General Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a coach?
A coach is someone who makes a difference in your life, through a focused relationship that is geared towards promoting your self-expression and personal and professional development. A coach is someone who wants a lot for you and is committed to your success.

Is a coach like a counsellor?
No. A therapist or counsellor usually explores emotional issues and your past or helps you cope with crisis. A coach works with you to improve your present situation, enhance the quality of your life and create new possibilities for the future.

Why have a life coach?
A life coach helps you to get a fresh perspective on your life. They help you to recognise the opportunities open to you and then they walk alongside you ‘coaching you’ in the changes you need to make in order to see that far-off vision become present reality.

Life coaching helps you to de-clutter your life, regain focus and make better use of your time in working towards defined goals.

A life coach helps you identify what you truly desire in each and every area of your life and to recognise what you are truly capable of achieving.

A life coach teaches you how to set realistic goals and how to prioritise your daily activities – this helps you to move quickly forward to achieving your dreams.

A life coach is not a teacher, counsellor or therapist. But rather they are a non-judgemental sounding board who uses techniques and proven methods to help you discover and embrace the bigger, more effective tomorrow that you have always wanted.

The difference between coaching and mentoring?
There are many similarities between coaching and mentoring! Mentoring, particularly in its traditional sense, enables an individual to follow in the path of an older and wiser colleague who can pass on knowledge, experience and open doors to otherwise out-of-reach opportunities. Coaching on the other hand is not generally performed on the basis that the coach has direct experience of their client’s formal occupational role unless the coaching is specific and skills focused. However it is essential to determine what your needs are and to ensure that the coach or mentor can supply you with the type and level of service you require, whatever that service is called.

How does a coach work?
A coach partners with you to identify what you want, set targets, and devise and implement effective strategies to reach them. A coach works with you to resolve problems and to stay focused and on track, giving specific suggestions and making requests for action. In other words, you identify a gap between where you are and where you want to be – and the coach helps you bridge that gap.

How does it work?
Coaching takes place in the form of regular conversation. This system is clean and simple, focusing on challenges, reaching goals, exploring options and maximising your professional and personal opportunities. Naturally, all sessions are confidential.

How long does someone work with a coach?
For coaching to be effective, a minimum of three months is usual. However, while some issues may be quickly resolved by short-term coaching, some individuals benefit from 12 months or longer.

What is the next step?
The Life Coaching can be flexible and can be done in a number of ways.

An intial meeting is normal to agree the coaching parameters and the period of coaching desired. Where possible most sessions will take place in a neutral venue convenient to both parties – alternatively it can be done over the phone at an agreed time.

Sessions would normally last approximately 45 minutes and be at least once every 4 weeks. The coaching agreement will be reviewed after the initial period and extended if necessary.

If you would like further information about the life coaching available then please contact us. We will then personally speak to you about what is involved and answer any questions you may have.