What is Coaching?

Coaching is the art of guiding individuals to identifying, crystallizing and then achieving goals and dreams. The Coach helps the individual make positive changes in order to improve their life or to accomplish desired outcomes easier and faster than might otherwise be possible on their own. The Coach provides support by asking powerful questions, structure and focus and by holding the client accountable to action. The client in turn is supported in determining and creating his/her ideal life.

The ICF (International Coaching Federation) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”

The Coaching process can be quite therapeutic, although it is not therapy. Both Coaching and Therapy are client-centered, aimed at improving the well-being of the individual through growth. To better understand the differences, let’s consider some of the characteristics of Coach vs Therapist:

Coach

Not licensed to deal with psychological issuesr
Assumes client is highly functional (naturally creative, resourceful and whole)
Roots in business and personal growthr
Works to motivate to a higher level of functioning – focus is on evolving and manifesting potentialr
Focuses on present & future actions; goal orientationr
Works for solutions to overcome barriers, learn new skills, & implement effective choicesr
Holds client accountable and “homework” between sessions commonr
Uses coaching skills

Therapist

Licensed to practice and deal with psychological issuesr
Assumes individual needs/wants relief from specific symptomsr
Roots in medicine, psychiatry and personal growthr
Works with individual to achieve self-understanding and emotional healingr
Focus on feelings and patterns derived from past events: past and present orientationr
Works for internal resolution of pain and to let go of old patternsr
Works mainly with internal issues – insight and problem orientedr
Uses therapy techniques

It should also be noted, that the difference between some types of therapy and personal coaching are not always clear-cut. Many therapists are “coach-like” in their orientation and the two do share many similarities. Both professionals do focus on helping people make positive changes to accomplish their goals.

Why you should hire a coach…

Over the past several years, the Coaching industry has increased tremendously, and for good reason:

Coaching can assist you to more quickly achieve your goalsr
Coaching can help you build on your strengths and talents to accelerate your careerr
Coaching can help you move forward, make purposeful career choices, and enhance the quality of your lifer
Coaching can help you deepen learning, and tap into and optimize your potentialr
Coaching can assist in uncovering patterns, habits, and blind spots that limit you or hold you backr
Coaching can support you in closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be instead

No matter what you are looking to change or accomplish, a professional coach can assist you in gaining focus, clarity, getting perspective, and in supporting you to achieve your goals. Consider a coach if you wish to create and live your ideal life or you simply desire guidance and inspiration to accomplish your goals and dreams.