The Coaching Process

Patrick Williams, the founder of the Institute for Life Coach Training, described the role of the coach like this:

Coaches recognize the brilliance of each client and their personal power to discover their own solutions when provided with support, accountability, and unconditional, positive regard.

Patrick Williams, Therapist As Life Coach (2007)

Coaching focuses on setting goals and finding solutions, and is future-oriented rather than focused on analyzing the past. The coach helps the client discover and clarify what he or she wants to achieve, and encourages client exploration of solutions and strategies rather than providing canned solutions to the client. During implementation, the coach helps the client assess priorities and adjust time frames, goals, and solutions as things change during the course of coaching.

A typical coaching session lasts an hour, and addresses the following:

  1. Discuss achievements and challenges encountered since the last session
  2. Identify what you want to work on today
  3. Find strategies to get past any roadblocks or obstacles
  4. Plan what you will do and achieve before the next session
  5. Agree to a time and place for the next session as appropriate

Between sessions, you will work on the tasks identified in step 4 above, and if needed, communicate any progress or questions to your coach via email or messaging.

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