What is coaching anyway?

A common misconception is that I tell you what to do. I don't! Coaching is a partnership. I’m here to see you, hear you and help you better connect with yourself in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires you to maximise your personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership and enables you to create a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Coaching is not therapy in disguise and should not be used as a substitute (I am however training to become a psychotherapeutic counsellor so watch this space!). While both coaching and therapy aim to create positive progress, the approach is not the same. In extremely simplistic terms, I personally view therapy as more of a healing process with greater introspection and focus on why the client is struggling in the present, sometimes exploring influences from the past and the subconscious mind, depending on the client and type of therapy. Though there are some basic similarities with coaching, training and application are quite different. 

Coaching starts from the present day and empowers you to overcome obstacles and take action to move towards your future vision or desired way of being. That said, we do take some time to acknowledge the basis and impact of those obstacles and barriers but we don’t dwell on them, we use tools and techniques to work through them and establish required action to achieve desired results.

A coaching conversation differs from a standard conversation. You are in control of the agenda and the focus is entirely on you. I will bring structure though this is not rigidly felt as the conversation is fluid. I do not tell you what to do because you are the expert in your own life. I will however help you gain clarity, deepen your understanding of who you truly are and what you really want so that you become better connected with your own authentic desires. I hold space for you to find the right answers for yourself through listening, questioning, challenging and supporting in a way that empowers you to work through whatever’s holding you back and shift you into making progress.

We all have goals we want to reach, challenges we’re striving to overcome and times when we feel stuck. Partnering with a coach sets you on a path to greater personal and professional fulfilment. Ok, that’s very easily said. You do have to be committed to doing the work and I will champion you along the way, help you improve your mental fitness, support you in planning and taking action and hold you accountable for creating change and transformation.

Who can benefit from coaching?

Everyone!

It can be incorrectly assumed that to benefit from coaching you have to be broken in some way, in need of fixing. This is not true.

Seeking coaching can actually be a sign of strength and courage. Many of the most successful people in the world have a coach, therapist, mentor or a combination. Coaches often have coaches and mentors themselves. 

Had I not had coaching myself, I would not be doing what I do now, which I love, but I had to do the work and continue to do so. It has taken time, money, training and dedication to ongoing learning and personal development.

Being a coach

Being a coach does not mean that I always have all my sh*t together or that my actions always come from a place of mental fitness and wisdom. Us coaches are human too, none of us are infallible - I strive to do and be my best.

If you’re looking for coaching in a professional rather than personal capacity, please know that it is not necessary for me to have worked in the same industry as you. On a personal level, it is not necessary for me to have been through what you may be experiencing. Some people do however choose a coach who has indeed had similar experiences or is an expert in the subject the client is bringing to coaching, which may make sense for you.

I offer you a psychologically safe space in which the conversation is confidential and without judgement, showing you empathy and holding you in unconditional positive regard.

I have been designated Professional Certified Coach credential by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). ICF Credential-holders are part of a self-regulating group of elite coaches who provide accountability to clients and the coaching profession as a whole. We pursue and complete rigorous education and practice requirements that provide unquestioned legitimacy to our commitment to excellence in coaching, so you are in safe hands.

If you are still reading, thank you, I hope you found this helpful.