Life Coaching is a completely client driven process. It is a way of using the coach's tools and strategies to facilitate conversation and action in order to create change.
Coaching sessions normally start with a 'get to know you' chat. It is crucial within the
coaching relationship that there is trust between coach and client. If you feel you cannot be 100% honest with your coach then they are not the person for you.
While it is imperative that you feel comfortable with your coach, it is equally important that there is a professional feel to the relationship. Your coach is not your best friend. Nor are they your mother. There will potentially be times when your coach will highlight uncomfortable truths within your life you may not want to hear. They may also push you or challenge you to points where you are again uncomfortable, angry or frustrated. This is completely healthy within the coaching relationship. Not so good though if you feel you are angry at your 'best frend'. Feeling like this is not conducive to constuctive, honest insight.
Once sessions start, they are generally 45-60 minutes long. Some coaches may work to a set programme; others are more flexible to the needs of the client on the day and will develop the session from what you come into the room with.
A variety of tools and techniques are employed by coaches to help extract the details behind your goals or concerns. The most useful and effective is questioning. Coaches will ask and ask again in order for the client to peel back the layers behind their thinking and behaviour- to get to the core of what it is the client wants to focus on or is troubling them.
Once that clarity is there, the action stage comes in and again a variety of tools and techniques are used by the coach for the client to put into action the beginnings of change. It depends on the client what this might be- SMART goal setting, action steps, focused thought, and journal writing are just a few.
Sessions will be scheduled then to ensure that progress and momentum is kept up after the intial burst of enthusiasm and energy. The coach is more than equipped and prepared for the change wobbles that clients can experience, and regular sessions help to keep the client focussed and in control of all that life throws their way.
The coaching process is more than just supporting the client in getting from A to B. It is about celebrating successes, developing strengths, being grateful, and creating mindfulness. It is positive, fun and exciting.
It would be great to hear of your own coaching practice. Is it similar to what is described here? How do you do things differently and why?
Feel free to leave your comments below or alternatively, go over to the website forum and discuss different coaching methods there.
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