You've probably noticed it: there's been an explosion of support options for women going through menopause. From hormone-balancing supplements to specialist coaches and midlife wellness programs, we're finally talking more openly about this transition. And yet, many women still feel unsure about who to trust. With so many people calling themselves menopause coaches — often with no formal training — it can be hard to know where to turn for skilled, safe support. Let's break it down together.
What Is Menopause Coaching?
Menopause coaching is a newer field that helps women navigate emotional, behavioural, and lifestyle shifts during perimenopause and menopause. A qualified coach can help with:
- Rebuilding routines and motivation
- Understanding emotional changes
- Clarifying goals and next steps
- Creating more internal steadiness
But menopause coaching is not therapy or medical care. It doesn't replace hormone specialists, psychologists, or doctors — and it shouldn't.
Why It's Important to Choose Carefully
Right now, menopause coaching isn't a regulated field. There's no legal minimum standard of training. That means:
- Some coaches have deep, evidence-based training
- Others have only completed short online courses or self-certification
This doesn't mean these coaches aren't well-meaning — however, it does mean you deserve to ask questions about their experience and scope.
What to Look For in a Qualified Menopause Coach
- General Coaching Certification — Look for someone trained through a reputable organisation like the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This ensures your coach understands safe, structured, ethical practice.
- Menopause-Specific Education — Ideally, this is an add-on to an accredited general coaching certification. Ask where they studied and what their training covered. Did they learn about hormones? Brain fog? Emotional health? The nervous system?
- Clear Scope and Boundaries — Your coach should never promise to balance your hormones or treat mental health conditions. A great coach knows their limits and collaborates with health professionals when needed.
- Trauma-Aware, Emotionally Grounded Care — Menopause is more than hot flushes. It can stir grief, identity shifts, old emotional patterns. Choose someone who knows how to hold space for complexity — not just mindset tips.
Coaching or Therapy? How to Know What You Need
Coaching is best when you're emotionally steady and want to move forward — to set goals, reframe challenges, or reconnect with your purpose.
Therapy or Clinical Hypnotherapy may be more supportive when:
- You feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck
- You're dealing with past trauma, burnout, or nervous system dysregulation
- Insight alone isn't helping you change
Some practitioners (like me at pipbennett.com/private-sessions) combine both. But it's important to know the difference, so you can choose the support that meets you where you are.
Red Flags to Be Aware Of
Be cautious of:
- Coaches who don't share their qualifications
- Big promises with little detail
- High-pressure sign-up processes
- Dismissive attitudes toward medical advice
- One-size-fits-all programs with no personalisation
What Working with the Right Coach Can Feel Like
Support should feel grounded, collaborative, tailored to you, and rooted in safety and trust. This work is intimate. You're not just navigating physical symptoms — you're rewriting parts of who you are. That deserves respect, not rushed solutions.
Final Thoughts
I've worked with women around the world as they navigate this transition, and one thing is clear: women are not looking for hype, they're looking for real, honest, skilled support. Be curious. Ask questions. Trust your gut. And don't settle for less than care that feels both safe and wise.
💜 Pip