The 5 Best Life Coaches in Canberra Changing the Lives of Locals
I’ve always been fascinated by how one honest, grounded conversation can shift the direction of someone’s life. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been exploring the world of life coaches in Canberra, and I was surprised by how unique each one’s approach is.
Some focus on leadership and resilience, others specialise in emotional healing, and many offer safe spaces for clarity during uncertain times.
After comparing websites, reading clients’ feedback, and studying each coach’s background, I started to understand why certain names stand out. If you’re seeking guidance, direction, or personal growth, these are the best life coaches to consider.
How much does a life coach cost in Canberra?
Life coaches in Canberra typically cost $120 to $250 per session, depending on the coach’s qualifications, specialisation, and session structure. Some coaches offer package programs or complimentary introductory calls so clients can test compatibility.
1. Start Anew Executive Life Coaching and Psychotherapy
Address: Level 9, 2 Phillip Law Street, Nishi Building, New Acton
Contact details: 0451 903 260
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 8:45 AM – 5:15 PM
- Also available online
Karen Freedman’s Start Anew stands out immediately because of her blend of life coaching and therapeutic support, which many clients say creates a deeper and more transformative experience.
She specialises in helping executives and professionals dealing with burnout, self-doubt, complex trauma histories, and high-pressure work environments.
What impressed me most while browsing her website was her triple-master’s qualification in public health, psychotherapy, and counselling, paired with decades of senior leadership experience.
During my session with her, I felt seen and understood. She has the ability to gently challenge limiting beliefs while offering grounded, real-world guidance.
The only drawback is that because she works at such a deep level, sessions can feel intense for people who prefer lighter coaching experiences.
Still, people praise her for being authentic, intuitive, and skilled at helping clients create lasting change—making Start Anew an ideal choice for those wanting a mix of coaching and inner healing.
An incredibly transformative experience
“I had the privilege of working with Karen, and it has been an incredibly transformative experience. Their ability to listen deeply and provide insightful feedback made me feel truly heard and understood. Her combination of therapeutic techniques and life coaching strategies helps to gain clarity and build confidence in navigating life’s challenges. I highly recommend Karen to anyone looking to improve both their mental well-being and personal development. Truly a life-changing experience!”
– Kurt Petrunia, Google Review
Gained deep insights
“Grateful for the opportunity to work with Karen. I was able to use the sessions to gain deep insights into my life experiences so far and how they have shaped the way I show up in the world and approach major life decisions and challenges. I’m looking forward to working with Karen in the near future, post our pro-bono sessions, with a new focus for our partnership.”
– Dipika Nand, Google Review
2. Frankly Speaking
Address: Lonsdale St, Braddon
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Zak Pino’s coaching style feels refreshingly straightforward, warm, and relatable. His message—that most people already have what they need, they just can’t access it alone—resonates strongly across his site and social pages.
What clients seem to appreciate most is his down-to-earth communication style, which helps people open up without feeling judged or overwhelmed.
His sessions focus heavily on mindset and clarity, offering practical ways for clients to reconnect with their goals.
I noticed, however, that Frankly Speaking leans more toward traditional life coaching rather than a therapeutic or specialist framework, which may not suit those needing deeper psychological support.
Even so, clients often describe Zak as “genuine,” “insightful,” and “easy to talk to,” which makes him a great choice for anyone seeking a supportive coach who brings a grounded perspective and structure to personal challenges.
Amazing
“Working with Zak has been nothing short of amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor, Zak has given me a different perspective and helped me grow as a person in all aspects of my life. His drive, passion and determination show in his work and everything he does. I would highly recommend.”
– Grace Goodwin, Google Review
He inspired my students to set goals
“Zak delivered an informative and engaging presentation on his passions and beliefs. He inspired my students to set goals using his template from frankly speaking. Zak emphasized the importance of communicating effectively and fostering positive connections. I will be using the goal-setting template from Frankly Speaking in the future. Thank you, Zak for taking the time out of your day to speak and inspire my students!”
– Alexandra-Rose Batista, Google Review
3. Love Academy Worldwide
Address: 50 Ellenborough St, Lyneham
Contact details: +61 407 709 293, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Christy of Love Academy Worldwide offers a unique coaching experience rooted in emotional healing, spirituality, and intuitive guidance.
Her programs are designed to help women release emotional trauma, overcome fear, and reconnect with a sense of inner peace and abundance.
From browsing her content, it’s clear she creates a deeply supportive environment where clients can express difficult emotions without shame.
She even offers a free “5 Steps to Process Your Emotions” pre-course, a short, self-paced online module that helps women recognise what they’re feeling, understand their emotional triggers, and release built-up tension through guided reflection.
It usually takes less than an hour to complete and can be done entirely at home, making it an easy first step for anyone curious about her approach.
However, because Christy incorporates spiritual language—discussing divine guidance and soul alignment—this style may not resonate with those who prefer a strictly secular approach.
However, for women looking for heart-centred guidance, emotional healing, and intuitive coaching, Love Academy can help clients achieve transformative results.
Deeply understands her clients
“I experienced something truly special during my session with Christy today. She is a loving spiritual channel who listens from the heart and deeply understands her clients. Her warm vibration had me feeling so connected, as if she was an extension of divine love itself! It’s no wonder that people turn to her for help – she really is remarkable in every way. Christy is genuine, caring, and generous. You must experience her gift for guidance and coaching.”
– Stephanie Dianne Kordan, Google Review
Beautifully gentle
“I have just completed a session with Christy from the Love Academy. Christy is warm hearted, wise and beautifully gentle too. I had an amazingly healing experience with her and I am very clear about the vision of my next chapter of my life after working with her. I feel centred, inspired and uplifted. I highly recommend her talents and intuitive ability to help you create a life that you love at an even deeper level.”
– Indira Hnatiuk, Google Review
4. Ross Rowe Coaching
Address: 1 Vanzetti Cres, Kambah
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ross Rowe’s credentials stood out to me immediately. He had formal training with the International Coach Federation and the World Institute of Action Learning.
Moreover, his approach is structured because he uses action learning, a framework where clients unpack real issues through focused questioning, reflection, and taking small, practical steps between sessions.
His coaching tends to follow a clear process rather than a free-flowing style.
One standout feature is his free 20-minute introductory call, which helps clients get clarity before committing.
When asked to describe him, many clients often say that he is insightful, skilled at helping people talk through complex problems, and able to create a safe, judgment-free environment.
His availability is limited (off on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays), which may be challenging for clients who need more flexible or last-minute scheduling.
Still, his professionalism and depth of experience make him ideal for individuals wanting grounded guidance, conflict navigation, or career clarity.
Life-changing
“I have known Ross for many years and can honestly say that his guidance and support is nothing less than life-changing. His approach is solid and intentional, and his influence has made a lifelong change in how I understand myself and relate with my community, both at home and at work. Ross ran several team coaching and small group action learning sessions for my company in a cross-cultural context in Papua New Guinea. His reflective questioning and gentle self-examination prompted new insights and pathways to complex and wicked problems and provided us with a new depth of self awareness to tackle the real challenges. This isn’t just another trend, Ross is an excellent listener and a genuine enabler.”
– M.A Wolnicki, Google Review
Highly recommend
“I have used Ross Rowe several times over the past few years to assist me when I’ve needed some personal and professional guidance. I am really grateful to Ross for helping me find my own perspectives and for helping me learn the mental tools to keep me focused. I am still using them today. I highly recommend Ross, he really listens, and he has helped me find my own way, and be a better me.”
– Barbara Harding, Google Review
5. Collective Wisdom Coaching & Consulting
Contact details: +61 418 493 730
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Melanie Greenhalgh brings more than 25 years of community leadership, youth work, and advocacy into her coaching practice, making her one of Canberra’s most experienced and resilience-focused coaches.
Her story is deeply human: she has navigated profound personal loss, a house fire, and a cancer diagnosis, and she openly shares these experiences to encourage others.
Many women credit her programs with creating meaningful shifts in their lives, often describing her blend of honest guidance, gentle support, and uplifting humour as a powerful combination.
Her approach feels warm and empowering, grounded in a style that encourages women to show up for themselves in real, lasting ways.
The only potential drawback is that her availability can book out quickly due to high demand.
A catalyst for enacting self-discovery
“Melanie is a catalyst for enacting self-discovery, the time I have spent with her has helped me profoundly. Being able to connect with other like-minded people who want to be better themselves is such a beautiful experience. I would highly recommend Melanie’s services to anyone. I very much look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”
– Ella Hooper, Google Review
Empowering wisdom to women
“This program has helped me understand my emotional challenges and Mel has provided the tools and professional support to enable me to reflect, reset and believe in myself again. I am in a much better place and I want to continue to become the best version of myself. Thank you for empowering wisdom to women trying to juggle the emotional roller coaster.”
– Lucy Accinelli, Google Review