"When you boil rice, know that the water is your own life."
~ Zen saying
What is Coaching and How Can it Help Me?
Coaching is the process of helping you get out of your own way!
Coaching is a partnership between the client and coach. It is a thought-provoking and creative process inspiring clients to realize their maximum potential. Coaches are trained to listen, observe and adjust their professional approach to fit the individual needs of the client. It is the job of the coach to support clients in realizing their maximum potential and creativity.
What are the Sessions Like?
Usually done by phone, Coaching sessions are uniquely convenient – you are not limited to finding a local coach and having to drive across town. The methods used in coaching are easily conveyed by phone, and most people fully embrace the method after one session.
Coaching begins with a one and one half hour ‘Discovery’ session. During this session a coaching agreement is made and clients usually discuss their reasons for hiring a coach. By the end of the intake session clients will have a clear picture of the goals on which they will be focusing throughout coaching, a ‘Coaching Plan’. Coaching is a co-active process and the sessions are designed around the clients agenda. The initial session is an important step in determining how clients prefer to work with the coach.
Each person is unique, and coaching is not a one-size-fits-all process. Generally, weekly or bi-weekly meetings are arranged for a 50 minute session. It is highly suggested clients make at least a four month commitment to their coaching program.
Coaching can bring about the invaluable process of personal transformation.
Each coaching session is unique. After a long period of action, clients may settle into a period of reflection on their progress. Some weeks a client will have homework that requires action, some weeks homework may be internal dialogue, reflection, or simply noticing new feelings.
Coaching is not psychotherapy and can be distinguished from therapy in a number of ways: Coaching is a profession that supports personal and professional growth and development based on client’s pursuit of specific outcomes. These outcomes are linked to personal or professional success.
Coaching is forward-moving and future-focused. Therapy, on the other hand, deals with healing pain, dysfunction and conflict within an individual. The focus is often on resolving difficulties arising from the past which hamper an individual's emotional functioning in the present.
While positive feelings/emotions may be a natural outcome of coaching, the primary focus is on creating workable strategies for achieving specific goals in the client’s work or personal life. The emphasis in a coaching relationship is on action, accountability and follow through.
All sessions are completely confidential. I abide by the ICF Code of Ethics.
Side Effects of Coaching
• Greater self-awareness and self-confidence
• Set better goals
• More balanced life
• Lower stress levels
• Improved quality of life
• Enhanced communication skills
• Project completion
• Health/fitness improvement
• Better business and personal relationships
(according to a survey of 197 clients done by ICF in 1998)
Ready to take a step towards personal fulfillment?
Email: coachkathy@austin.rr.com