What Is Interactive Coaching?

Some people struggle with depression and other issues that can make going through daily life a bigger chore than it needs to be. Some of those who suffer from these issues pursue counseling to find the help they need. Others are afraid to seek counseling or feel it's not for them. Interactive coaching can provide another alternative to getting your life back on track.

Life Coaches

• When someone has difficulty with life goals, a life coach offers the opportunity to focus and lead your life in the right direction. Life coaches receive training allowing them to teach clients how to set goals for themselves and how to pursue those goals. In a traditional setting, a life coach sits down with you and asks you questions about what you want out of life and where you'd like to see yourself in the next few years to help you focus on the future.

Interactive Life Coaches

• The Internet provides a new approach to the traditional method of many life coaches. The online version is interactive and helps you reflect on yourself and your life goals. Like the traditional method, a trained life coach is on the other side of your Internet connection, guiding you through the process. With the interactive approach, you have more control over your progress as you move ahead with life planning. Some people learn more easily by reading and writing than listening and talking, which makes an interactive approach a better option for these clients.

Accountability

• Because you aren't sitting in the same room as your interactive coach, it's up to you to take the initiative and move forward with your plan. You're the one who must log into your sessions or compose and send an email to your interactive coach. Your coach is there for you and will reply, but you have to take the first step. It's also up to you to do research and soul searching to determine what you hope to accomplish. Your coach will help you get there.

Support

• Some people know what they want to do in their lives, but are unsure how to achieve what they want or are afraid to take those steps. An interactive coach gives you a sounding board to express your concerns and fears. As you express these feelings, your coach understands and aids in working through these issues. For those clients who don't have a support system close by, an interactive life coach provides the support needed to move forward and achieve goals.

Availability

• One of the advantages of working with an interactive coach rather than a traditional life coach is the availability. Because much of your interaction takes place over the Internet, you can put thoughts and words down any time of day, even in the middle of the night. Your interactive coach may not be immediately available, but he will answer you as soon as he logs in. This provides the ability to get your thoughts out right away instead of having to wait for your next session.