Why Coaches Don't Give Advice (And What They Do Instead)

Most people come to coaching because they're good at giving advice. That's usually what got them here. So it comes as a surprise to learn that giving advice is actually one of the things coaches are trained not to do. In this episode of the Everything Life Coaching Podcast, Lumia co-founders John Kim (‪@theangrytherapist‬ ) and Noelle Cordeaux break down why advice narrows the conversation while questions open it up, what power dynamics are really at play when a coach positions themselves as the expert, and what it actually looks like to build a true strategic partnership with a client. They also get into when it is appropriate to share your perspective as a coach, how to collaborate on homework without just handing answers over, and what it means when you get the tingles in a session... and why that's worth paying attention to. If you're new to coaching or rethinking how you show up with clients, this one reframes the whole thing. 🎓 Learn about Lumia's ICF-accredited coach training: https://www.lumiacoaching.com/program... 📖 Why life coaches shouldn't give advice: https://www.lumiacoaching.com/blog/wh... 00:00 Intro: What Happens When Coaches Give Advice? 00:26 Why Advice-Giving Got You Here — But Won't Take You Further 00:56 Questions Create Space, Advice Shuts It Down 02:27 Power Dynamics: Why Coaching Must Be a Co-Equal Partnership 03:55 "What Happens When You Run Out of Coaching Questions?" 04:34 Sharing Observations Without Giving Advice 05:28 Collaboration & Homework: Let the Client Lead 06:35 Building Client Autonomy & Decision-Making 07:14 The Tingles: When Your Body Gives You Information in Session 09:00 Sharing Physical Sensations & Intuition with Clients 11:03 When Advice Is Actually Appropriate (Yes, Sometimes) 13:33 The Danger of Unsolicited Advice & Bias 15:25 Unconscious Bias in Coaching Relationships 19:15 Feelings vs. Facts: Helping Clients Sort It Out 21:03 Intuition vs. Fear: How Do You Tell the Difference? 23:23 Takeaway: Ask Questions — Even in Your Personal Life #lifecoach #coachtraining #lumiacoaching #icfcoach #coachingskills #becomeacoach #everythinglifecoachingpodcast #coachingframework #coachingvstherapy #newcoach