What is Coaching?

Recently, I have received several emails asking me about coaching and what it is exactly. So, I decided to answer some of those questions in this article.

First, of all let me start with what coaching is not. Coaching is not therapy or counseling. Therapy tends to focus on the past whereas coaching is often more future oriented. Also, coaches are not paid friends. You certainly have friends that are all ready giving you advice. Friends are often cautious in telling you what they really think and don't want to hurt your feelings. Coaches hold you accountable for the goals you set and an action plan to meet those goals.

So, what is coaching? For years executives and athletes have had coaches to help them reach peak performance. Now, other people are seeing the benefits of having a coach. Coaches are a listening ear, listening to your goals and dreams. Coaches help you put those dreams into actions. You will find coaches are very action oriented and want to help their clients reach their goals. Coaches also hold you accountable for steps you plan to take. Christian Coaches in particular focus from a Godly perspective. Where is God leading you at this time?

Why would someone hire a coach? People hire coaches for many different reasons. Some people need help with time management. Others want to find a better balance in their lives. Some may be looking at a career change and want to research the alternatives. Some people may say, "I'm not enjoying my life and want to have more fun, how can I better use my time?" Others may want spiritual guidance in their particular situation. The reasons people hire coaches are as varied as the individual person.

What should you look for in a coach? Most coaches offer an initial free phone session. You should see if the coach understands you and really listens to what you have to say. Does the coach ask you what your goals are or does the coach set goals for you? Remember this is about you and your agenda, not the coach's agenda. Often, you can tell in one phone session if the coach is a good fit for you. Most coaching sessions occur over the phone. So, your coach could be thousands of miles away or in your city. Location really does not matter. Some coaches also doing coaching completely over the internet. When you do set up an appointment with a coach, make sure you have a list of questions you would like to have answered.

© 2004 Kimberly Chastain
About the Author
Kimberly M. Chastain, MS, LMFT is the Christian Working Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in helping Christian women make the most of their lives. She is the author of the on-line course, "I Can't Say No" and Pearls of Encouragement for Christian Working Moms, a free e-book. If you suffer from "I Can't Say 'No" Syndrome, visit Kimberly's site today for the details on an exciting email course that's sure to set you free! http://www.christianworkingmom.com/online.htm.
The Text Information Box above MUST be included for reprint privileges. You may reprint this article in it's entirety with the attached text box.

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Coaching Information:

Related Articles

More Money & Less Stress?
At 2pm last Wednesday, I got a call from one of my clients. Before I could barely utter my "hello," she launched headlong into her story - "I am so frustrated! I have this client who has been dragging her feet at every stage of our project.
How To Deal With People Who Dislike You
When you read books on personal development and articles about making your life better the emphasis is generally on the positive.You learn all about deciding what you want and how to get it.
How to Adopt a Losing Attitude
We have all heard the expression, "Where your heart is?, your treasure will be also." Allow me to modify this tried and true wisdom, to create an equally valid point: "Where your thoughts are, your hips will be also.
Coaches, Do You Make These 7 Deadly Cash Flow Mistakes in Your Practice?
Managing cash flow is every small business owner's most important function. Avoid these seven deadly mistakes to make sure you aren't creating cash flow problems in your coaching practice.
Living In The Now
I hope you are sitting down as you read this! You cannot begin to work on this kind of subject without addressing the subject of time itself - and when was the last time you did that?There are three basic areas or modules of time that are most commonly referred to:1)The Past2)The Present3)The FutureWhat I would like to do is have you work out where the "present" is though. In the time it has taken you to read just those last few words, that space in time that we might refer to as the present has gone.
Let's Say You're a Dog. Are You So Competitive You'd Eat a Carrot?
Seems like a gal always learns something out on the farm! Yes, it's a farm tale and I'm going to change the names of the animals to protect the guilty!I spent last weekend down in Lower Alabama where my friend from high school owns a farm. On the neighboring property there lives a donkey we'll call "Jake.
Coaching vs. Directing - How Does Improv Theater Suggest You Should Lead Your Team
An age old battle in improv that I believe resonates well with challenges we experience in the business world is the question of whether a team should have a coach or a director (in which case it should be called an ensemble). In addition there's the third option of the self coached team, which I will call committee from here on forward.
The Value of Coaching to Support Your Business and Your Life
In our daily lives as well as in our businesses, we typically operate from the perspective of doing the best we know how to do in dealing with life's challenges and opportunities. If we knew what it would take to be more effective in our relationships, more productive in our activities or more successful in reaching our goals, we would surely alter our behavior to correspond with these insights.
9 Guidelines For Spiritual Coaching
Spirituality coaching is more than creating goals and holding someone accountable. Spirituality coaching takes into account the whole person, that is, mind, body and spirit.
Success at Work : People Skills : Complaining
Do you know an individual at work who is a chronic complainer? Are YOU a chronic complainer? People don't like complainers. Listening to a chronic complainer gets people depressed.
Think Twice Before Youre Nice
A few months back I had a disturbing dream. In my dream a woman with stringy blonde hair rang my bell.
Kabbalah Coach: Love the One Youre With
IntroductionEvery one of us came to the planet to figure out how to experience love in the human form. It is amusing to observe all the ways we try to find love, especially since most of us don't even know what we are doing.
The Best Things in Life Are Rarely Things
Have you ever noticed this to be true?The best things in life for me are those things are not things at all. People and experiences make the biggest mark: a wonderful relationship, time with family, or a fantastic vacation that stays in my mind for years.
Essence of Awakeness
Be conscious, aware, and alert. Pay attention.
Diverse Marketing Strategies for Those Living with Disabilities
Imagine yourself as the only means of financially supporting you. A little scary isn't it? In today's economy, it is difficult living on a single income.
Training is Not the Same Thing as Exercising
What it takes to GROW!In almost every workshop we deliver, we try to teach the principle that the mind is a muscle. What does this mean? Well, your mind and really your whole life operate on the same growth and strengthening principles as any muscle in your body, and almost everyone misunderstands what it takes to make a muscle grow.
Be The One With Something Interesting To Say
How Do You Learn Something New?If you could learn fast and effectively, you might become the person with something interesting to say on any topic. It could also help in your carreer or business.
Make Progress Now: Take the Hand Brakes Off Your Life!
Do you find yourself striving upward in life yet making little or no progress?Are you high on activity but low on achievement?Very clearly, it's time to stop, look and listen.You're obviously not doing something right.
Your Past and Present Hold Key to Your Future
Knowing more about who you are will give you the insight for your future goals.Where are you going?This isn't about location.
Personal Life Coaching And How It Can Help You
Coaching is an effective process used to support individuals in creating something new for themselves. I work side by side with my clients' coaching them by providing perspective and support for self-knowledge as they accomplish their business and personal goals.