What is Coaching?

What Coaching Is NOT

Coaching isn’t about telling you what to do. It's not teaching or preaching. It’s not giving advice, consulting, mentoring, or therapy.

What Coaching IS

Instead, coaching is about guiding YOU to uncover your own answers and solutions that already exist within you.

Coaching is a partnership that empowers you to tap into your inner wisdom. It’s about unlocking your potential, gaining clarity, and making meaningful progress in your life and career.

How Does Coaching Work?

Coaching is a transformative conversation. It combines:

Asking powerful, thought-provoking questions
Active listening, reflection, and expanding perspectives
Increasing self-awareness and unlocking new possibilities

It’s practical, action-oriented, and focused on the present and future. Coaching bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to go by building accountability and driving results.

What’s the Goal of Coaching?

Coaching helps you break through challenges, limiting beliefs, and roadblocks. It’s a personal growth process designed to:

Enhance performance and reach your full potential
Accelerate learning and refine skills
Clarify goals and uncover your purpose
Turn possibilities into actionable steps

The aim? To help you move from where you are now to where you want to be.

Is Coaching Right for You?

It’s natural to have concerns or questions when considering coaching. You might wonder:

“Can I really trust someone with my personal struggles?”
“What if I don’t know where to start?”
“Will this actually work for me?”
“Is coaching the right practice for my needs”

These are valid concerns—and they’re the reason trust is at the heart of coaching. Every coaching relationship is built on confidentiality, respect, and partnership. Your coach is there to create a safe, judgment-free space where you can be yourself.

During your free discovery call, we’ll take the time to address your worries, understand your needs, and explore how coaching can help you. This call isn’t just about deciding if coaching is right for you—it’s about making sure the fit feels right for both of us. Trust takes time to build, but it starts with open communication and genuine connection.

What to Expect from Coaching

Coaching is built on confidentiality, trust, and mutual respect. Here’s what a session looks like:

You’re in the driver’s seat: You decide the direction, intensity and the depth we go to find the answers you are looking for.
No judgment, no fixed agenda: Every session is tailored to your goals.
Future-focused: Each session ends with clear next steps and actions.

The format:

One-on-one coaching, group coaching, or team coaching (clarified during your free discovery call).
Sessions are typically 40–60 minutes for individuals, with group or team sessions varying by size and focus.
Meetings can be in person or online (camera on, as body language matters!).

Whether weekly or biweekly, coaching is a collaborative partnership designed to help you grow and thrive.

How to Choose the Right Coach

The right coach can make all the difference. Here’s how to find yours:

Talk to a few coaches. Chemistry and trust are key. Coaching works best when there’s a genuine connection. You’ll work closely together, so go with your gut!
Book a free discovery call. This is your chance to:
- Learn about the coach’s background, expertise, and niche.
- See if their approach and style resonates with your goals.
- Discuss their training, certifications, and impact on past clients and their community.
- Get a feel for their personality and energy.

Pro tip: Many clients prefer working with a credentialed coach for added assurance of quality, expertise and professionalism.

What is Coaching Credentialing?

Coaching is an evolving profession, but it’s not fully regulated. Credentialing by bodies like ICF, EMCC, or AC ensures your coach meets rigorous standards for training, ethics, and ongoing development.

In 2022, the EU endorsed a professional charter to enhance standards and protect coaching clients.

For more details visit the EU site or download the Charter.

Ready to find a credentialed coach? Start your search on ICF’s website to find a coach who meets your needs.