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Frequently Asked Questions
 
     
How should I choose a coach? >>


What is a coach and what does a coach actually do? >>


What coach-specific training have you done? >>


What do people come to coaching for? >>


Is coaching like counselling? >>



Where can I find out more about coaching? >>
     

How should I choose a coach?

I recommend speaking to at least 2 or 3 different coaches before making up your mind. Some coaches offer a free sample session which lets you get a feel for their style - and its vital to choose the coach with whom you feel the best fit. Its also important to check out what coach-specific training the coach has as currently coaching is not regulated.

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What is a coach and what does a coach actually do?

The International Coach Federation gives a good definition: "Coaches are trained to listen, to observe and to customize their approach to individual client needs. They seek to elicit solutions and strategies from the client; they believe the client is naturally creative and resourceful. The coach's job is to provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity that the client already has."

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What coach-specific training have you done?

I have completed over 100 hours of face-to-face coach training with The Coaches Training Institute - accredited by the independent International Coach Federation. I am also a member of the ICT and subscribe to its standards and ethics. I have also taken further training with with Firework Career Coaching and am a licensed Firework Career Coach.

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What do people come to coaching for?

People come to coaching to either change something or to achieve something. The results they want are generally to do with performance, learning or fulfillment. A well-trained professional coach will work in all three areas, generally simultaneously.

Most of my clients have a sense of untapped potential; feel frustrated by that and want to do something about it. I consider all of my clients to be naturally creative and resourceful and I also believe that most of the time, the client has the answers - and it's my job to get those answers out, not to tell my clients what to do.

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Is coaching like counselling?

No - the main difference is that coaching is focused on the present and future, rather than resolving difficulties from the past. In coaching the focus is on action rather than on improving the client's emotional state or how the client feels. In practice coaching generally makes clients feel fantastic but this is a by-product rather than the goal of coaching.

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Where can I find out more about coaching?

This list of frequently asked questions on the ICF website is an excellent place to start.

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career coaching, coaching for companies, coaching for individuals
Firework Licensed Career CoachCoaches Training InstituteInternational Coach Federation