Some Common Questions about Coaching

What is Coaching and How is it different from Therapy?

According to the International Coach Federation:

Coaching is an ongoing relationship between the professional coach and the client, which focuses on the client taking action toward the realization of their vision, goals or desires. Coaching uses a process of inquiry and personal discovery to build the client's level of awareness and responsibility and provides the client with structure,support and feedback.

Coaching differs from therapy in several ways:

• focuses on achieving dreams rather than relieving pathology or disorder

• is often delivered in a combination of venues,including email, phone, and group teleconferences

• the typical coaching client, rather than seeking emotional healing, seeks

1. higher levels of personal or professional development

2. enhanced learning

3. increased life satisfaction
   

What Can I Expect in a Coaching Session?

Coaching strategies often include:

• serving as a "thought partner"; who can provide a sounding board for plans and dreams
• providing support to clients in relentlessly moving forward in their goals
• asking provocative questions (many of which need days of reflection before thoroughly resolving)

How Do I Know if I am a Candidate for Coaching?

Read the following statements, rating them from one to five(five being strongly agree, 1 being strongly disagree). The nearer to 25 you score, the higher the likelihood you will benefit from coaching.

1)I have a strong sense of how I want to be different.

2)I know specific skills that I want to develop or improve.

3)I have a strong desire to move beyond my current performance level.

4)I do not have serious emotional obstacles which may obstruct my success.

5)I know what obstacles have gotten in the way in my past and I am motivated to move beyond them.

Adapted from: Jeffrey E. Auerbach, Ph.D., Personal and Executive Coaching: The Complete Guide for Mental Health Professionals, Ventura, CA: Executive College Press, 2003.

How to Schedule

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