Coaching Core: Alone, But Not Lonely - Navigating Loneliness in the Coaching Journey

How to Build Connections and Community as a Coach

Why do coaches feel lonely?

The answer is deceptively simple: Coaching is deeply relational but often one-sided in terms of emotional exchange, which can feel isolating. On top of that many coaches work independently, limiting daily peer interaction. And unless you have a Coach Supervisor the whole issue of client privacy and confidentiality can restrict sharing experiences with others, even when there’s a strong urge to discuss transformative or challenging sessions.

And loneliness shows up in different ways for coaches at different stage of development

• Coaches-in-Training: Feelings of self-doubt and isolation are common as learning progresses.

• Newly Certified Coaches: The excitement of certification often mixes with the “what’s next?” uncertainty.

• Senior and Master Coaches: While experience brings confidence, it may also create a gap in shared experiences with less experienced coaches.

  
  

  

Five ways to mitigate loneliness

It seems obvious to say it, but you don't have to go it alone on the journey, join a coaching community: The ICF and EMCC have regional and local chapters; National HR bodies have Coaching communities of practice and almost every accredited coach training school has an alumni group. LinkedIn has many coaching groups (my search yielded 17000 results)

Engage in Supervision or Peer Coaching: Regular supervision or peer coaching provides a place to reflect on challenges with others. You can find how to choose a supervisors here and more reasons to get regular supervision here

Attend Conferences or Webinars: These events offer both learning and connection, often leading to meaningful relationships. There are conferences on Positive Psychology, Solutions Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, Gestalt where you can meet likeminded people on a similar journey. Globally events like ICF Converge, Association for Coaching or EMCC events, run regularly

Other Ways to mitigate

The Power of Reflection and Journaling: Capturing your coaching journey in a journal daily or weekly can help ease loneliness by providing a mental outlet. Use reflective questions such as “What did I learn from today’s sessions?” “How did I feel before, during, and after?” These questions can be a silent companion in the journey.

Develop a “Personal Board of Advisors”: Peer Coaches and mentors at different levels who can provide support, inspiration, and guidance.