Life coaching is the cumulative result of a number of practices. Life coaching has roots in executive coaching, which draws on techniques developed in management consulting and leadership training. Life coaching also draws inspiration from disciplines including sociology, psychology, positive adult development, career counseling, mentoring, and other types of counseling. The coach may also apply mentoring, values assessment, behavior modification, behavior modeling, goal-setting, and other techniques in helping their clients.

The eMerge Coach is also known as a mentor, and serves as a wise and trusted advisor/helper. A coach demonstrates an interest in his/her client by guiding and supporting them to move forward in their life with empathy, understanding, respect, and warmth. A coach uses different techniques, assessments, and skills to empower personal growth and problem solving through effective interpersonal communications.