• Is coaching similar to psychology and counseling?

Coaching is NOT psychology or counseling.  Coaching does not involve mental health issues or treatment. The best way to distinguish between coaching and therapy is that coaching is forward looking while therapy analyzes and diagnoses the past.

Coaching = Future Driven and Goal Oriented

Psychology & Counseling = Analysis, Diagnosis and Treatment of  Past  Behaviors

• How does the Objectives of Coaching Differ from those Found in Counseling and Psychology?

The purpose of counseling and psychology is to diagnose and help clients repair behavioral issues. In contrast, the objective of coaching is to assist clients in identifying and developing new possibility for their lives.

 

• How does the coaching session  approach differ from the practice of psychology and counseling?

In the practice of Psychology and counseling,  the therapist is viewed as containing expert knowledge about treatment of the diagnosed behavioral issues. The power base rests solely with the psychologist or counselor. Coaching differs from this because both the client and coach are equally competent. This equalizes the power base and allows them to form a creative partnership in exploring new possibilities for the future.

• What is the delivery format of coaching?

Unlike most psychological and counseling practices, coaching is not confined to an office. Coaching does not have any geographical boundaries. As a result, most coaching sessions occur via telephone. This is beneficial to clients because a coach can conduct sessions at various times of the day and clients can participate from any location.

• Is the information discussed during the coaching sessions confidential?

Yes, anything discussed during coaching sessions  is completely confidential. A coach does not make judgments about anything said during the coaching sessions. The goal is to create new possibilities and not to blame. It is important that clients honestly express themselves in meetings with the coach.  

 

The only exception to this confidentiality rule is if someone makes a confession to something illegal. Then, a coach has a duty to report. So if it is an illegal activity,  a coach has  a duty and a moral obligation to report it.  

• What should I look for in a coach?

Since everyone's needs are different, it is impossible to recommend a particular kind of coach that would satisfy everyone. Anyone seeking a coach should consider  choosing someone with an advance education in business or behavioral sciences.  These coaches are able to provide a framework for assisting you in goal setting. Also, it serves as evidence of a coach's ability to achieve a goal.  

• How many months does  coaching take to complete?

The completion time is solely dependent on the client. Since coaching seeks to empower  individuals,  at any given time,  a client choose to discontinue coaching.