What is Coaching?
Many people who contact me about coaching are unsure what it involves or whether it will be useful for them. This post will give you a little more insight into what coaching is, what it isn’t and it’s potential benefits.
Coaching ISN’T Counselling
Coaching is often confused with counselling or talking therapy. In reality it’s a very different service, in terms of both focus and outcomes.
At its core, counselling attempts to repair or manage negative psychological issues. Coaching on the other hand focuses on your strengths and how you can use these to achieve specific goals or lead a more authentic, fulfilling life.
The Science of Happiness
There are many different coaches out there offering a range of different services. As a qualified Positive Psychologist, I offer Positive Psychology Coaching.
Positive Psychology has been described as ‘the science of happiness’. While the notion of happiness is arguably an abstract one, the techniques and practices of Positive Psychology Coaching are grounded in empirical research and scientific study.
“Positive psychology is the study of positive emotion, of engagement, and of meaning, the three aspects that make sense out of the scientifically unwieldy notion of ‘‘happiness’’. Positive psychology attempts to measure, classify, and build these three aspects of life.”
Coaching and Positive Psychology, Martin E. P. Seligman
Through structured, evidence-based exercises and discussions, Positive Psychology Coaching helps you identify your strengths and understand how you can use these skills to live the life you want to.
What is Coaching?
Undivided Attention
Between deadlines at work and commitments at home, we rarely get a chance to stop and consider whether the life we’re living aligns with our true goals, passions and values. It’s so easy to find yourself on a treadmill and wonder how you got there.
Coaching offers you the time and space to step back from all the roles you usually play. It gives you the tools to re-discover yourself and make the changes you want to, to give your life an authentic sense of purpose.
Action Oriented
Coaching supports you to identify and work towards specific goals that will help you live your truest life. This could be:
- Increasing your self-confidence
“I was looking for further, in-depth assistance on the themes of coping with and effecting change.”
James, Finance Director
- Improving your performance at work
- Achieving a particular career goal such as starting your own business
“I was hoping to get some clarity and direction at a critical junction in my career.”
Matthew, Partner at Chartered Accountant’s Firm
- Improving your energy levels
- Finding a better work life balance
“My aim was to gain some clarity on managing my workload better and preparing to undertake a 2 year part time Masters programme.”
Monica Acheampong, Public Health Support Manager
Challenging
Coaching isn’t meant to be just a friendly, cosy chat. It’s a safe space for you to talk about your hopes, fears, dreams and plans. Things that you may not have even told your closest friends and family. But as your coach, I will challenge you to go beyond talking and thinking to doing and being.
“Overall Lucy gave me clarity and direction by challenging me to find solutions and strategies. She encouraged me to really think deep and drill down into the issues. At times this was not easy, but she was extremely supportive and encouraging.”
Matthew, Partner at Chartered Accountant’s Firm
The Coaching Relationship
The dynamic of a coaching relationship is built on trust. You must trust that as your coach I will hold you to account for the commitments you make to yourself, in a way that friends, family and colleagues, who have their own agendas, plans and concerns can’t. I trust that you will be open, frank and honest with yourself and with me.
Take the first step. Get in touch for a free 30 -minute telephone consultation and we’ll take it from there.
