Life Purpose

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Life Purpose — Evidence & Practitioners | Gyfts

Background

Origin & History

Life Purpose Coaching emerged in the late 20th century as a distinct discipline within the broader coaching industry, which itself developed from executive coaching, psychology, and self-help movements. The modality gained prominence in the 1990s and 2000s as cultural interest in meaningful work and personal fulfillment increased, alongside rising dissatisfaction with purely career-focused or materialistic life paths. Key figures in the coaching field, including pioneers like Thomas Leonard and Tony Robbins, helped establish coaching methodologies that later specialized into life purpose work. The approach draws philosophical roots from existential psychology, humanistic psychology, and ancient wisdom traditions that emphasize self-knowledge and purposeful living. As organizations and individuals increasingly sought holistic approaches to wellbeing and meaning-making, Life Purpose Coaching spread through professional coaching networks, training programs, and the wellness industry, becoming a recognized discipline within the broader complementary health and personal development landscape.

The practice

How It Works

Life Purpose Coaching typically begins with structured reflection and assessment exercises—often using questionnaires, values clarification frameworks, or narrative work—to help you identify patterns in what feels meaningful and energising. A coach guides you through exploratory conversations about your skills, values, past experiences, and aspirations, helping distinguish between external expectations and intrinsic motivations. The process then moves toward defining concrete goals and actionable steps aligned with your emerging sense of purpose, with ongoing support to navigate obstacles, refine direction, and sustain commitment to living in accordance with your identified purpose.

What to Expect in a Session

Initial Consultation

Your first session typically begins with an intake conversation where the coach learns about your current life situation, what prompted you to seek coaching, and what you hope to achieve. The coach may ask about your values, passions, past accomplishments, and areas of dissatisfaction. This session establishes rapport, clarifies expectations, and helps both you and the coach determine if coaching is the right fit. Many coaches provide a complimentary initial consultation to explore whether there's a good working relationship.

Treatment

During active coaching sessions, you and your coach work collaboratively to explore meaningful questions about your life direction. Sessions typically last 45–90 minutes and may occur weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on your needs and the coaching agreement. The coach uses various techniques such as deep listening, powerful questioning, visualization exercises, values clarification activities, and goal-setting frameworks to help you uncover your purpose. You may be asked to reflect on your strengths, identify obstacles, and create actionable steps toward your purpose-driven goals. Between sessions, coaches often assign reflective homework or journaling to deepen your self-awareness.

After Treatment

After each session, you typically leave with greater clarity, renewed motivation, and concrete action steps. Many people report feeling more aligned with their values and energized about their direction. The insights gained during coaching are yours to integrate at your own pace. Some people experience immediate shifts in perspective, while others find that clarity emerges gradually over several sessions as patterns and truths become visible.

Follow-up Sessions

Coaching relationships typically span several months to a few years, with sessions spaced according to your needs and progress. As you move forward on your purpose journey, subsequent sessions help you navigate challenges, deepen clarity, celebrate progress, and adjust your direction as your understanding evolves. Many coaches recommend periodic check-ins even after formal coaching ends to maintain alignment and accountability.

Evidence Assessment

Life Purpose Coaching operates at the intersection of self-help, psychology, and personal development, and the evidence base reflects this hybrid nature. While the coaching industry has grown substantially, the modality itself has not been subject to the same rigorous clinical research as medical or psychotherapeutic interventions. Most evidence comes from coaching practitioner research, client satisfaction surveys, and qualitative studies rather than large randomized controlled trials. Some studies suggest that goal-directed coaching can improve motivation, clarity, and life satisfaction, and that coaching interventions targeting specific outcomes (such as career development or leadership) show measurable benefits. However, high-quality, independent peer-reviewed research specifically on 'life purpose coaching' as a distinct modality remains limited. The evidence that exists is generally encouraging for client satisfaction and perceived benefits, but methodological limitations—such as lack of control groups, self-selection bias, and lack of blinding—mean findings should be interpreted cautiously. The modality's effectiveness appears to depend heavily on the quality of the coach, the client's readiness for change, and the fit between coach and client.

Evidence varies by condition and individual response. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

References

1.Institute for Functional Medicine. (2020). Functional medicine model of care. IFM.
2.Beidelschies, M., et al. (2019). Association of the functional medicine model of care with patient-reported health-related quality-of-life outcomes. JAMA Network Open, 2(10), e1914017.
3.Bland, J. S. (2014). The disease delusion: Conquering the causes of chronic illness for a healthier, longer, and happier life. Harper Wave.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between life purpose coaching and therapy?

Life purpose coaching focuses on clarifying your goals, values, and direction for the future and is forward-focused and action-oriented. Therapy, by contrast, typically addresses past trauma, mental health symptoms, and psychological healing. While both involve a supportive relationship, coaching is not a substitute for therapy. Many people benefit from both simultaneously.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies widely depending on your goals, starting clarity, and commitment. Some people gain significant insights in 3–6 sessions, while others find that 12–24 sessions over 6–12 months allows for deeper exploration and lasting change. Your coach can help you determine a reasonable timeframe based on your specific situation.

How do I know if a coach is qualified?

Look for coaches with certifications from recognized organizations such as the International Coach Federation (ICF), which requires training hours and ethical standards. Ask about their coaching training, experience, specialization, and approach. A reputable coach will be transparent about credentials and happy to discuss their background.

Can life purpose coaching help if I'm dealing with depression or anxiety?

Life purpose coaching can be a helpful complement to mental health treatment, but it should not be a replacement for therapy or medical care if you are experiencing clinical depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. If you are struggling with these issues, work with a mental health professional first or in parallel with coaching.

What if I don't discover a clear 'life purpose' through coaching?

Not everyone arrives at a single, grand life purpose, and that's okay. Many people find that coaching helps them clarify values, identify meaningful directions, and create a more aligned life without needing to define a singular 'purpose.' The goal is greater clarity and intentionality, not necessarily a definitive answer.

How is coaching conducted? Can it be done virtually?

Most life purpose coaches offer sessions via phone, video conference, or in person. Virtual coaching is convenient and effective for many people. Discuss format preferences with your coach when beginning your relationship.

Is coaching covered by insurance?

Life coaching is typically not covered by health insurance in most countries, as it is considered a personal development service rather than clinical treatment. Costs vary widely based on the coach's experience and location but typically range from $75–$300+ per session. Clarify costs upfront and in writing.

What should I prepare for my first session?

Come with openness and honesty. You may want to reflect beforehand on what brought you to coaching, key life transitions you've experienced, and areas where you feel stuck or unfulfilled. But detailed preparation is not required—good coaches are skilled at drawing out your story through powerful questions.

Ask Vidi about Life Purpose

Origin & History

How It Works

How It Works

What to Expect in a Session

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is This For?

Best for

Not ideal for

Commonly used for

Existential Concerns

Life Transitions

Burnout

Symptoms practitioners commonly work with