Life coaching in Paris and online
As an EMCC-accredited life coach in Paris, I specialize in personal development, career coaching, and mindset transformation for individuals and professionals navigating change. My holistic approach combines systemic coaching, Jungian psychology, and creative methods to help clients gain clarity, confidence, and purpose. I support multicultural and creative clients seeking authentic growth, renewed motivation, and meaningful success.
Key areas of focus:
Personal development
Adapting to change
Challenges of living abroad
Relational difficulties
Midlife dynamics
Self-confidence
Professional development
Values
Decision making
Dream work
Work-Life balance
Meaning and vital energy
Performance
Creativity
5 good reasons to hire a professional life coach now
You have a dream
You are about to roll up your sleeves and make your dream project a reality. What you are looking for is not to get in your own way. The questions are how to clarify your vision, activate your unique gifts and skills to be able to develop a viable strategy to realize your dream project.
You are in transition
Change has a million faces - a promotion you’ve received, a new job, a divorce, a relocation to a country, etc. What is at stake is the development of a new constructive attitude to be able to successfully transition into a new personal or professional situation or a new stage of your life.
You are blocked by a recurrent obstacle
You think that there’s a recurring blockage in your personal or professional life and you would like to remove it. Lack of confidence, relational difficulties, communication with others, stress management, productivity, etc.
You have a decision to make
A career, life or business decision. The objectives are to align the values that affect your decision, develop criteria for what would make a successful decision for you, break the process into steps and explore the options.
You need support right now
You’re going through a difficult period in your personal or professional life and you seek clarity and would like to recover the energy to be able to move on.
© 2014 Yury Li-Toroptsov.
What is coaching?
Coaching is a process of individual interviews based on a collaborative relationship, focused on goals to be achieved, and structured in such a way that it helps a person develop their potential, increase their performance level, and take action.
The Coach provides a space where the Client can express their aspirations, overcome their doubts as well as their certainties, develop new skills, and gain autonomy and confidence. The benefits of coaching are based on a defined and confidential framework, active and supportive listening, and tools and techniques to understand, confront, and solve the issues addressed.
Coaching does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders and is not to be used as a substitute for psychotherapy, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, or other professional advice by medical or other qualified professionals.
How I practice life coaching
The request for life coaching is formulated by the client
Life coaching is the subject of a personalized contract
Standard coaching duration: 10 sessions
Interval between sessions: 2-3 weeks
Coaching sessions take place primarily on Zoom. If you're in Paris and prefer in-person sessions, walking coaching meetings are available.
The process involves a relationship of trust and confidentiality
The first introductory 30-minute session is free of charge
My Coaching Methodology
Systemic Palo Alto Coaching approach is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, particularly for individuals navigating complex relational dynamics or organizational challenges.
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Individuals are regarded as parts of larger systems, such as teams or organizations. The focus is on understanding the dynamic interactions within systems and how these interactions contribute to the issue at hand.
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The Palo Alto approach places significant emphasis on communication patterns. Coach works with a client to identify and change unproductive communication habits.
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This approach is practical and solution-focused. Coach helps a client experiment with new behaviors and perspectives to break unhelpful patterns.
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The approach views challenges as part of normal human experiences within complex systems. The emphasis is on understanding and shifting these dynamics.
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The coach and client work together as partners in the coaching process. The coach acts as a facilitator, helping the client explore different perspectives and discover solutions that fit their unique context.
Yury Li-Toroptsov
Certified Professional Coach | Artist | Jungian analyst-in-training
I am a certified and EMCC-accredited professional coach living and working in France for 20+ years, offering innovative, tailor-made coaching interventions for both institutional clients and individuals around the world.
My clients: multicultural, ambitious, creative, and often navigating multiple worlds come to coaching not just to solve problems, but to reconnect with their authentic selves and create meaningful impact. Many are expats, leaders, or professionals who dare to be different yet sometimes feel the strain of disconnection from their core identity.
I hold an Advanced Certificate in Coaching, Leadership & Change from ESSEC Business School, one of France’s leading institutions. I’ve partnered with a wide range of clients from CAC 40 companies and global luxury brands to small local businesses supporting their leadership, innovation, and talent development.
In parallel, I am a professional visual artist. Creativity and imagination are central to my work not as decoration, but as essential drivers of transformation. My coaching practice is grounded in a unique synthesis of systemic thinking (Palo Alto approach), Jungian psychology, and the applied arts. This allows me to address complexity with depth and subtlety, helping individuals and teams unlock insight, shift perspective, and spark change.
My training
Now Jungian analyst-in-training, CG Jung Institute Zurich, Küsnacht, Switzerland
2024 Certificate of Fundamentals of Analytical Psychology, CG Jung Institute Zurich, Küsnacht, Switzerland
2021 Advanced certificate in Coaching, Leadership & Change, ESSEC Business School, Paris, France. Thesis: "Coaching by image, a tool for transforming managerial practices in the era of hybrid work".
2000 MS in Non-Profit Management, New School for Social Research, NY, USA
1997 Diploma in English Philology, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
Professional organizations
I am an accredited member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC Global) at Practitioner level. I abide by its code of ethics.
I am bound by professional secrecy.
My coaching practice benefits from regular supervision.
Languages spoken
English, French, Russian
Testimonials
Elene
“I genuinely believe Mr. Li-Toroptsov is an outstanding coach. One of the things I particularly appreciated was his ability to translate and explain complex concepts in ways that truly resonated with me. His approach wasn’t based on general truths or one-size-fits-all advice, instead, he consistently tailored his guidance to fit my specific circumstances. This made every session feel personalized and impactful.
I was impressed by the practical tools he provided. These weren’t just theoretical ideas but real, actionable strategies that I could implement immediately, which contributed to noticeable improvements in my personal and professional life.”
Reginé
“I had the pleasure of experiencing an exceptional life coaching session with Yury while strolling through the picturesque streets of Paris. From the moment we began our express session, it was evident that he possessed a deep understanding of human behavior and a genuine passion for helping others. Yury’s ability to create a warm and supportive environment allowed me to open up comfortably. Throughout the walk, he skillfully guided me through insightful reflections, asking thought-provoking questions that led to meaningful discoveries about myself and my goals. I cannot recommend Yury enough for his exceptional guidance and expertise in creating a transformative and unforgettable coaching experience in the heart of Paris.”
Laura
“When I first started coaching, I was quite lost, unsure of what to do or where I stood in life, both personally and professionally. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Yury’s guidance, as he helped me take it step by step.”
Last updated: June 2025
John
“Satisfied is not the right word. This coaching experience, the first of any therapy or coaching I've ever done, has been 100% fulfilling and instrumental in pushing me towards a new appreciation and understanding of myself, my path, my desires and my fears. The work has only just begun, but with the tools and reflections Yury has imparted, I feel inspired and more grounded as I continue on this path of self discovery and realization.”
David
“Yury helped me uncover actionable insights on topics I felt stuck on for some time. He is a fantastic listener, thinker and coach.”
Samantha
“Yury's special skill -- to go deep in an empathetic way. There is a reason he has a 5-star rating. Yury is a gem. I definitely want to work with him again.”
Curtis
“Yury radiates kindness and thoughtfulness.”
Face-to-face vs. online coaching
What is the fundamental difference between being coached face-to-face versus distantly?
The short answer is the client’s own personal preference. As for the science of it, various studies conducted to measure the effectiveness of live coaching delivered face-to-face and distantly, suggest that no significant differences were found.
This may mean that coaches and clients are able to create productive coaching relationships and outcomes regardless of the method of contact. You decide what works best for you.
FAQ
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Therapy, practiced by licensed mental health professionals, focuses on healing past trauma and emotional challenges, while life coaching helps high-functioning individuals set goals, build confidence, and take action toward future success.
Coaching is not therapy! It is solution-focused and ideal for people seeking clarity, direction, and momentum in life or career.
When someone is experiencing mental health issues, conditions that affect how the mind functions, they should seek help from a qualified medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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When searching for a coach, it’s essential to look for someone who demonstrates genuine empathy, active listening, and a non-judgmental presence. A great coach should have the ability to ask insightful questions that encourage self-reflection and growth, rather than simply offering advice. Strong professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical integrity are also key indicators of a trustworthy coach.
Additionally, relevant training, experience, and a coaching style that resonates with your personality and goals can significantly enhance the coaching relationship. Ultimately, the right coach empowers you to unlock your own potential with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Key professional criteria to consider:
Accreditation: A coach should be accredited by a recognized professional coaching association such as the ICF (International Coaching Federation), EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council), or similar bodies.
Training: A coach should have completed relevant and rigorous training from a reputable coaching school or program.
Supervision: A coach should engage in regular supervision with a qualified supervisor to maintain ethical standards, reflect on their practice, and continue their professional development.
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It’s completely normal to feel unsure about taking the first step. This is exactly why I offer a free 30-minute exploratory consultation.
In that no-obligation call, we’ll talk through how coaching works, what you’d like to achieve, and any questions or concerns you have. You’ll leave with a clear sense of whether it’s right for you, so go ahead and book your free session now to get started!