"Coach" is a frequently used title by many with no specific coach training. This creates confusion for people wanting to engage the services of a professional coach.
For a definition on what international professional coaching bodies such as the ICF (International Coach Federation) and MCF (Meta Coach Foundation) define as "coaching" visit their links which you'll find on my 'useful links' page.
My personal search to discover "what" coaching is, began 10 years ago and I travelled many pathways, gaining certification in a variety of personal development modalities. Each one referred to their training as "coach training" yet it did not (and still does not) align with what the ICF defines as coaching. I learned that the expensive way so my suggestion is to familiarise yourself with the coaching differences and define what you are looking for. As a result from my trainings I learned (and definitely understand) the 'difference that makes the difference'. And I gained aunique point of difference that now assists me to assist my clients with cognitive behavioural science training when necessary. I also know how to separate that from authentic coaching and provide a coaching experience with a difference.
Scroll down to read definitions of how coaching is different from therapy, consulting, mentoring and training.
Coaching is "problem solving" from a "solutions-focused" mind set. The client is ALWAYS in charge of their process and not all "coaches" know how to provide that option to their clients. They retain "control" of the session by asking 'qu'ggestions'. Now, I don't know about you - but I respond much more positvely to being asked rather than being told and my clients confirm they also enjoy being empowered through the coaching process. It is a specific skill unique to 'authentic coaching' and the 'difference that makes the difference". To experience this process engage someone who has received coach specific training and discover this difference for yourself. When someone refers to themself as "a Coach" ask if they have received "Coach specific training" and if they say "yes" ask if their training is acknowledged and accepted by the ICF - the International Coach Federation or the MCF - Meta Coach Foundation, or IAC. Be familiar with what you need to know.
Coachingsupports growthand personal development associated with generative change. The coaching mind-set is solutions focused. Coaching is not a substitute for consulting, counselling, or any form of therapy.
Therapydeals with healing pain, dysfunction and conflict when emotions prevent a person from functioning in a normal day to day manner. Remedial change takes care of and fixes something that has gone wrong. Many therapists are trained in NLP and Neuro Semantics and during my journey to discover what "coaching" is, I certified (to trainers level) in NLP and Neuro Semantics.
Consulting is for the purpose of accessing specialised expertise. Consultants are retained by individuals or organisations for that specific purpose. Consultants diagnose problems, prescribe and sometimes implement solutions, whereas coaching focuses on supporting individuals and teams as they generate their own solutions and a coach provides supportive discovery-based approaches and frameworks.
Mentoring can be thought of as guiding from one's own experience or of sharing an experience in a specific area of industry or career development.
Training is based on the acquisition of certain learning objectives being set out by the trainer or instructor. Training also assumes a linear learning path which coincides with an established curriculum whereas coaching is less linear and without a set curriculum plan.
Knowing the difference is important. The emphasis in coaching is on action, accountability, responsibility and follow through.
In any profession there is a tendency for areas of expertise and it is important to find the appropriate person and the appropriate profession that is right for you.
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