We all need a little help sometimes, especially when it comes to journeys of self-discovery. Whether your goal is to be more confident or to find fulfilment in a passion project, it can be pretty tough to figure out how to get from point A (identifying a goal) to point B (actually going after and achieving that goal). That’s where a life coach comes in.

A 2019 study done by the International Coaching Federation found that there were roughly 71,000 coach practitioners globally. Like a therapist, a life coach is someone who can help you identify strengths and weaknesses and overcome obstacles holding you back. But who you should see depends on your issues and what you’re hoping to achieve. So here’s what you need to know before you reach out.

What Does a Life Coach Do?

Well, you know what a sports coach does: They help an individual or team identify a goal (i.e. winning) and then they develop a plan for that person or group. It’s pretty straightforward—and the same holds true for life coaching.

“Life coaching focuses on what’s happening right now, what a person wants next, and how that gap can be bridged,” explains Jane Scudder, certified coach and founder of leadership development firm The New Exec.

Coaching is about helping people identify the obstacles that keep getting in their way, assisting them with finding motivation, and pinpointing any resistance to change. Life coach is a broad term—you can also find business coaches, executive coaches, leadership coaches, and health coaches, but a life coach is typically most helpful when you’re thinking about your overall future.