Curious about coaching?

Stephanie is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) who adheres to the International Coaching Federation's core competencies and ethics. She  is passionate about the power of coaching to unlock both personal and professional potential. 

 

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” Coaching is a present-day and future focused approach. People are the experts in their own life, they are self-actualizing, and that they come to coaching with a desire to make a change. Coaching entails a structured (albeit somewhat flexible) conversation between coach and client; an objective of sustainable change in behaviour(s), thought(s), perspective(s) and/or skills; and a focus on learning and development. 

 

How is coaching different from therapy or counseling?

Therapy and/or counseling often include a diagnostic and clinical aspect, which coaching does not. A therapeutic approach typically explores the client or patient’s past as a means to understand the present, and to heal or reframe past experiences is often a core component of therapy and/or counselling. 

 

What happens in a coaching session? 

The initial coaching session is an opportunity to discuss how coach and client will work together, and what specific topic or general area(s) to focus on.  The decision is client-directed, and chosen with the coach offering support. The coach acts as a thinking partner, working with the client to identify specific goals and objectives, and why they are of importance.

 

The aim is that by the end of each coaching session the client will have both greater clarity on the topic or issue, and will have identified an objective or micro-goal to work on in-between coaching sessions. The coach may make suggestions, identify resources, and encourage the client in their decisions. 

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Each coaching session is as unique as the individual receiving the coaching, all while following an evidence-based approach.