So... what exactly does a life coach do?

I was once a shy, introverted girl, unsure of myself and everything I did. I sat at the back of the class, wishing to be someone more confident, more capable. Deep down, I knew that the power to change was within me. Fast forward to today, I am not only a certified life coach, and entrepreneur, but also a mother of two. I advocate for confidence, positive mental health, and the belief that life is a journey filled with highs, lows, and opportunities for growth.

The turning point came when I was pregnant with my first child in my 20s. None of my friends were mothers at the time, and I feared I wouldn’t be the best version of myself for my child. I decided to take control of my journey by enrolling in a life coaching course in Hong Kong. Despite my big belly and the uncertainty ahead, I embraced the challenge, seeing it as an opportunity to not only grow personally but also help others do the same. This decision led me to build a life coaching business that has now thrived for over 15 years.

My life as a life coach

Mental health is a global conversation, and with so many avenues for support — psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counsellors — the first step is to speak to a professional so that they can guide you to the right kind of support. Unlike other mental health providers that focus on diagnosing and treating conditions, a life coach is a partner in personal growth. My work centres on helping clients transition from who they are today to who they aspire to be. Together, I help my clients set goals, create action plans, and hold them accountable. It’s about support, empowerment, and understanding that we can shape our own lives.

Over the years, as society changed, and as I grew, my practice evolved. I now specialise in two key areas: maternity coaching and mental health coaching. Through maternity coaching, I work with mothers to navigate the challenges of pregnancy and returning to work, drawing from my own experiences with IVF, miscarriages, and ultimately becoming a mother. Supporting women to achieve their personal and professional goals is profoundly rewarding. 

I also founded Getting to Happy™ in 2020, a movement to inspire healthier, happier lifestyles in Singapore. It’s about making happiness achievable through small, science-backed habits—whether that’s exercising, savouring food, practising gratitude, or meditating. What I realised over the years was that people were so quick to get external help, while not necessarily putting in the effort on a daily basis to really feel better. I wanted a simple way to view mental health and happiness, and through the habits that I do daily, and those that I do with my children, I created bite sized, science based ways to live happier. With my family as my test case, and children as guinea pigs, I can see how consistent daily habits that a family can adopt for positive mental health, can fuel a generation that succeeds and believes that happiness is within one’s own control. We may fail along the way, and dust ourselves off, but I believe that’s truly part of life as well. 

Mental health in Singapore – how to choose the right support

The mental health landscape in Singapore is diverse and constantly evolving. With so many kinds of mental health providers from clinical therapists, child psychologists, NLP coaches, and more, knowing which support is right for you, is key. For individuals facing issues like clinical depression, suicidal thoughts, or physical abuse, specific intervention is necessary. As a life coach, my role is to guide clients through setting and achieving their goals, but I also understand when a client may need a different form of support that may be out of my control, and for that I point them in another direction. 

In Singapore, we are fortunate to have numerous mental health resources available and a growing acceptance towards seeking help. It’s important to find the right fit, whether that’s a therapist, coach, or counsellor with whom you feel comfortable and understood. Building a trusting, open relationship is essential for effective progress.

When choosing the most suitable life coach for yourself, first thing to check is accreditation to make sure the service provider is professionally certified. Second, have a look through their years of experience and clients they work with to see if that is in line with you and your values. Lastly, and by far the most organic of the criteria when searching for the best coach for yourself, is the ability to connect and build rapport. Some professionals may have experience but lack ability to make you feel comfortable and open up, and without that positive energy exchange, coaching sessions may be futile. 

For families, I often emphasize that seeking external help is one of the greatest gifts they can give their loved ones. In an Asian culture where seeking support might still carry some stigma, it’s crucial to understand that professional guidance is there to help us lead better, healthier lives.

Red flags when choosing a mental health professional

While there are many credible mental health professionals in Singapore, it’s important to be aware of red flags when choosing one. Be cautious of those who demand large upfront payments or promise quick fixes, as these can indicate a lack of professionalism. Always check for credentials and qualifications, and remember legitimate professionals are transparent about their training and experience. Watch out for anyone who discourages you from seeking other types of support or second opinions, as this can be a sign of unethical practice. Finding the right support is about building trust and feeling safe in a collaborative, open environment.

My journey into life coaching began with a personal quest for growth, and it’s evolved into a mission to support others. Working with clients from all walks of life has expanded my perspective, deepening my understanding of how people think, behave, and communicate. Through this work, I’ve learned that transformation is not just a professional goal; it’s a personal, lifelong journey.