Coaching

Coaching focuses more on the client in the here and now and conducts sessions with the future as the central point to encourage personal development and self-improvement. Counselling is a form of talking therapy associated with assessing the individual in the here and now, but working to determine past events that have contributed to their client’s current struggles. A counsellor will help clients develop coping mechanisms and strategies to move forward with their life.

The main difference between counselling and coaching is that counselling can investigate the underlying causes of mental health problems. Coaches are not (unless specified) qualified to diagnose or treat any health-related problems, although if the situation arises they may suggest you see a GP.

You can have as many or as few coaching sessions as you like. Because many coaches operate over the phone or via the Internet, the sessions can easily fit around your schedule. Some people hire a coach once every few months, some people have a session once a week. It is entirely up to you to decide.

However you approach life, your coach will be able to tailor your sessions to fit. Subjects coaches deal with include:

• Relationships – Do you wish you had the confidence to approach someone you like romantically? Do you struggle with commitment? Are you struggling to cope with a divorce? A coach could help you to understand your love life and work towards improving it.
• Business life – Starting and running a business is tough work. Sometimes we get so absorbed in hard work we neglect ourselves. Coaches can help build confidence, develop leadership skills, enhance decision-making abilities and assess your work/life balance.
• Personal life – Do you feel like you’re not making the most of life? There’s so much to see, do and learn in this world, but often a lack of confidence, time and willpower can cause us to stay inside our comfort zones, doing nothing. Life coaches use specialist skills to motivate their clients to do the things they want to do, see and achieve, so they can finally fight the urge to procrastinate.
• Performance – Improvement is at the heart of life coaching. Whatever your skill, coaching could help improve it. Whether you’re an athlete, an artist, a writer, a performer, or a musician – adopting specialist techniques will help you to push your limitations and exceed expectations.