What is the difference between coaching, counselling and mentoring?

Coaching is focused very much on looking ahead, identifying goals and how to achieve these. Unlike counselling it does not address any issues from a person’s past or resolve any form of trauma. Mentoring is more advice based and a mentor may offer their opinion or suggest ways forward. Coaching is firmly rooted in the premise that the client already has the personal skills and resources that they need to make changes or achieve their goals in the area they have come for coaching.

How do you work with clients?

A coaching relationship is very much a partnership. Whilst the client should feel in safe hands with a coach they can trust to take them through the process, the client is always in control of the focus and content of the conversation. A coach will never make a client do anything they are unhappy with. The process should be challenging, but at all times the client is very much in charge of how things go.

What does the introductory session involve?

The introductory session offers the opportunity to discuss the area(s) where you think coaching may be of benefit to you and your situation and how it can be tailored to fit your needs and circumstances. We discuss how the coaching process might work for you, frequency, timing, package options and prices and most importantly ascertain whether we might be a good match. It is not a sales pitch and there is no pressure to proceed with the process but do book a session only if you are seriously considering coaching as an option so that we both can work out a suitable way forward. Calls and/or e-mails are welcome so that we can have a general chat about what we do and how we can help you.

Is it confidential?

Everything you share is treated as confidential (as far as we are permitted by law) and we operate according to a strict code of ethics, we also have a policy regarding any safeguarding issues which may arise. Please refer to the links in the footer for more information on these.

What happens in a coaching session?

This depends on the client. Invariably a session will involve a client talking and the coach asking questions, but there are a whole variety of ways we might work with clients and a range of activities and resources we might use. We use the GROW model, but how we approach this will be subject to what level of challenge you have requested and what the best ways of working are for you. This is why the client-coach relationship is so fundamental to the process being effective. The role of a coach is to use a variety of tools and skills including listening, questioning, challenging, supporting to enable you to work out exactly what you do want, any obstacles that have prevented you from already getting there and how you can achieve what you want, then supporting you as appropriate through that process. The focus of coaching is a providing clients with the space, challenge and the support to clarify goals, consider how and when they can do take action and to work on realistic steps. This coupled with the accountability often enables people to achieve things that they have previously tried, but been unable to do.

How do I know it's right for me?

Do you only work with private clients?

I am passionate about making coaching accessible to as many parents as possible. I regularly work with community based organisations to make this possible. Please get in touch for further information.