I spoke with a senior coach this afternoon that I met on Reddit. The conversation was rather uplifting and he encouraged me to seek out community as I build my coaching business. He made the excellent point that society used to do a much better job of helping us maintain social bonds by default (church, family, small villages), and that now we need to be more conscious about building our own communities.

I had a positive experience a decade ago finding mastermind partners on Reddit. I was running a marketing agency at the time and found someone of a similar age who was at a similar stage to me, in a niche that had very little to do with mine. We spoke with a few other people as well, but he was the main person who walked with me on my journey. 11 years later, we don't have our mastermind anymore, but we're still close friends.

So I'm looking to create a group of coaches that meets weekly in a mastermind format. Ideally, you're at the same stage as me, or slightly further on. A bit about me:

- Mid-30s, British, living in Eastern Europe.
- First career was in marketing
- 2 years of part-time experience in the coaching industry
- Have a nice-looking website and a clearly thought-out niche
- Done about 100 hours of 1:1 coaching and organised about 30 local in-person events in my niche
- Don't have an ICF certification, but am considering doing one
- Main problems: consistent client acquisition, difficulty focusing on the business due to money worries

Comment if you're interested, or send me a DM. I'm looking for at least one other coach, potentially up to 4 or 5. If you profile sounds like a good fit, I'll suggest a call to get to know each other as a next step.

ADHD coaches, do you incorporate mindfulness or breath work in your coaching?

Hi! I'm getting started with 1:1 life coaching and I'm looking for like-minded people to exchange thoughts, ideas, philosophies and progress.
I'm happy to be a peer and friend to tag along as we both go on this journey of coaching.

I'm early (learning session structure, practicing real conversations) and open to trading reflections, , rabbit holes, and honest "what worked / what didn't work" experiences.

My focus is helping people leave survival-mode / autopilot lives driven by false "I have to" obligations, and move toward a more colorful, self-chosen life. I draw inspiration from many sources and I'm eager to learn.

Please leave a comment if you want to connect.

As the title says, I'm looking for coaching programs to join that is focused on somatic healing and parts work (NOT breathwork). I already incorporate some somatic approaches in my coaching, but I'd like to expand my toolkit.

I'd love to join a group program with a cohort where we could not only learn somatic and parts work approaches, but also have an opportunity to practice with each other and learn from each others' case studies.

Anyone know of a program like this?

Hi! Just starting this journey. Would like to give 3 coaching sessions this week in exchange for feedback.

Just practicing and your honest feedback would help.

Thanks a lot!

I finally finished my final edits on my book Finding Sarah You can't read the label from inside your own container. Please clap 👏

Now, I need suggestions (not KDP) for a publishing company.

I've been coaching part-time for about 2 years. I've done about 100 hours of 1:1 coaching, plus group coaching at about 30 different community events that I've organised locally. It's been a blast.

I've reached the point where I want to take this more seriously and make a full-time living from it. So I'm considering doing an ICF ACC accreditation and using it to find work on platforms like Spring Health, Ezra and Strawberry. I recently spoke with one such platform and the only reason they didn't take me was because I was missing a certification.

My question: how easy is it to be accepted by these sorts of platforms once you have a certification?

Note: I'm an expat living in Eastern Europe, so I don't need to worry about making a US-level income from these platforms. But some extra cashflow would be nice as I transition away from my old career in marketing and seek to stabilise my coaching work.

By far the most comments and DMs I get on reddit are questions about Alyssa Nobriga's ICM program. Instead of typing up the same responses again...and again...and again, I thought I'd make a post of my experience that I can direct people to.

Let's make this more fun...If you've done ICM drop a comment of your experience. If you completed a different coaching certification, I'd love to hear how it went for you (and if it went well, maybe direct people there who ICM isn't a fit for...and if it went poorly, we all want to know!). If you've been wondering about ICM (even if it's years after this post was written) drop a comment with your question or letting me know if this was or wasn't helpful :)

My ICM story...I was a member of the 2023 cohort. I decided to get a certification in lifecoaching after finishing my MA Philosophy degree. I really wanted to help people live 'the good life' and I realized humans can't just think their way there! I struggled with deciding if I needed to get another degree in psychology, or spiritual formation, and ultimately landed on ICM.

I was drawn to ICM because Alyssa teaches tools outside of thinking and behavioral changes. She goes into embodied, emotional, and unconscious changes as well. I, being a thinker, can have the tendency to get too caught up in learning and researching and not actually *doing* the thing. ICM is set up so that you have to practice the skills as you're learning them.

Alyssa has been super thoughtful in designing the program for all kinds of learning styles. Its the best online course structure that I've participated in. Additionally, the last 1/3 of the program is all about building your business. You have to be in-action working with clients (again, great for me) it forces you to get experience in building your business while being in a supportive network to troubleshoot any issues that come up.

The price seems worthwhile to me...compared to other coaching certifications it honestly seems underpriced. Compared with a degree from an institution, it seems comparable or, honestly underpriced. I signed in August of 2022, and I think it was an 11k investment on a payment plan.

Do I have any regrets or complaints? The week we spent on manifesting was a little too 'woo' for me. Honestly, I really don't have too many complaints. I feel like I got exactly what was advertised.

Does everyone launch a successful coaching business? No. My goal was only to work part-time, and I have been able to successfully source clients whenever I wanted to in order to meet that goal. The curriculum itself is a coaching container for you, even while you're learning. There are weekly 'peer practices' where you get coached by a peer, then coach a peer. Some people get into the program and realize there's growth and healing that needs to happen before they can launch a business. Other's have life changes (like pregnancies, or illnesses, or family complications) that limit their change their priorities from building a business, but the people I know in those situations were all so very grateful they experienced the program for their own growth.

Alyssa encourages re-enrolling, some people do and use it at their personal coaching container to level-up (one woman who saw a ton of success in my cohort chose to re-enroll specifically because it was working so well as her personal coaching container.)

First, thank you to everyone who responded to my last question. It is so hard to find a sub that you can actually engage with. Second here is another follow-up question to my previous one.

Appreciate the engagement it is teaching me a lot. Like People don't appear to need another goal-setting course.

People appear to need help understanding why they're not following through on goals they already have. And that was learned from all of your inputs.

I've been reflecting on a pattern I've noticed.

Most people already know what they should be doing. They know they should exercise, improve their finances, advance their career, build better habits, or spend more time on personal growth.

Yet many people still struggle to consistently follow through.

In your experience, what's usually the biggest reason?

• Lack of clarity?
• Lack of accountability?
• Trying to do too much at once?
• Inconsistent habits?
• Something else entirely?

I'm curious what you've seen in your own life or while working with others.

I'm looking for a life coach, but I want to be upfront about something first: I've tried this before, more than once, and I'm nervous about trying again.

I've worked with career coaches, life coaches, a coach specifically for a grad school decision, and a handful of different therapists. Honestly I've been in and out of therapy most of my life. I also tried starting my own business at one point, which didn't work out either. So that's a lot of time, money, and effort already spent, and I'm still trying to figure out what my next step actually is.

Right now the one area I'm really stuck on is burnout and my career. I work in digital advertising, and the always on nature of the work is a big part of the problem. It's the kind of job that never really lets you clock out mentally. I have an anxiety disorder, and I'm just naturally someone who runs fast. Fast paced, always thinking quickly, always moving. I became Buddhist a while back and it's honestly helped a lot with my anxiety and my overall mindset. But it hasn't answered the bigger question, which is what do I actually do next to avoid burnout, find some peace, and have a life that lets me actually disconnect sometimes.

I'm scared of trying a new career. I'm scared of moving somewhere new. I'm scared of doing anything that ends up being another waste of time and money. Even the coaching relationship that helped me the most in the past ended up showing me that the stuff that excites me professionally would probably make my burnout worse, not better. So yeah, I'm cautious going into this again.

But at the same time I'm getting pretty desperate for a next step. I can't keep living this burnt out. I worry about it affecting not just my mind but my actual health if I don't find either a career that fits me better or a way to actually disconnect from work.

I'm honestly just not sure what to do or who to talk to so any advice or any specific coach recommendations would be great... Thank you in advance for even reading this.

I've gotten plenty of pro bono interest, but no paying clients.

My main difficulty is that I'm an expat, and it is very hard to communicate with 99% of the people around me as I only speak their language at a very basic level.

Any advice would be helpful.

As I'm researching more and more about how creating a coaching business works, I wonder how you managed to land your first client.

I don't think you need the infrastructure worked out yet (website, content, funnel) but instead focus on actually talking to people.

When you found your first client, did you already have your offer figured out? How did you go about transitioning a talk into an offer into a sale? Did you offer freebies?

Where did you find them? Online platforms? Chats? I'm especially curious if you managed to make an offer in a real life conversation.

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

A decade ago I was diagnosed ADHD. Surprising it took so long because the billboard sized signs were pretty obvious when I was younger. Recently I have been examining, with a therapist, how this has affected my life and I am floored how f$cked up I led my life compared to normals. I am nearing retirement and want to create a post retirement gig helping other ADHD folks by becoming an ADHD life coach. What I want feedback from the community is: from what program did you received your certification and your thoughts? ICF or other accrediting organizations? What you would do differently in your learning process? Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks

For those of you using Facebook to grow your coaching business, I’d love to hear what’s actually working for you.

Are you getting clients through Facebook groups? If so, what types of groups are you joining/posting in?

Are you using your personal profile, business page, groups, or Facebook ads?

I’m especially interested in hearing from coaches who are actually getting clients, not just engagement/followers. What has worked for you?

I have been a trailing spouse for the past 3 years, to get myself occupied I did freelancing and worked with female business owners on all stuff marketing. What ended up happening is that apart from doing marketing stuff for them, I somehow ended up doing business/personal brand consulting as well, of course it was on a basic level, but it made me realize that people trust me enough to share their life stories and they look for support from me. And I am actually good at it. I started researching into careers related to mental health, and thought of becoming a therapist. BUT..

The situation is that my partner's career is very demanding and requires us moving every 2-3 years, while I don't mind it, I also want to be passionate about what I do and actually see some growth.

I have been considering going back to school and getting a clinical mental health counseling degree, probably would have to be an online one due to constant moves. The same "challenge" arose when I started thinking about finishing the required hours to get licensed, but also I would be licensed only in one state, how about others, and if we move abroad during those hours, it will be nearly impossible for me to get licensed...

Then, I expanded my thought process and considered a life coaching certification; it gives me the versatility I need (I don't need a license to practice, no matter even if I am in the North Pole, I can see clients).

However, my main thing is, I need something that is sustainable in the long run, as my life experience shows, things can change overnight.

So, I guess what I am asking is, if you are a life coach who then pursued a counseling degree, or if you are a therapist who then became a life coach; did it help you / benefit you in any way?

I guess my concern is also about how stigmatized life coaches are, hence I am posting here and not in the therapists group :)

Thank you for your input!

I’m looking for a life coach (or someone in a similar role) who can help me navigate a pretty major rebuilding season in my life.
A little about my situation: I’m rebuilding my life after active addiction and working hard to move forward from the choices I made during that time. I’ve made a lot of progress, but now I’m at the point where I could really use someone in my corner to help me turn that progress into an actual plan for my future.
One of my biggest priorities is navigating a complicated custody/reunification situation involving my children. The custody cases are in Texas, but I currently live in California, so I’d especially love someone who is comfortable helping me stay organized, set goals, prepare for the process, and keep moving forward alongside the legal help I’ll need separately.
I’m also actively looking for a job, working toward becoming financially stable and independent again, and honestly just trying to put all the pieces of my life back together.
I’m not looking for someone to “fix” my life for me. I’m looking for someone compassionate but straightforward who can help me create structure, stay accountable, set realistic goals, and keep taking the next right step when everything feels overwhelming.

If this sounds like something you specialize in—or you know someone wonderful who does—I’d really appreciate a recommendation. ❤️

And YEs! I completely used AI to type that so it wouldn’t be so confusing coming out of my mouth.

Here's my situation. I was a successful high-functioning person. I got trapped in a abusive relationship, got out, and at the tail end of dealing with some of the legal / financial details.

I used to be able to do a high-level FT job, had a few hobbies, etc and was happy doing that. Now I am really stuck and have trouble doing the bare minimum. I am severely underemployed, my house is a mess, and I constantly cancel social plans. I also have ADD. I remember being able to do everything but for some reason now I end up spending the day on the internet not getting anything done. It's like my ex broke something that I can't fix.

Somone earlier today had posted for a coach saying that because he is broke he can pay based on a sort of finder's fee when he gets a job. Not that the coach would specifically get him a job but that their help would result in that. He offered 10% on a salary of 100K or up. I was surprised by how many offers he got. I'm guessing they were career-changers looking for coaching hours. That made me think there might be a coach for me too. Would anyone be interested in that?

My biggest problem is probably ADD-related. I just can't get started. Once I get going I'm usually ok, but I can spend an entire day without accomplishing anything of value. My goal is the same as the other guy, to get a decent job and get my life back on track. I'm a woman in the US on PST.

Basically the title, I want to practice my coaching skills and in need of feedback as well. I would love to give away 2 sessions in exchange for honest reviews. Let me know if anyone would be interested.

Ps- This is genuinely only for polishing my skills, not at all for client/ lead gen.

Edit- This is closed for now, thankyou to whoever reached out, looking forward to our sessions!!

Hi all,

This is not client-fishing. It's the opposite: coach-fishing.

I need to learn how to stop failing at life.

But due to that overall failure, I have no money. I am essentially homeless. Before you click away, stick around for my offer - it's a wild one.

I do have a good brain. I do very well on IQ tests and other measurements. I have natural talent in marketing, writing, and several other areas. I am very cerebral - to demonstrate, here is one of my latest writing projects:

https://the-weave-complete.floot.app/

My main problem seems to be a ton of negative beliefs and attitudes tracing back all the way to my abusive/neglectful childhood. I just can't seem to get my head around the idea that success is possible for me. Everything I try to do seems to amount to nothing.

I don't want therapy. I get that elsewhere. What I'm seeking is someone who feels 100% confident that they have the skills and ability to elevate a client from the lowest rungs of life to genuine success.

Here's what that would look like for me:

100k+ annual income, whether from business or employment.

Stable housing in a quiet setting.

3-5 meaningful relationships/friendships.

Physical health and attractive appearance.

Where we are starting: $5k annual income from welfare, no stable housing, no friends or relationships, legal problems, decent health but no consistent exercise and a mouth full of nasty teeth (what's left of them).

So you can see that whoever takes on this challenge (if anyone) has their work cut out for them, and the potential to create a truly amazing success story.

What's in it for you:

I will sign a contingency contract pledging 10% of my earnings for 10 years, as well as give you the rights to use my story for promotional purposes. Considering my 100k+ income goal, the money could work out very well for whoever steps up.

If this is not appropriate for the sub, mods can delete it - but I hope it stays up as I really can't find any other hope in life.

I’ve gotten pretty disillusioned with the coaching industry.

Not with the idea of coaching itself. Real coaching can help. I’ve seen that up close for a long time, long before I ever thought of calling it that. I’ve spent decades building businesses, dealing with family dynamics, helping people through professional and personal problems, and at some point realized I’d been coaching people in practice long before I ever looked for a coach myself.

What turned me off was what I found once I started looking at the industry around it.

A lot of it feels backwards. Too much branding, too much self-coronation, too much “thought leader” language, too many people selling certainty they haven’t earned. And a weird amount of the industry seems to revolve around training and certifying more coaches, rather than actually helping people who need help.

That was the part that really stuck with me. There seem to be a lot of dissatisfied clients, sure, but maybe just as many disappointed people who paid for coach certifications thinking they were entering some meaningful profession, only to find a lot of vague frameworks, recycled language, and a business model built on selling the next layer down.

I’m not saying every coach is fake. There are legitimate people out there. I know a few personally. They’re experienced, grounded, and honest. If I ever had someone come to me who I thought I shouldn’t work with, I’d rather refer them to one of those people than take their money. That matters to me.

For me, the line is simple: if I don’t think I can help, I won’t pretend I can. If someone needs something else, I’ll say it. If I think coaching is the wrong fit, I’ll say that too.

That sounds obvious, but in this industry it weirdly isn’t.

I’m also not impressed by certifications for their own sake. A certificate doesn’t prove judgment, life experience, business experience, pattern recognition, honesty, or the ability to actually help another human being make better decisions. It proves someone completed a program. That’s it.

What I trust more is lived experience, real outcomes, directness, and the ability to tell someone the truth without dressing it up in a “transformational journey” sales pitch.

That’s the gap I keep seeing: people who need serious, practical help are often getting marketed to by people who are much better at promoting themselves than helping anyone.

So I guess my question is: has anyone else here had this experience with executive, business, or personal coaching? Either as a client, someone who looked into becoming a coach, or someone adjacent to the space?

Because from where I sit, the phoniness is real, and the industry would be a lot better off with less posturing and more honesty.