What coaching is...
The coaching relationship is a powerful partnership between the coach and the client where the client sets the agenda and learns through action. Coaching is forward moving, as the coach assists the client in creating a vision for the future. The coach asks penetrating, illuminating questions, creating space for the clients to discover answers.
"Coaching is the art and practice of guiding a person or group from where they are toward the greater competence and fulfillment that they desire." -Gary Collins
What Coaching is not...
- Counseling
- Therapy
- Consulting
- Mentoring
- A form of discipleship
The coach is not the "expert" and does not give advice. The client is healthy, motivated, creative, and resourceful.
The Most significant component of coaching
It is critical for clients to understand the FORWARD MOVING component of coaching - it is what distinguishes coaching from counseling.
For example, if you have experienced past sexual abuse, and you have not been able to move forward in certain areas of your life due to the hurt and pain of this abuse, then counseling would be a better fit for you. Also, if you are in the midst of grieving a loved one counseling may be a better fit at this time.
The Dynamics of Moving Forward
Counseling is likely a better fit for you if...
- You are seeking healing and understanding of problems, dysfunction, conflict, and past pain.
- You are unable to talk about past events without crippling pain.
- You are wrestling to forgive those who have wounded you and feel paralyzed on how to move forward.
Coaching is likely a better fit for you if...
- You are seeking solutions and action steps for your life goals to maximize your God-given potential.
- You are able and willing to try on new beliefs and address obstacles to achieving desired behavior.
- You have forgiven those who have wounded you and are willing to change relationships by doing things differently.
"The coach's job is to help you think more clearly, to push you to go deeper and reach higher, to provide the structure you need to stay focused on the agenda you've chosen." - Tony Stolzfua
What does Life Coaching look like?
Imagine a time set apart to focus on you and your goals. Consider the difference it would make if you spent time weekly exploring what is holding you back and why you get stuck so you can identify mental/emotional blocks or limiting beliefs that stand in the way of your goals. Life coaching is a dynamic partnership that helps you see your blind spots, discover possibilities, sharpen your focus, make confident decisions, and reach your goals. Coaching empowers you to discover and live the life you were designed to live. Typically, you call in to the coach weekly for sessions that last 30-45 minutes, depending on your needs.
Is Life Coaching Right for you?
Stuck? Stressed? Relational concerns? Unsatisfied? Big life decisions? Unfulfilled? Adjusting to change? If you sense that there is more, and things would be better if you could only catch God’s vision for your life, coaching can help. Life Coaching can increase your professional and personal effectiveness by as much as 80%. In a recent study by the International Coach Federation clients reported these specific benefits:
- 80% improved self-confidence
- 73% improved relationships
- 72% improved communication skills
- 67% improved work/life balance
- 70% improved work performance
- 57% improved time management
- 99% of clients who hire a coach are satisfied