Finding an English-speaking life coach in Paris: what to look for

So you’re in Paris, you want some support, and you want it in English. Not in your “good enough” French. In the language you actually think and feel in.

I get it. When you talk about the things that really matter, your fears, your dreams, the stuff you don’t even say out loud to your friends, you need the words to come easily. Otherwise half of the session goes into translating yourself, and the other half into worrying if you said it right.

I’m a life coach in Paris and I work in English, so yes, I’m a bit biased here. But let me be honest with you: I’d rather you find the right person than just any person. Even if it’s not me. So here is what I would look for.

1. Can you actually feel her energy before you book?

Read her website. Watch a video, listen to a podcast episode if she has one. Does she sound like a real human, or like a brochure?

Coaching is a relationship. You’re going to share things that are fragile. If you already feel stiff reading her “About” page, trust that feeling. It’s data.

2. Does she work only on the mind, or also on the rest of you?

A lot of coaching is only about goals, plans, action steps. And that’s great, until it isn’t. Because most of us don’t lack information. We know what we “should” do. We just don’t do it, or we do it and then we burn out.

I always work on two levels at the same time. The external: your goals, your plan, your next real step. And the internal: your beliefs, your fears, your nervous system. If only one side is covered, something usually breaks later.

So ask her: how do you work with the inside part? What happens when I’m exhausted, or scared, or stuck in the same pattern again?

3. Is she honest about what she is, and what she’s not?

A life coach is not a therapist, and a good coach will tell you that straight away. I’m a certified life coach and I’m completing my training in psychology, but I don’t give medical or psychological treatment. If what you’re going through needs a therapist or a doctor, I’ll tell you, and help you find the right person.

Be careful with anyone who promises you results. Nobody can promise you a result for your life. What someone can promise is to show up, to be honest, and to give you real tools.

4. Has she lived something close to what you’re living?

Not the exact same thing, everyone’s path is different. But it helps a lot when your coach knows from the inside what you’re talking about.

I’m a mom of two, I have ADHD, I’ve been through burnout, panic attacks and depression. I left the 9-to-5 to build my own life and business. So when a woman tells me “I’m tired of holding everything together”, I don’t need a long explanation. I know.

5. Where do you meet, and does it feel good?

In Paris or online? Both can work really well. Some women need to physically leave the house, sit in a quiet room and put the phone away. Others are more relaxed at home, with a cup of tea, in their own space.

My cabinet is a quiet room in Paris, and I also work online. Ask yourself honestly what you need right now, not what you think you “should” choose.

6. Is there a free first call?

Most good coaches offer one. Use it. It’s not a sales call (or at least it shouldn’t be). It’s to see if you click. In 30 minutes you’ll know a lot: does she listen, or does she talk? Do you feel lighter, or more pressured?

My free call is 30 minutes, online. You tell me where you are and where you want to be. Even if we don’t work together after, you’ll leave with a clearer head. That’s the deal.

The questions I would ask on that first call

• How do you work, what happens in a session?
• What do you do when I don’t do my “homework”? (because it will happen, trust me)
• How many sessions do women usually need?
• What are you NOT the right person for?

That last one is my favourite. A coach who can answer it honestly is usually a good one.

One last thing

You don’t need to be “ready” to start. You don’t need to have it all figured out, or know exactly what you want. Honestly, if you knew, you probably wouldn’t need a coach.

You just need a first step. Whatever that is for you.