Life Coaching
Life Coaching
When you can tell something has to change but not what, coaching is about building the plan rather than processing the past.
When you know something has to change, but not what
What brings people to life coaching
Life coaching tends to come up when someone senses that something in their work, routine, or overall direction isn’t working: a career that feels stuck, a goal that keeps getting deferred, or a general sense that there should be more to life than the current day-to-day. It’s a different kind of support than therapy: less about processing what happened and more about building a plan for what’s next.
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How life coaching helps
A certified life coach works with you to set concrete goals and build the confidence, motivation, and strategy to move toward them, whether that’s a career change, a personal project, or simply managing day-to-day demands that have started to feel overwhelming. Some Bayridge coaches also hold clinical credentials and may draw on CBT-informed tools alongside coaching methods, but coaching itself is a distinct, non-clinical service.
You don’t have to have it all figured out
You don’t need a fully formed plan before reaching out: coaching is partly about building that plan together. Meet in person at one of our Ontario offices, or connect virtually from wherever you are.
You might recognize some of this
You can start where you are.
- A sense that there must be more to life than the current day-to-day
- A career that feels like it's reached a dead end
- Not knowing what to do next, or which direction to take
- Being unsure how to develop and use the skills you already have
- Feeling busy all the time while achieving little
- Day-to-day demands becoming overwhelming and hard to manage
This is a description of experiences, not a self-diagnosis checklist.
It may be time to talk to someone
You don't need to be in crisis to deserve support.
Consider reaching out if:
- You want to improve your work performance or open up career opportunities
- You want help working toward a specific personal goal or project
- You're trying to build better work/life balance
- You want to build motivation and self-confidence to put a plan into action
- You'd like an outside perspective while you decide what comes next
Not having a five-year plan yet doesn't mean you're behind: coaching starts wherever you are.
What a life coach can help with
We match the approach to you, not the other way around. Your therapist may draw on one or several, depending on what fits.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Trade unhelpful thoughts for clearer, goal-directed thinking.
Some Bayridge coaches also draw on CBT-informed strategies to help replace unhelpful thought patterns with clearer, goal-directed thinking.
Therapists who work this way: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)A therapist who fits your situation
Our registered therapists have real experience helping people through what you are facing.
Cathy Penny
Registered Social Worker
BA, BSW, MSW, RRP, RSW
Couples, Families, Individuals
View profile
Common questions
No. Life coaching is a distinct, non-clinical service focused on goal-setting and moving forward, offered by certified coaches, some of whom are also registered therapists. It is not a substitute for psychotherapy or treatment of a mental health condition.
Areas like career direction, work/life balance, confidence, and building the strategies and motivation to work toward personal goals.
Care you can lean on
Sessions with our registered therapists are covered by most extended health and workplace benefit plans. Not sure what yours includes? We're happy to help you check before you book.
Sessions typically start at $150 and vary by therapist. Not sure where to begin? Our Intake Specialists can talk through fees, coverage, and which therapist fits what you are facing. Call (905) 319-1488 during business hours.
Ready when you are. We're here to listen.
Browse our registered therapists and reach out when you're ready. We'll usually reply within one business day.