Life coaches use multiple methods that will help clients with the process of setting and reaching goals.

Coaching is not targeted at psychological illness and coaches are not therapists nor consultants.

Life coaching has its roots in executive coaching, which itself drew on techniques developed in management consulting and leadership training.

Life coaching also draws inspiration from disciplines including sociology, psychology, positive adult development, career counseling, mentoring and other types of counseling.

The coach may apply mentoring, values assessment, behavior modification, behavior modeling, goal-setting and other techniques in helping their clients.

Government bodies have not found it necessary to provide a regulatory standard for life coaching, nor does any state body govern the education or training standard for the life coaching industry; the title of "coach" can be used by any service provider.

Multiple coaching schools and training programs are available, allowing for many options (and sometimes causing confusion) when an individual decides to gain "certification" or a "credential" as they apply to the coaching industry.

Multiple certificates and credential designations are available within the industry.

Some assert that life coaching is akin to psychotherapy without restrictions, oversight or regulation.

The State legislature of Colorado after holding a hearing on such concerns, disagreed, asserting that coaching is unlike therapy because it does not focus on examining nor diagnosing the past. Instead coaching focuses on effecting change in a client's current and future behavior.

Additionally, life coaching does not delve into diagnosing mental illness or dysfunction.

According to a survey of coaching clients, "sounding board" and "motivator" were the top roles selected for a coach.

Clients are looking for a coach "to really listen to them and give honest feedback."

The top three issues in which clients seek help are time management, career and business.