Hiring guide
What to ask a life coach
A discovery call should help you understand fit, process, boundaries, and next steps before you buy coaching.
Goal fit
- Have you helped people work on goals like mine?
- What would make coaching useful for this goal?
- What would make this goal a poor fit for coaching right now?
Process
- What usually happens after the first session?
- How do you help clients choose action steps?
- How do you review progress when something is not working?
Scope
- What is inside your coaching scope?
- What topics would you refer out to a licensed or regulated professional?
- How do you handle goals that overlap with stress, grief, health, money, or relationships?
Logistics
- How long are sessions and how often do we meet?
- What support is included between sessions?
- What are the cancellation, pause, and renewal terms?
Warning signs during the call
- The coach cannot explain their process clearly.
- The coach promises a guaranteed outcome they do not control.
- The coach dismisses therapy, medical care, legal advice, or financial advice when those may be needed.
- The coach pressures you to buy before your questions are answered.
Ask before you commit
The right coach should welcome clear questions and explain what coaching can and cannot do.
Use question tool