Coaching is a method of directing, instructing and training a person or group of people, with the aim to achieve some goal or develop specific skills. There are many ways to coach, types of coaching and methods to coaching. Direction may include motivational speaking. Training may include seminars, workshops, and supervised practice.

The life coach’s role is to help clients articulate their dreams and aspirations, to help them identify and clarify their goals, and then to provide assistance to achieve that outcome in any area of life (i.e. personal, professional, relationship, health etc...).

Personal coaching is not targeted at psychological illness and coaches may utilize techniques such as mentoring, modeling, values clarification, realistic goal setting and evaluation and positive self-esteem enhancement. In the world of health and wellness, coaching is becoming recognized as a new way to help individuals "manage" their illnesses and conditions, especially those of a chronic nature.

A dating coach directs and trains clients on various aspects of developing skills and the confidence needed to meet and attract long-term partners.

Conflict coaching may be used in organizational, matrimonial, divorce and parenting contexts and is one of many conflict management tools for helping people improve their abilities to communicate effectively. It is based on the premise that conflict provides an opportunity to improve relationships, to create mutually satisfactory solutions to identified problems, and to attain other positive outcomes when differences arise between and among people.