What is Coaching?

"Coaching unlocks people's potential to maximize their own performance." 

Sir John Whitmore 

Coaching is on the rise! The second fastest growing industry on the planet is not healthcare, engineering or even food services. It is in fact Coaching – a relatively new industry - approx. 30 years old -and according to many stats this newbie is expected to reach a value of $20B in the next couple of years! According to the 2020 Global Coaching Study released by the International Coaching Federation (ICF; 2020) there are now more than 71,000 coach practitioners worldwide, an increase of 33% from 2015. Coaching is growing in popularity as people are simply realising that they have a lot of control over their own lives and if they want to live their best life it is up to them. Coaching can be applied in many different contexts, such as personal development, professional and career development, business, education, health and wellness, sports etc. As the industry grows, you can find a coach for almost anything! 

So, what is Coaching? 

Coaching is a process of supporting and empowering individuals (and groups) to reach their full potential in a particular area in their lives or to attain personal or professional goals. A coach helps their clients clarify their goals, identify potential obstacles and develop strategies to successfully navigate them. The coaching relationship is typically collaborative and supportive, with the coach providing accountability, encouragement and guidance moving the client towards positive change whilst also developing not just their skillset and self-awareness but their psychological toolkit also. 

Questioning, active listening, giving feedback, identifying and utilising strengths are some examples of the techniques used by coaches to guide clients towards their desired outcomes. Different to therapy, coaching is future and present focused emphasising personal growth and development rather than treating mental health issues. 

What does a coaching session feel like?

Coaching can feel different for each person, depending on their individual experience and the style of coaching they receive. Generally, people who receive coaching can feel supported, empowered and even challenged to grow and improve in different aspects of their lives. Some people may feel a sense of relief after each session as they may have shared personal or vulnerable information and received validation and support in return. Others may feel motivated and inspired to take action towards their goals, as they have gained clarity and a plan of action through coaching. Nonetheless, coaching can also feel uncomfortable or challenging at times, as individuals may be asked to confront limiting beliefs or behaviours that are holding them back. 

As a client it is important that you are open and committed to the coaching process. You may need to step out of your comfort zone to try new things and make changes so when you come to coaching you get a chance to activate your courage, resilience and your perseverance! You might be surprised to learn that coaches do not need to have any specific qualifications and anyone can call themselves a coach which is a bit scary to say the least! When I am seeking the services of a coach I always do my research and make sure they are accredited with a recognised coaching body for example the ICF or EMCC and they are qualified and have completed adequate training for example a Masters in Coaching Psychology (coaching is underpinned by behavioural, psychosocial, and cognitive science). Finally (and very importantly) coaching can be a positive and transformative experience but it is crucial to find the right coach for you! I always like to have a chat first and see how we will get on - do I like them; will they be a good fit for me and can I trust them with my stuff! 

To find out if I'm the right coach for you, book a free 30 min coaching discovery session