This is definately a problem with an unlicensed sector. Take 30 second with your favourite search engine and see how much snake oil is out there, most of it American.

There are good coaches out there, and a good one will have some form of qualification. However, finding them amongst the snake-oil salespeople can be tough. The number of 'life coaches' selling courses for stupid money is bananas. What's maddening, to me, is people pay it.

There are things you can do to help find a good life coach.

1. Check out their socials. If they are selling the 'work harder, get benefit' model, that are likely snake-oil. Life Coaching is about taking a client where they are, and to help them article their goals, and work towards them. Not everyone's goal is to be rich
2. Life Coaches that say they can make your rich. It's a lie. You can't 'coach' your way out of poverty
3. They have developed a 'guranteed course' that all one-to-one clients follow. That's not life coaching, that's reading from a book. Life Coaching is bespoke, and works with where the client is at. You'd be better off buying a self-help book and using what sticks.
4. They offer a quick fix.
5. They market themselves as some form of Therapist. Life Coaching is not therapy. Similar skills, different game.
6. A life coach won't sell 'woo-woo'. They won't suddenly suggest 'taint sunning' as a cure for depression.
7. A good life coach will offer a free first session, and no tie-in. While you can often get discount prices for block booking, they are not required to access the service.

Life coaches in my country mostly operate as part of the mental-health and wellness movement. With clear lines, and clear limitations. They have clear ethical Frameworks, and work within them.

The people above saying a 'life coach is a therapist that doesn't listen' are people who've met the bad life coaches. A good life coach is interested in their work, shares their knowledge, and is genuinely working from a place of care.

I believe in what I do. I've seen the changes it has made in people. It has not worked for everyone.

I believe so much in what I do, that I offer my services with a minimum cost of minim wage in my country, but with an option to pay as you feel. If you think I've made a difference, great. But there's no pressure too it. I've felt the the high cost of life coaching was a barrier to those who need it - those often lacking a way to articulate their goals in life, much less with towards them.

A good life coach is not a scam. Sadly, not all life coaches are good.