Bad Life Coach Warning Signs
As a healing and leadership coach, I’ve seen a lot when it comes to bad life coaches. Trust me, it is wild out here. So wild, in fact, that I had to create another article on the signs of a bad life coach. This is not about discrediting all coaches (I am one myself) nor shaming them. This is a giant wake-up call for everyone—those who want to work with a coach, those who’ve had bad experiences, and even the medical/health community to understand why you might feel frustrated.
In Part One, I covered the first few signs to watch for when choosing a coach. Now, in Part Two, I’m diving deeper into some of the most common and concerning behaviors I’ve encountered. Let’s dig in.
12 Signs of a Bad Life Coach
1. False Authority and Over-Reliance on Credentials
I’ve never presented myself as a ‘certified life coach’ with a diploma from a specific coaching program. Instead, I’ve built my expertise through hands-on experience and a deep understanding of people. While I value formal training like the programs offered by Coach Training EDU, recognized by the International Coach Federation, I chose a different path—one rooted in practical, real-life application rather than textbooks. For some coaches, formal training is essential, and it’s a great foundation. But I believe that coaching is also an art that grows from authentic experiences and a genuine desire to guide others through their own journeys.
The Alphabet Soup of Titles
Besides, to keep it 100% with you guys, I’ve worked with both coaches and therapists with titles like Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Life Coach, and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) who are totally clueless when it comes to helping people who struggle with expressing themselves and getting their personal and professional needs met.
All these titles—LCSW, LISAC, CMAT, MFT, CLC, CSAT—sound to me like FBI, CIA, IRS, TSA, and other alphabet soup agencies just tossed around to sound important. Besides, they don’t represent the experience you should get from a healer. They may look impressive on paper, but when it comes down to truly understanding and helping someone, those letters don’t mean much if there’s no real empathy, intuition, or insight behind them. Credentials are great, don’t get me wrong, but they can’t replace genuine connection or the ability to see beyond a diagnosis or a coaching model.
I’ve seen too many professionals hiding behind their titles, expecting them to do the work of building trust, when what people really need is someone who’s actually present, listening, and ready to meet them where they are. Fancy acronyms won’t help someone break through emotional barriers or find clarity if the person holding them can’t relate on a human level. In the end, what matters isn’t a title, but the skill and integrity to guide people forward in a way that feels real, compassionate, and empowering.
Just “Winging It”
The frustrating part comes with the wing-it mentality. Some coaches think that just because they’ve been to a healer or therapist, they can automatically replicate that model of “success.” But it doesn’t work that way. Great coaches need to put in hundreds of hours doing their own inner healing work, observing qualified healers, and ensuring that they actually know what they’re talking about before they begin guiding others. They need to have their metal tested.
Unfortunately, we live in a society that craves instant gratification, and wannabe coaches often have that same energy. I even looked at Coach Training EDU’s FAQ, and one of the questions was, “How soon can I start making money as a coach?” and “Is there support after I graduate to help me start my business?” This tells you everything you need to know about the energy driving some would-be coaches.
On top of that, there are bad life coaches who fabricate their credentials to look more impressive. They claim to have “helped thousands of people” to boost their credibility, but here’s the thing: people aren’t stupid. If a coach says they’ve had a practice for two years and helped 5,000 people, there’s some serious explaining to do. Either they’re a celebrity, wrote a book, or they’re lying. When you see these inflated numbers, it’s easy for someone desperate for help to skip the red flags. But don’t be fooled.
2. Inconsistent Commitment
Growing any business is hard, and coaching is no different. I spent years relying on savings because I didn’t have steady income from coaching. It takes time to build respect, trust, and a solid reputation. Many would-be coaches can’t handle that reality, even if they’ve completed formal training. To pay the bills, some coaches will drift in and out of coaching depending on where the financial winds are blowing.
I once talked to a bad life coach who was torn between expanding her AirBnB business or learning how to market her coaching services. This shows a lack of real dedication. Many coaches will switch careers or side hustles when things get tough. I remember one popular female coach I used to follow who decided during the pandemic to become a luxury real estate agent because she wasn’t getting enough coaching clients.
The takeaway here is simple: if a coach can’t stick it out, how can they be relied upon to help you through your own growth journey? Consistency is key in both business and personal development. Don’t settle for a coach who is just testing the waters when it comes to your life.
3. Predatory Client Engagement
This is a tough topic because I’ve been on both sides—both as the predator and the prey. I remember one coaching call where my coach told us to create a waitlist, and in another, we were advised to put a countdown timer with flashing lights to pressure clients into booking at a ‘huge discount.’ I was trying to learn from people making six or seven figures as coaches, but looking back, I realize there was something morally bankrupt about their sales philosophy.
Targeting vulnerable individuals, especially those dealing with emotional turmoil, just to exploit them for profit is downright sleazy. And it’s often the same bad life coaches who wouldn’t dream of doing this to someone they cared about, yet have no problem squeezing strangers for every dollar. I recall one coach suggesting that clients charge $15,000+ on their credit cards, telling them to ‘have faith’ that the universe would reward their investment. Then, to top it off, the coach added, ‘Universal intelligence only supports those with true faith in their business.’ How unconscionable is that? But for a bad coach, it’s just a matter of saying whatever’s necessary to close the sale.
Be wary of predatory coaches. I speak from personal experience. I’ve been in moments where I desperately needed help, and instead of receiving honest support, I was met with pressure, intimidation, and a whole lot of sleaze. If a coach is pushing you to sign up immediately, suggesting that you’re foolish or lacking if you don’t, or insisting that this is the ‘one and only time’ you can lock in a special deal—run. Coaches who see people as nothing more than ‘purses with pulses’ don’t care about your well-being; they just want their rent paid.
4. Overuse of Clichés and Buzzwords
Generic, uninspired language is just as useless as showing up to a fight without a plan. We’ve all heard it: “Just stay positive, and it’ll all work out.” Really? That’s your advice? It’s like telling someone to build a house with no tools and no blueprint. Or, “You just need to find your passion, and the money will follow.” Yeah, because passion magically solves everything, right?
Or how about, “Just believe in yourself.” Sure, belief is important, but it doesn’t pay the bills or make the hard work any easier. And don’t even get me started on, “Follow your dreams and never give up.” Sounds great on a motivational poster, but it doesn’t give you the tools, resources, or mindset to push through when things get tough. It’s all talk, no action.
Real coaches give real, actionable insights, rooted in experience, that help clients move forward. Bad life coaches just keep recycling empty phrases—without giving their people a plan, just a pep talk. A great coach will give you the practical steps and tools you need, not just feel-good mantras.
5. Scattered, Irrelevant Offerings
In the beginning of my coaching practice, I had all kinds of random offerings—high-tier packages, low-tier packages, even some one-off services. My coach insisted that having multiple price points would capture more clients. So, I did what I was told. But here’s the thing: I never stopped to ask myself if these offerings actually reflected who I am or what I’m passionate about. I was just throwing things at the wall, hoping something would stick. And, surprise—nothing did.
Looking back, I realize how disconnected I felt from what I was offering. I didn’t see it then, but people can sense when a life coach is operating from a place of desperation or inauthenticity. It’s like when someone is trying way too hard to impress you—there’s just something off about it. You can put on the biggest show, offer every ‘exclusive’ deal, but when it’s empty of real connection and purpose, people pick up on that.
Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of trust. And without trust, there are no real, lasting sales. People want to invest in someone who’s grounded in what they do, someone who offers from a place of genuine conviction. They don’t want a coach who’s scrambling to make rent or throwing out packages they don’t believe in just to make a buck.
Flashy Tacts and Misaligned Values
It’s ironic because bad coaches always talk about finding your purpose and being ‘aligned’—but how many of them are actually doing that? Early on, I was more focused on making something work than on building a practice that felt right to me. I thought that’s what I had to do to be successful. But the truth is, until I got clear on my own values and passions, everything I was selling felt hollow.
Now, I realize that people are looking for more than flashy tactics or forced scarcity. They want to feel a real connection, to see that the person they’re working with believes in what they’re offering. It took a lot of reflection and growth, but I’ve learned that my power as a coach doesn’t come from having a hundred options on a price list. It comes from showing up as someone who is fully invested, who truly cares, and who has walked the same path they’re on.
6. Unaddressed Personal Trauma
I’ve seen it too many times—bad life coaches and even therapists projecting their own unresolved trauma onto their clients. This isn’t just a bad coaching issue; it happens in therapy too. When someone’s wounds, insecurities, and emotional baggage are left untreated, they start leaking into their work. It’s subtle at first, but it shows up in toxic ways: judgment, overstepping boundaries, emotional manipulation, or worse—projecting their own unresolved issues onto you.
Instead of guiding you toward healing, these coaches make you carry their unhealed scars. And the real kicker? It often goes unnoticed, leaving clients feeling more lost, more vulnerable, and sometimes worse off than they were when they first showed up. The worst part? It’s not always obvious in the moment. That bad life coach who’s supposed to help you heal is the same one making it harder for you to break free. Their trauma clouds their judgment, turning what should be a supportive, empowering space into a tangled mess of confusion and dysfunction.
If you’re feeling like your coach is using your struggles to validate their own, or if they’re making your personal journey about them, it’s time to step back and find a healthier dynamic. You deserve someone who’s not dragging their unresolved issues into your healing process. You’re here to move forward, not carry someone else’s emotional weight.
7. Quick-Fix Solutions
Coaches who promise “instant transformations” or “miracle results” are dangerous, plain and simple. Sure, the idea of quick fixes sounds tempting, especially in a world that’s all about instant gratification. We’ve been conditioned to believe that we should have everything now—whether it’s a new outfit, a meal, or even a sense of fulfillment. But real healing? That doesn’t work on a timeline dictated by society’s need for speed. Real healing takes time, patience, and the willingness to face hard truths.
Most of the people who come to me have decades of untreated trauma and deeply ingrained, distorted thought patterns. These aren’t issues that can be wiped away with a quick coaching session or a couple of motivational speeches. I can’t just wave a magic wand and make all the pain disappear. Healing is a process—a messy, gritty process that requires consistent work, reflection, and sometimes, taking two steps back before you can take one forward.
If you find a bad life coach promising this kind of instant transformation, trust me—turn around and walk away. They’re either seriously naïve or flat-out lying to you. True growth is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about gradual change, realignment, and consistent effort over time. Anyone telling you there’s a shortcut to success or transformation doesn’t understand what it takes to do the real work. They’re selling you a fantasy—and that’s the most dangerous kind of promise.
8. Sales-Driven, Not Client-Focused
If a coach is more interested in upselling expensive packages than in your success and well-being, they’re not a real coach. This goes hand-in-hand with scattered offerings—when you’re just after the money, you’ll turn into a monster. I had a coach once tell me that she needed to get her “cheap-ass folk” on her mailing list so she could sell them a discount program and make money for her upcoming Bali trip. Yep, I kid you not.
The pressure to make money is real. I wrote about it in a social media post. Click the link to join in on the convo.
What do you do if your dreams fall flat?
— Denise G. Lee (@DeniseGLee) November 7, 2024
You know, I work with clients who are helpers and healers.
One of them is about to launch something incredibly meaningful, not just for her patients but for her whole community.
After all the number crunching, media outreach, and…
Anywho, stay away from coaches who are more focused on their next vacation than on helping you. Real coaches are invested in your growth and success—not in padding their pockets with your struggles.
9. Poor Boundaries
A coach who oversteps their professional boundaries or overshares their own personal life is a red flag. As a healer, you’re acting as a surrogate parent, trying to re-parent your clients by teaching them skills they didn’t learn growing up. But if you can’t maintain healthy boundaries, both you and the client will crash.
I remember reading Jeanette McCurdy’s memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died where she talked about her first therapist inserting herself into McCurdy’s celebrity events. The therapist claimed she was providing support, but it seemed more like she was starstruck and trying to ride McCurdy’s coattails. Boundaries are everything in coaching—respecting them is crucial.
10. Avoiding Accountability
This is one of the most damaging behaviors in any coaching relationship. When bad life coaches fail to take responsibility for a lack of progress in their clients, they often deflect and blame the clients. It’s easy to point fingers and say, “It’s your fault you’re not progressing,” but a true coach also looks inward. They take the time to assess whether their methods are working, if they fully understand the client’s needs, and if they’re providing the right guidance. Accountability is a two-way street. If progress stalls, a real coach steps up to understand why and adjusts accordingly—not just to save face, but to help their clients make meaningful progress.
In my practice, after completing the life script, my client and I discuss their short and long-term goals. We co-create these goals together because I want to ensure that both the client and I are clear on the direction we are heading.
11. Lack of a Clear Coaching Philosophy or Approach
Coaches without a clear framework are like ships without a rudder—aimlessly drifting, lost at sea. When methods lack consistency and don’t align with a solid, thought-out philosophy, it creates confusion for clients. People can sense when a bad life coach is unsure of their approach, and that uncertainty undermines trust. A good coach, however, brings structure to the table. They have a clear, well-defined philosophy that guides everything they do.
Every coach has their unique style and approach, but if they can’t clearly communicate what drives their work, it may be difficult for you to feel confident in their guidance. A good coach should be able to share why they coach and what their values are, helping you align your goals with their philosophy.
In my practice, every session, every strategy, every step I take is rooted in transactional analysis psychology, based on the groundbreaking work of Dr. Eric Berne (as seen in the image above), a field I’ve explored and written about extensively. It’s not about relying on random tools or hastily crafted tactics. Instead, it’s about offering a cohesive, intentional approach that resonates with my core values and philosophy. This foundation isn’t just academic—it’s the lens through which I understand human behavior, communication, and growth. It’s why I can confidently say that my clients receive not just random advice, but insights and tools that are deeply grounded in a framework that works.
12. Not Addressing Conflicts of Interest or Transparency
Transparency is the foundation of trust, plain and simple. When a bad life coach hides conflicts of interest or isn’t upfront about what’s really motivating their advice, that’s a red flag. I’ve seen coaches push clients to buy everything from supplements to ‘mindset’ courses, all while keeping quiet about the commission they’re pocketing on each sale. It’s shady—and if they’re recommending something purely because it benefits their wallet rather than your well-being, they’re not looking out for you; they’re looking out for themselves.
Take, for example, the bad life coach who claims their ‘special method’ requires you to buy an expensive workbook or sign up for a third-party app that just happens to come with a recurring fee. They’ll talk it up like it’s absolutely essential to your growth but never mention they’re getting a cut. Or, worse, they’ll subtly shame you for not being ‘committed enough’ if you question the value. If someone has to guilt-trip you or keep you in the dark to make a sale, that’s manipulation—not mentorship.
The same goes for the endless affiliate links dropped into ‘recommended resources.’ If a coach genuinely believes in a tool or product, they should be able to stand behind it openly and honestly, without hiding financial incentives. But if they can’t be transparent about where their loyalties lie, they don’t deserve your trust—or your money. Real coaching should be about serving your needs, not just fattening their bank account.
Next, I want to talk with about how to avoid a bad life coach.
Top Tips For Avoiding a Bad Life Coach
Authenticity Over Titles: What matters more than a coach’s fancy title are their experience, empathy, and personal journey. Don’t be fooled by credentials—real healing and leadership come from connection, not just a list of qualifications.
Commitment Counts: If a coach is hopping from one career to the next or can’t even commit to their own business, they likely won’t be able to fully commit to your growth. Look for someone who shows consistency and dedication.
Transparency is Crucial: A coach who hides their motives, especially around sales or commissions, isn’t someone you can trust. Always make sure there’s openness and honesty in your coaching relationship.
The Long Road to Healing: If a coach promises quick fixes or overnight transformations, they’re probably selling a fantasy. Real change takes time, effort, and patience.
Healthy Boundaries Build Trust: A coach who doesn’t respect boundaries or overshares personal details isn’t creating a safe, supportive environment. Healthy boundaries are essential to building trust, which is crucial for your growth.
Integrity is Key: If a coach blames you for not progressing without looking at their own approach, they’re avoiding accountability. A good coach reflects on their own work and seeks improvement alongside you.
Before we wrap up, here’s a quick visual summary that brings together the most important takeaways for spotting a bad life coach. Take a moment to absorb this graphic.
Now, for my final thoughts…
Final Thoughts
Coaching is a powerful tool when used with integrity, authenticity, and real commitment. But as with any industry, there are bad actors who prey on the vulnerable and the desperate. It’s up to you to recognize the signs and protect yourself from falling into their traps. Look for coaches who are honest about their background, focused on your growth, and genuinely committed to your success, not just their own. The best coaches won’t sell you quick fixes, but will empower you to heal, grow, and lead your life with clarity and purpose.
If you’re ready to break through the barriers that have been holding you back—emotionally, mentally, or professionally—I invite you to connect with me. I’ve walked the hard road myself and know what it takes to truly transform. Let’s work together to craft a plan that leads to the success and peace you deserve.
And if you’re looking for more insights, don’t forget to check out my podcast, Introverted Entrepreneur. I dive deep into personal and business growth, offering you the tools and real talk to navigate both. Subscribe today, and let’s keep growing together.
