Life coach 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.
Areas of experience:
Personal development
Adapting to change
Challenges of living abroad
Relational difficulties
Midlife dynamics
Self-confidence
Professional development
Values
Decision making
Work-Life balance
Meaning and vital energy
Performance
Creativity
Five good reasons to hire a 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.
What is coaching
Coaching is a structured process of individual sessions based on a collaborative professional relationship, focused on goals identified by the Client, and designed to support the development of personal and professional potential, decision making capacity, and effective action.
The Coach provides a confidential space within which the Client is able to clarify aspirations, examine assumptions, develop new perspectives, strengthen skills, and increase autonomy and confidence. The coaching process relies on a defined professional framework, active listening, and the use of evidence informed coaching tools and techniques to address the situations brought by the Client.
Coaching does not include the diagnosis or treatment of mental health conditions and does not replace psychotherapy, psychiatric care, or medical treatment. Coaching is provided within the scope of professional coaching practice and in accordance with the EMCC Global Code of Ethics. When issues fall outside the scope of coaching, referral to an appropriate qualified healthcare professional is recommended.
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 Life Coaching Methodology
Life coaching often addresses situations where analytical thinking alone does not bring clarity. Career transitions, identity questions, relationship challenges, or major life decisions involve emotion, imagination, and personal meaning.
As a life coach in Paris, I work with individuals who want to understand their situation more clearly and make thoughtful decisions about the direction of their lives. My life coaching methodology combines three complementary perspectives: systemic thinking, Jungian psychology, and visual reflection.
Systemic Perspective
Personal challenges rarely exist in isolation. Each person lives within multiple systems such as family, professional environments, cultural expectations, and social relationships.
Systemic life coaching examines how these environments influence decisions, behaviors, and perceived possibilities.
In life coaching sessions we explore relationship patterns, expectations coming from family or professional environments, constraints created by the surrounding system, resources and opportunities available to the client
This perspective helps place personal questions within a broader context and often clarifies situations that initially feel confusing.
Jungian Perspective
Life transitions often activate deeper psychological processes.
Drawing on analytical psychology developed by Carl Gustav Jung, life coaching sessions explore how symbols, images, and recurring themes express inner tensions, aspirations, or unresolved questions.
This perspective helps clients:
recognize psychological patterns influencing decisions
understand emotional reactions to change
reconnect with personal creativity and meaning
The goal is not therapy, but deeper reflection which supports conscious decision making.
Visual Reflection
Images offer a powerful way to explore complex inner questions.
During life coaching sessions, structured image reflection invites clients to respond to visual material and describe what they perceive and feel. This process often reveals intuitions and perspectives which remain hidden in purely verbal conversations.
Visual reflection allows clients to step back from their situation and see it from a new angle.
Client 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.”
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.”
Last updated: March 2026
Yury Li-Toroptsov
Certified Professional Coach | Artist | Jungian analyst-in-training
Yury Li-Toroptsov is an EMCC accredited executive and systemic coach (Practitioner level) based in Paris who provides professional life and leadership coaching to individuals and organisations navigating complex personal and professional transitions. His coaching practice is conducted under regular professional supervision and follows the EMCC Global Code of Ethics.
He is a Training Candidate at the C. G. Jung Institute Zurich, where he is engaged in formal analytic training, and integrates psychodynamic insight into coaching when relevant while maintaining a clear distinction between coaching and psychotherapy. His work also draws on systemic coaching informed by the Palo Alto approach, with a focus on communication patterns, relational dynamics, and problem solving in context.
As the developer of the Coaching par l’Image® method, Yury works with decision makers, creative professionals, and leadership teams on perception, decision making, resilience, and symbolic thinking through the structured use of images, spontaneous drawing, and photography as tools for reflection and action.
Coaching sessions are conducted within a non therapeutic professional framework. When issues fall outside the scope of coaching, referral to appropriate healthcare professionals is recommended in line with EMCC ethical guidelines.
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
Yury Li-Toroptsov is an accredited member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC Global) at Practitioner level. He abide by its code of ethics.
He is bound by professional secrecy.
His coaching practice benefits from regular supervision.
Languages spoken
English, French, Russian
Coaching Case Study: Midlife Career Transition
From “Should I Stay or Should I Go” to New Life Directions
Sophie, 45, came to see me in Paris with a growing sense of stagnation and loss of direction. After twenty years in the same organization, she questioned whether to remain in her current role or to leave and start anew. Her question took a rigid form. Should I stay or should I go. She described her situation as a trap between safety and meaning. Staying felt empty. Leaving felt reckless. She asked for help to make the right decision.
From a systemic perspective, I saw how her situation had narrowed into a binary frame. We explored how family expectations, financial commitments, and her past identity as a high achiever shaped this frame. Through role mapping, circular questioning, and Coaching par l’Image®, she worked with images representing stability and movement. This surfaced implicit beliefs about success, failure, and loyalty which kept her locked in an either or mode.
After ten sessions, her general view of her life expanded, and so did the horizon of possibilities. The initial binary choice gave way to a wider landscape of options which had not been considered so far. Sophie began to see intermediate paths such as internal mobility, reduced workload, portfolio career, or a time bound sabbatical. The focus shifted from choosing between two fixed outcomes to designing experiments aligned with her current values. This reframing reduced anxiety and restored a sense of agency. She no longer sought a final answer. She began testing viable directions.
Yury Li-Toroptsov is an EMCC accredited executive and systemic coach (Practitioner level) based in Paris who works under professional supervision in accordance with the EMCC Global Code of Ethics. He is a Training Candidate at the C. G. Jung Institute Zurich, where he undergoes formal analytic training that informs his reflective approach to coaching without constituting psychotherapy. He is also a fine art photographer.
Through his method Coaching par l’Image®, he accompanies leaders and organisations in developing perception, decision making, resilience, and symbolic communication by working with images as a medium for structured reflection and action within a clearly defined coaching framework.
Is Online Coaching as Effective as In Person Coaching?
From a research standpoint, multiple studies comparing the effectiveness of in-person and online coaching have found little to no significant difference in outcomes. This suggests that the quality of the coaching relationship and the client’s engagement matter far more than the mode of delivery. In other words, transformation is possible in both settings.
In the end, the “better” format is the one that aligns with your needs, lifestyle, and psychological comfort. Coaching is a relational process, and its power lies in the quality of attention, trust, and intention whether it unfolds across a table or a screen.
Insights
FAQ
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A life coach is a professional who helps individuals identify and achieve personal or professional goals. Unlike therapy, which often focuses on healing the past, life coaching is future-oriented and action-driven.
A life coach supports you in areas such as:
Clarifying your goals (career, relationships, health, creativity)
Overcoming self-doubt or limiting beliefs
Creating an action plan and staying accountable
Navigating life transitions or decision-making
Boosting confidence, motivation, and purpose
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A coaching session is a one-on-one conversation, either in person or online. The coach may ask powerful questions, help you see patterns, challenge your thinking, and co-create a strategy for action. You’ll leave each session with greater clarity and concrete steps.
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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.
Therapy often explores mental health.
Life coaching focuses on helping you move forward, set goals, and take steps often without giving direct advice. It’s about empowering you to find your answers.
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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If you feel stuck, unfulfilled, overwhelmed, or simply ready to grow in a new direction, life coaching can be a powerful investment in yourself. It’s not about fixing you, it’s about unlocking your potential.
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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!
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No. Coaching is relational work. You work with projections, resistance, unconscious dynamics, non verbal signals, systemic patterns. AI has no access to those. Your coach notices tone shifts, hesitation, emotional incongruence or symbolic material.
AI might help you structure your thoughts, formulate questions, name emotions but it cannot replace a coach.