The word "coaching" is now a buzzword among helping professionals, yet many may not fully comprehend this trend…Patrick Williams and Diane Menendez have written a seminal work on this subject with Becoming a Professional Life Coach…The question foremost on most readers’ minds is likely to be what, specifically, is the difference between therapy and coaching? One major difference is emphasis, the authors explain. While psychotherapy often focuses on the past, coaching directs clients to create and design their futures. Critics and skeptics may relegate coaching to the realm of fads. These authors, however, argue that coaching is both a viable career and a bona fide profession in the 21st century. As they explain, “Coaches are now in schools, probation departments, churches, nonprofit corporations and other community agencies....

In brief, Becoming a Professional Life Coach may just become a modern-day classic. It is recommended for seasoned counseling professionals as well as rookies. Career counselors in particular will want to add the book to their personal libraries. Graduate counseling students will also want to read Becoming a Professional Life Coach because it provides a broader perspective on the helping professions and also opens the door to new career possibilities for future graduates. Reviewed by C. Brian Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor from Lake in the Hills, Ill.