What is Coaching?

Posted on July 09, 2013 by Suzanne Rivard, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

Coaching is different from therapy in the fact that it is not focused on answering “why” and staying stuck in the past. Rather is about determining where you are now and what you want for your future. Taking things one-step at a time, reversing limiting beliefs and thoughts along the way. Moving towards creating the life and future you want and deserve.

There are many different coaching styles and coaches out there. Some focus on money, career, business, life and/or other aspects of ones life. Sessions can be held in person or virtually over the phone or Skype. Most include a process of assessment, goal setting, a plan for achieving the goals, accountability and a timeline for working together (anywhere from 3 months or longer).

I believe that in order to achieve true happiness it all starts from within oneself. This is why my coaching focuses on personal growth. With a strong personal foundation, the remaining aspects of your life flow better. How you perceive yourself in the world truly impacts all aspects of your life.

Effective coaches provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental and 100% confidential environment. They are your partner. They will listen to you, support you, challenge you, provide alternative perspectives and keep you accountable, so that you stay on track to achieving your goals.

Are You Ready For Coaching?

Ask yourself the following questions to determine if coaching may be a fit for you.

- Are you ready for change?
- Do you feel trapped?
- Do you need support to move forward?
- Can you be open and honest with yourself and your coach?
- Are you willing to explore new things?
- Are you willing to invest in yourself?
- Are you committed to do the work?
- Are you ready to take action?

If you answered yes to the questions, then you may want to consider investing in a personal coach to help you move towards the future you want.

What Can You Expect?

Organically through the coaching process you will experience changes in yourself and in your life. You may not even be consciously aware of them. You will develop healthier thought patterns. You will notice improvements in your relationships.

During the coaching process you can expect:

- Ups and downs
- Personal insights and growth
- To be supported
- To be challenged
- To be held accountable

All of these experiences are an integral part of personal growth and the coaching process. Sorry there’s no magic pill, you have to be ready and willing to do the work.

What are the benefits?

There are many benefits to claiming responsibility over one’s life, too many to list off in this article. I will let the words of a client highlight some of these benefits.

“My Success Story is being more positive, thinking positive, and being less critical and hard on myself. Be true to myself and not let other people’s opinion matter so much to me. The saying “You can please some people some of the time, and yourself all of the time” works for me now.

Really found the coaching sessions informative, made me think, and had a lot of break throughs and “ah haw” moments. Coach was well prepared, received some awesome and useful handouts, and topics discussed were relevant and useful to me.

Well worth the time and the more effort you put into your coaching sessions, the more you will get out of them. Useful ideas and guided meditations and suggestions very beneficial."

— Patricia Buchanan, Winnipeg, MB

Now that we’ve covered what coaching is, your readiness, what to expect, and some of the benefits, it’s a good time to do a self-assessment to determine if coaching is the right fit for you. It may be just what you need to achieve your goals!

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© 2013 Suzanne Rivard

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“Suzanne Rivard is an integrative wellness coach and author who helps you heal, grow and thrive from the inside out and be the creative force of your life! She provides a safe and supportive environment for you to achieve your goals and dreams. Get her FREE report on “5 Scientifically Proven Strategies to More Happiness” today at www.SuzanneRivard.com.”