Why Choosing Carefully Matters
Life coaching in Malaysia is completely unregulated. Anyone can print a business card calling themselves a “certified life coach” — even if their “certification” was a weekend online course with no assessment. When you invest your money, time and emotional energy in coaching, the quality of the coach determines everything.
This guide gives you the specific questions, criteria and red flags to make an informed decision.
Step 1: Check Their Certification Body
Not all certifications are equal. The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the most internationally recognised coaching credentialling body, with genuine standards for training hours, demonstrated competency and ongoing professional development.
For NLP specifically, look for coaches certified through the Society of NLP (co-founded by Dr. Richard Bandler) or Tad James NLP lineages. These represent the original, uncompromised NLP methodologies.
Step 2: Ask About Their Training Lineage
In NLP especially, who trained the trainer matters enormously. NLP quality varies dramatically based on how far removed the coach is from the original methodology. The closer to the source, the more complete and effective the training.
The 8 Essential Questions to Ask Any Life Coach
- What is your certification, and who certified you?
Look for ICF credentials (ACC, PCC, MCC) or legitimate NLP lineage certifications from recognised bodies.
- How many coaching hours have you completed?
Experience matters. ICF requires documented coaching hours before granting credentials.
- What is your coaching speciality?
A coach who is a generalist may not have the depth needed for your specific goal. If your goal is career change, find a career coaching specialist. If it is leadership, find an executive coach.
- Can you share testimonials or case studies?
Real coaches have real results. Ask for testimonials from clients with goals similar to yours.
- What methods do you use?
Understand the approaches they use and whether these are evidence-informed. Be wary of coaches who cannot clearly explain their methodology.
- Do you offer a discovery session?
A reputable coach will offer a free or low-cost initial session to explore fit before you commit. Be very cautious of coaches who insist on a long-term commitment upfront with no discovery session.
- What does a typical engagement look like?
Get clarity on session frequency, duration, between-session support and a rough timeline.
- What happens if the coaching isn't working?
A good coach will have a clear, fair policy on what happens if you feel the coaching is not delivering value.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Promises specific results or outcomes
- Cannot clearly explain their training or methodology
- Pressures you to commit to a long package upfront without a trial session
- No testimonials or real client references available
- Claims their coaching cures mental illness or can replace therapy
- Vague or evasive about their certification body
Our Transparency Pledge
We will always tell you exactly what certifications our coaches hold, who trained them, and what results are realistic for your specific goals. If we are not the right fit, we will tell you — and help you find someone better suited.