toolkit of strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and the demands of a busy schedule. They work together to create routines that support mental and physical health, from getting enough sleep to making time for activities they enjoy. By using our tools, students learn to build resilience and find a healthy balance between their responsibilities and their personal well-being. This proactive approach helps prevent burnout and equips them with skills they’ll use long after graduation.

How to Get Started with a Life Coach

Taking the first step toward finding a life coach for your young adult can feel like a big decision, but the process is more straightforward than you might think. It’s not about signing up for a long-term commitment right away. Instead, it’s about finding the right fit for your child and your family. The goal is to find a partner who can help your student build the skills and confidence they need to thrive. It all begins with a simple conversation to see if the connection feels right and if the coach’s approach aligns with your student’s needs. From there, you can work together to create a supportive environment that sets them up for success, both in their sessions and in their daily life.

Your First Step: The Initial Consultation

The best way to begin is with a simple, no-pressure conversation. Most coaches, including us at WIDE AWAKE, offer a free initial consultation or discovery session. This is your family’s chance to ask questions, understand the coaching process, and get a feel for the coach’s personality and style. It’s a two-way interview. You’re seeing if the coach is a good match for your child, and the coach is determining if they can genuinely help. This first call is all about exploring the possibilities and ensuring everyone feels comfortable and optimistic about moving forward. You can learn more about our approach and see if it resonates with your family’s goals.

Setting Your Family Up for Success

Once you’ve found the right coach, it’s helpful to understand coaching’s role. While therapy often explores the past to heal, life coaching is fundamentally about action. It’s designed to help your child move forward from where they are right now. The focus is on building practical skills, setting clear goals, and taking consistent steps to create a life they love. As a parent, you can support this process by encouraging your student to be open and engaged. Remind them that their coach is a partner in their corner, dedicated to helping them build momentum and achieve what they want for their future.

Preparing Your Student for Their First Session

Frame the first coaching session as an opportunity, not an obligation. Explain that their coach is there to help them grow personally, become more self-aware, and feel more confident in their decisions. This isn't about someone telling them what to do; it's about having a dedicated guide to help them figure out what they want and how to get there. You can encourage them to think about one or two things they’d like to work on, whether it’s managing their time better, feeling less stressed, or figuring out career ideas. Seeing testimonials from other students can also help them feel more comfortable and excited about the journey ahead.

Related Articles

• Student Life Coaching: A Complete Guide for Parents

• Academic Coaching for College Students: Beyond Grades

• What is Mindset and Motivation Coaching for Students?

Frequently Asked Questions

My child is resistant to the idea of coaching. How can I introduce it? This is a common and completely understandable concern. The best approach is to frame coaching as a partnership, not a punishment. Explain that a coach is like a personal mentor or strategist who is 100% in their corner, helping them get what they want out of college and life. Avoid language that suggests they are broken or need to be "fixed." Instead, position it as a tool successful people use to get an edge. Suggesting they try a free consultation is a great, low-pressure way for them to meet a coach and see for themselves that it’s a supportive, forward-looking conversation.

How is a life coach different from me just giving my child advice? Your advice and support are invaluable, but a coach offers something different: an objective, confidential space. As a parent, your relationship is naturally filled with deep emotions and history. A coach is a neutral third party, which allows your student to speak freely about their struggles without worrying about disappointing you. A coach is also trained to ask powerful questions that help your child find their own answers, rather than just giving them advice. This process builds their self-reliance and decision-making skills in a unique way.

What is my role as a parent in the coaching process? Your primary role is to be a source of encouragement while respecting your child's privacy. The coaching relationship is built on trust, and the sessions are confidential. This allows your student to be completely honest and vulnerable. While the coach won't share specifics from their conversations, you can support the process by asking your child open-ended questions about what they're learning about themselves. Your belief in their ability to grow is the best support you can offer as they do the work.

How long does it typically take for my student to see progress? Progress looks different for everyone, but it often begins with small, internal shifts. In the first few sessions, your student might gain a new sense of clarity about what’s been holding them back or feel a renewed sense of motivation. Tangible results, like improved grades or better time management, follow as they begin implementing their action plan. The goal is sustainable change, not a quick fix. The most important progress is the development of their confidence and the skills to manage challenges on their own, which is a gradual and powerful process.

Is coaching a good fit if my child is also in therapy? Yes, coaching and therapy can work together beautifully to provide comprehensive support. Therapy is essential for healing past wounds and treating mental health conditions. Coaching focuses on building skills for the future. A student can work with a therapist to manage their anxiety while working with a coach to create a plan for landing an internship. The two disciplines serve different but complementary purposes. With your student's permission, a coach and therapist can even communicate to ensure their work is aligned.