Life Transitions (Life Coaching)

 Life Transitions (Life Coaching)

By Jake Kohl

     Transitions occur in the lives of everyone and are part of life.  Some transitions can seem to affect us in a negative light, yet others can be both positive and welcome.  (Collins, 2009, p. 239)  In all, there are among many, transitions that are challenging which most people will go through at some point in their lives.  Two of these challenging transitions are moving from high school or college into the job market and from being single to becoming married.  (Collins, 2009, p. 237)  These transitions can seem overwhelming and can bring about unneeded stress that needs understood and worked through.  It is important that the client be aware of their emotions when it comes to dealing with transitions.  “The more authentic the person is willing to be, recognizing the emotions, the easier the transition will be.”  (Collins, 2009, p. 239)

     It is vital that coaches also understand the client’s emotions and the issues they may have in pressing through these challenging transitions.  We are not to give advice, but support the clients in hearing themselves; reviewing their vision, purpose, and values; allowing them to reach a conclusion that they can live with long term.  (Collins, 2009, pg. 240-241)  It is important that the coach help the client in being able to see past the short-term mindset and into the whole life picture.  The coach can do this by asking powerful questions that will bring clarity to the client – turning the telescope backwards.  (Collins, 2009, p. 240)  By doing this, we allow the client to see themselves in a different perspective  of a bigger picture, rather than one that is cutting them into pieces. As coaches, we can help the client transition through these challenging transitions by making it easier for them to understand and see that, life is a series of changes, there will be both gains and losses.  Clients need to be able to get closure on what part of life they are leaving behind and relying on a supportive network to help them transition.  The coaches needs to allow the client to see the need to be engaged through prayer – remembering that Gods path never leads us to where his grace will not keep us.  (Collins, 2009, p. 241)

     Specifically, as a coach, I would engage the client by asking questions that will allow them to see the bigger picture; asking questions that would arouse their cognitive ability in making a successful transition in these challenging life circumstances.  Powerful questions such as what are the challenges you see in these transitions, or how would these transitions fit with your life vision? I would also help the client see that the feelings they have and the emotions they are experiencing are okay and belong to them and they are entitled to these feelings.  I would use the activities in the Coaching and the Four Phases of Change table to help the client go through these challenging transitions.  (Collins, 2009, pg. 244-245)  It would also be crucial that I engage the client to find their life balance.  Finding their life balance will help them, transition because it prioritizes what is important.  Coaching for balance begins with helping people figure out what they value most in life and then ordering their lives around it.  (Collins, 2009, p. 246)  Finally, as a coach, I would encourage consistent prayer for guidance in the right path that God has ordained for their life – being supportive by encouraging them through the entire coaching process.

Reference

Collins, G. R. (2009).  Christian coaching: Helping others turn potential into reality.  Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.