How to Choose the Right Coach for You

You’ve decided to explore coaching—but now you’re staring at a sea of websites, Instagram bios, and “transformational” promises. Everyone says they’ll help you find clarity, live with purpose, and break through blocks.

But how do you actually know who’s the right coach for you?

In this post, we’ll break down exactly how to choose the right coach—step by step. You’ll learn what to look for, what questions to ask, what red flags to avoid, and how to trust your gut (without getting swept away by sales tactics).

If you’re about to invest your time, energy, and money—you deserve to feel confident in your choice.

Why Choosing the Right Coach Matters

Not all coaching is created equal.

A great coach can:

• Help you make massive internal shifts
• Support you through the hardest transitions of your life
• Accelerate your growth faster than you imagined

But a poor fit can leave you:

• More confused
• Disappointed
• And less likely to trust the process again

This is your life. You deserve a coach who gets you.

What Kind of Coach Do You Actually Need?

Before you even start comparing profiles, ask yourself:

What am I hoping to change or improve?

• Career direction?
• Confidence?
• Life transitions?
• Communication and boundaries?
• Starting or growing a business?

Get specific. The clearer you are about what you want, the easier it is to identify who can help you get there.

The 5 Qualities to Look For in a Coach

1. Training and Credentials (But Not Just Letters)

Not all good coaches are ICF-certified—but your coach should have:
• Formal training (not just “life experience”)
• A clear coaching method or framework
• Ethics and boundaries in place (i.e. knowing when to refer out to a therapist)

Ask: What’s your background and training in coaching?

2. Experience With Your Kind of Challenge

It’s not about how many years they’ve been coaching—it’s about whether they understand the season you’re in.

Ask:

• Have you worked with clients navigating [your challenge]?
• What kinds of results have your clients experienced?

Real experience > generic motivation.

3. Chemistry and Communication Style

Do you feel safe, heard, and challenged when you talk to them?

Some coaches are soft and nurturing. Others are bold and direct. Neither is better—but one might be better for you.

Ask yourself:

• Can I be honest with this person?
• Do I feel like I have to perform or impress them?
• Can I imagine opening up to them in a hard moment?

Coaching is intimate. You want someone who sees you.

4. Clarity Around Boundaries and Expectations

A strong coach will:

• Have clear session structures and agreements
• Let you know what’s in scope (and what’s not)
• Offer accountability without overstepping

Ask:

• What does your coaching process look like week to week?
• How do you handle boundaries or emotional issues that go beyond coaching?

5. Evidence of Impact (Not Just Hype)

Look for testimonials, stories, or examples that feel real—not just buzzwords like “empowered” and “transformed.”

Ask:

• Do you have examples of past client wins or experiences?
• Can I read or hear what others have said about working with you?

If their clients speak in specifics—you’re in good hands.

How to Prepare for a Discovery Call (and What to Ask)

Discovery calls are like first dates. You’re feeling each other out—not just selling or being sold.

Here are a few questions you can ask to assess fit:

Questions to ask your potential coach:

• “What’s your approach when a client feels stuck?”
• “How do you support clients through fear or resistance?”
• “What’s a recent client win you’re proud of?”
• “What kind of clients are not a good fit for your style?”
• “What happens between sessions?”
• “How do you keep clients accountable without pressure?”

Questions to ask yourself after:

• Did I feel heard and respected?
• Was the vibe aligned with what I need?
• Did they ask insightful questions or just pitch at me?
• Did I feel more clear or more confused after?

Trust your nervous system. It often knows before your mind does.

What If You’re Still Not Sure?

That’s okay. Choosing a coach isn’t about picking the most popular or loudest one—it’s about choosing the one who resonates with you.

Here’s what helps:

• Talk to 2–3 coaches before deciding
• Reflect on how you felt during each conversation
• Ask for sample content or testimonials
• Don’t rush. The right coach will still be there next week.

Final Thoughts: The Right Coach Helps You Find Your Way

A great coach won’t give you a roadmap.
They’ll help you draw your own.

They won’t push you to be someone you’re not.
They’ll help you return to who you are.

And the right one?
They’ll make you feel safe enough to be honest—and challenged enough to grow.

Want to See If We’re a Fit?

Let’s talk.

If you’re exploring coaching and wondering whether I might be the right partner for your journey, I offer a free discovery call—no pressure, no pitch.

Just a conversation, human to human.

[Book Your Free Coaching Discovery Call →]