What is Holistic Coaching (and Why You Probably Need It)?

Written By Merilin Liivamaegi

Look, life can feel like a chaotic mess sometimes. Between work, relationships, trying to stay healthy, and keeping up with your never-ending to-do list (seriously, does it ever end?!), it’s no wonder people are craving something deeper. More purpose. More fulfillment. More "I actually feel like I have my life together" moments.

People want more—more love, better career moves, deeper relationships, vibrant health, and, let’s be real, more money wouldn’t hurt either. But here’s the kicker: most people don’t actually know where to start. They just know what they don’t want.

So, they jump into something—maybe a new diet, a morning routine, or reading self-help books until their bookshelf screams for mercy. But then, life happens. Motivation fades, obstacles pop up, or they sabotage their progress and end up back where they started (I see you, Monday diet restarters).

The biggest hurdle? The ‘HOW.’

Enter: The Coach

A coach is like that brutally honest best friend—except with actual tools, knowledge, and strategies to help you stop self-sabotaging and start making real progress. Think of them as your personal GPS, helping you navigate the twists and turns of life without making you want to throw your phone out the window.

But let’s get one thing straight—coaches are not magical fairy godmothers. They don’t fix you (because you’re not broken), they don’t give unsolicited advice like your well-meaning aunt, and they definitely don’t write meal plans or diagnose you (leave that to the professionals). Also, if you're looking for someone to just nod along while you complain… yeah, that’s not coaching either.

Tears? Sure, those happen. Growth isn’t always comfortable. But a coach’s job is to challenge you, support you, and help you move forward—not keep you stuck in victim mode.

Why Do People Work With a Coach?

People seek out coaching for a bunch of reasons, like:

  • They have no idea what they actually want in life (other than to be happy, but what does that even mean?)

  • They’re overwhelmed with all the self-improvement noise out there and need a clear, simple plan

  • They keep starting and stopping, thanks to procrastination, fear, or self-sabotage (aka, being human)

  • They’re stuck in their own limitations and need a push (or a loving kick in the butt)

  • They want to build better habits and actually stick to them

  • They need accountability, because let’s face it—doing things alone is hard

So… What Makes Coaching Holistic?

A holistic coach doesn’t just slap a goal on you and say, “Alright, off you go!” Nope. Holistic coaching means looking at the whole you—your mindset, emotions, body, and even the deeper beliefs that are secretly running the show.

Because let’s be honest, if your thoughts, emotions, and actions are totally out of sync, you’ll keep running in circles.

A holistic coach helps you:

✔ Define the real challenge (not just the surface-level stuff you think is the problem)

✔ Unpack where it actually comes from (hello, past experiences and sneaky subconscious beliefs)

✔ Identify what’s keeping you stuck (spoiler: it’s usually not just a lack of willpower)

✔ Get super clear on what you actually want to think, feel, and experience instead

Using different tools, strategies, and powerful questions, a holistic coach helps you shift out of old patterns and into a life that actually feels aligned.

Bottom line? Coaching isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about cutting through the noise, getting out of your own way, and stepping into the most empowered version of yourself. And if that sounds like something you need, well… you know where to find me.

Merilin Liivamaegi