What Is Coaching?

Development and Renewal

Coaching is a new and growing profession, involving a thorough understanding of normal and superlative life cycle development, executive development and human systems’ renewal processes. Through a confidential and consistent relationship based on trust and effective listening, coaching facilitates deep development and personal renewal. You learn ways to explore life scenarios, create better relationships, and find greater happiness in both your work and personal life.

A coach is:

• A thought partner, who can provide insight and strategic questioning;
• A skilled listener, who will reflect back on your words, patterns and inconsistencies to help you understand truth;
• One who asks, “What is right with you?” and focuses on your strengths; and
• An empathetic listener, who has your best interest in mind.

A coaching relationship is:

• A confidential professional relationship based on trust and understanding;
• A safe, exploratory environment for thought and emotional expression; and
• A vehicle to find clarity to make change and see the results of your work.

Coaching Process

The coaching process is designed to match your style, your life and your needs. Using multiple approaches individually helps you to reach your unique life goals, by:

• Carefully discern what you want to achieve, or what causes your current discontent;
• Assess your values and actions to help identify discrepancies;
• Determine insightful discussion points and analyze future goals;
• Optimize learning; and
• View yourself and others from a point of strengths.

Each client learns through similar processes, but no two approaches are identical.

The typical program includes:

• An initial assessment to discern goals, see what’s working or not and understand how you learn best;
• Some fieldwork between sessions to help you reinforce learning or increase awareness;
• Telephone meetings to make it efficient and convenient for you;
• Three or four meetings a month for either one hour or 45-minute sessions; and
• Your commitment, after the first two sessions, to a three- to six-months coaching duration.

What Coaching is Not

Coaching is not psychotherapy, nor is it consulting and should not be used as a means for emotional healing or to obtain expert advice. The coaching relationship is that of a partner, not as an expert, authority or healer.

Take our quiz to see if it is coaching you are seeking.