Emerging Coaching Trend: Coaching Men Through Emotional Wellness

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Emerging Coaching Trends: Coaching Men Through Emotional Wellness

The coaching trends range wide and far this year, and one stands out alongside the work being done by Lumia co-founder John Kim in his own coaching practice – the emotional health of men. Noelle Cordeaux, CEO of Lumia and John Kim sat down to dissect what’s under the surface of this emerging trend in the world of coaching.

As life coaches or those who want to become coaches, it's important that we not only recognize this burgeoning trend but also understand its implications and the role we can play in shaping a healthier future for men everywhere.

The Overall State of Men's Wellness

The Global Wellness Summit's extensive report sheds light on the significant shift occurring in the realm of men's emotional wellness. 

There’s a huge rise in male loneliness, with a staggering 15% of men in the US reporting zero close friends—a stark contrast to the mere 3% in 1990. Similar trends are happening worldwide, indicating a widespread issue that demands our professional and personal attention.

The decline in male friendships and closeness is attributed to different factors, including remote work, overwork, declining religious connections, lower marriage rates, and rising divorce rates. These societal shifts have left many men feeling adrift, questioning their purpose and place in a rapidly changing world.

Coaches at the Forefront

In the midst of this societal transformation, coaches are stepping into the spotlight as key players in addressing men's emotional wellness – “social first responders” as John and Noelle often say. 

The GWS report highlights the insights of Craig White, a transformational men's coach, who highlights the impact of shifting gender roles and isolation in the lived experiences of men. As traditional roles of “provider and protector” evolve and shift, men are left grappling with an identity crisis, seeking answers to fundamental questions about their place in society.

“Questions like, ‘What is my worth? Who am I?’ Those are inward-looking questions, right? And so it requires an inner journey. If that's not something you're willing to go on, then there is depression, isolation, feeling alone, loss, all of that. Men entering the coaching world through different modalities, like breath work, retreats, are creating bridges for men to now go on that inner journey.” - John Kim

More Resources: 

The Top Three Wellness Disruptors: Unpacking The Latest Trends in Wellness
Emerging Trends in Coaching: Dance, Wellness Travel, Big Talk, and Food as Medicine

Emerging Coaching Trends and Opportunities

Athletes are emerging as unexpected role models, debunking stereotypes by openly discussing mental health struggles. 

Men's retreats and bonding experiences are on the rise, providing spaces for authentic connection and emotional exploration. 

Group education and coaching initiatives are gaining traction, offering support in areas ranging from meal preparation to emotional expression.

And, this trend is not confined to Western societies - it’s also gaining momentum around the world! This loss of identity and connection is a felt need from all corners of the globe, giving plenty of rise to opportunities for coaches. Men in countries like India, South Africa, Brazil, and China are increasingly willing to invest in wellness solutions that highlight connection.

“All of the old structures, the old systems, the old pressures that exist from white supremacy to capitalism to misogyny to patriarchy, they actually harm everyone. This system is literally no longer working for anyone.” - Noelle Cordeaux

Coaching Strategies for Men's Wellness

As coaches, we must equip ourselves with the tools and insights needed to support men on their journey towards emotional wellness. 

Understanding the societal pressures and cultural norms that shape masculine identities is one part of the work, alongside building empathy and forging new connections.

Encouraging men to embrace vulnerability, rewarding authenticity and engaging in genuine dialogue is important for this work. Rather than telling or prescribing specific emotional expressions, coaches can create safe spaces for men to explore their feelings in their own way. Group settings, such as retreats or at the gym, are often ideal spaces for men to open up. 

Coaches must also challenge old ideas of masculinity, promoting inclusive and fluid definitions of what it means to be a man. Out with stale stereotypes – in with inclusivity! 

These are complex times we live in – yet, as coaches we have a unique opportunity to effect meaningful transformation in the realm of men's wellness. By embracing empathy, challenging societal norms, and fostering authentic connection, we can help usher in a new era of emotional resilience and well-being for men everywhere.

Ready to Become A Coach and Make a Bigger Impact?

One of our passions at Lumia is exploration and pushing into the unknown edges as we bring coaching into the world in new ways. Our life coaches ignore the expectations society tries to impose on them, and seek to live from their own truth instead. If you are ready to step into your power and you’d like a partner in the process, come check out Lumia Life Coach Training. Grounded in science, our ICF-accredited program features authentic instructors, a robust curriculum, and business instruction to prepare you for liftoff.

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