What exactly does a coach do?

A coach helps you gain clarity, set goals, and take actionable steps toward achieving them. Unlike a friend or mentor, a coach is a professional trained to ask the right questions, challenge you constructively, and guide you through personal and professional growth. They create a structured environment where you can explore your thoughts and ideas, identify obstacles, and develop strategies to overcome them. The coach is there to support your journey, hold you accountable, and help you unlock your potential.

How can coaching actually help me?

Depending on your needs and goals at any particular time, there are various ways coaching can benefit you by accelerating your problem-solving process and supporting you to have momentum to achieving things you care about. It can bring clarity to your life's direction, boost your confidence, and help you develop new skills or habits. Coaching is particularly effective in navigating transitions, overcoming challenges, and achieving personal or professional milestones. By providing an outside perspective based on professional training on the field of coaching psychology, coaches help you see opportunities and solutions you might have missed and broaden your perspectives and mindset. The tangible benefits coaching can provide include improved clearer and mor directed actions and planning, decision-making that’s more aligned to what you care about, enhanced self-awareness, and a stronger sense of purpose and direction in your life.

What happens in a coaching session?

A typical coaching session involves a focused conversation between you and the coach. You’ll discuss your goals, challenges, and progress. The coach will ask probing questions to help you explore your thoughts, uncover insights, and identify actions you can take. Sessions may include setting new goals, reviewing past actions, and planning next steps. The environment is supportive and non-judgmental, allowing you to explore ideas freely. The coach may also use tools or exercises to help clarify your thinking. Each session is tailored to your needs and designed to move you closer to your desired outcomes.

What if I don’t have clear goals?

Not having clear goals is perfectly fine. Part of the coaching process is helping you discover and articulate what matters most to you. A coach will guide you through exercises and conversations that clarify your values, interests, and aspirations. This exploration will often lead to the identification of meaningful goals or intentions. The coach can then help you break these down into actionable steps. Coaching is as much about discovering your direction as it is about pursuing it, so you don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin.

Is coaching just for people with problems?

No, coaching isn’t just for people with problems. While it can certainly help you navigate challenges, coaching is also about maximizing your potential and enhancing your life in meaningful ways. Whether you’re aiming to improve performance, explore new opportunities, or simply want to gain clarity and focus, coaching can be valuable. It’s a proactive approach to personal and professional development, suitable for anyone looking to grow, make positive changes, or achieve new goals. It’s about moving from good to great, not just solving issues.

How do I know if a coach is credible?

To assess a coach’s credibility, look for formal qualifications from accredited Universities or Colleges offering tertiary education, as well as membership with recognised coaching associations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Membership to these associations cannot be gained without the coach providing verified evidence of their coaching education. Most importantly, these associations uphold a Code of Ethics that their members must comply with (such as the ICF Code of Ethics, which we comply with at Revitalise Coaching) as well as standards for professional and quality coaching practice (such as the ICF Core Competencies, which we comply with at Revitalise Coaching). Additionally, testimonials, case studies, or references can provide insight into a coach’s effectiveness. Additionally, check if the coach continues to invest in their professional development, which reflects their commitment to their craft. A credible coach should also have clear ethical guidelines and clearly discuss their approach with you before starting the coaching relationship.

How is coaching different from therapy?

Coaching and therapy both support personal growth but differ in focus and approach. Therapy often addresses mental health issues, emotional healing, and past traumas, working to resolve deep-seated psychological problems. Coaching, on the other hand, is future-focused, helping you set and achieve goals, enhance performance, and create actionable plans. It assumes you are mentally healthy and ready to move forward. While therapy may involve exploring the past, coaching concentrates on the present and future, empowering you to take control of your life and achieve specific outcomes.

How do I know if a coach is the right fit for me?

Finding the right coach involves considering their expertise, approach, and personality. Start by exploring their background and areas of specialization. If these align with your needs, schedule an initial conversation to discuss your goals and see how comfortable you feel with their communication style. A good coach should make you feel understood and challenged in a positive way. Trust your instincts—if you feel a strong connection and believe the coach can help you grow, they’re likely a good fit for you.

How do coaches measure progress or success?

Progress in coaching is typically measured by the degree to which you are finding new insights and perspectives that help you, and can also be about how well you feel you’re making progress on goals you set for yourself. Success isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s also about the personal growth you experience along the way—such as increased confidence, better decision-making, and improved well-being. Regular check-ins allow both you and the coach to reflect on what’s working and make adjustments if needed. Ultimately, success is defined by the positive changes and insights you gain from the coaching process.

How long will it take to see results?

The timeline for seeing results from coaching varies depending on your goals, commitment, and the frequency of sessions. Many clients notice shifts in their mindset or behavior after just the first session, with this deepening to reap broader insights and life changes within the first four to six sessions. It’s important to remember that coaching is a process, not a quick fix. Regular sessions, combined with your effort to implement the insights gained, will lead to gradual and sustainable progress. Typically, clients work with a coach for several months to fully realize substantial benefits, but you may start to see meaningful changes much sooner.

Can coaching help with all aspects of life, or just specific areas?

Coaching is versatile and can address a wide range of life areas, including career, relationships, health, and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to advance professionally, improve your relationships, or find balance in your life, coaching can be tailored to your specific needs. Coaches work with you to identify the areas that matter most and help you create strategies to achieve success across different aspects of your life. While some coaches specialize in certain fields, many have the skills to help you in multiple areas, providing a holistic approach to your development.