There are many questions that get asked about coaching and it’s about time I looked at these in this blog. Probably the most frequently asked is what is coaching, or what is life coaching? Most people have some idea about counselling and so it is useful to look at the differences between the two when considering the answer to this question.

So what is the difference between life coaching and counselling? Primarily the difference is in the focus - counselling looks at and analyses the past and past behaviours, whereas coaching mainly focuses on the present and future goals and dreams.

In coaching the process is led by the client or coachee - the coach is required to keep their own thoughts, ideas and opinions out of the equation. I like to see it as a process of awareness and responsibility - by this I mean that the coachee will reach a new awareness of their behaviour or some aspect of their character and then will take responsibility for this new awareness and if desired, will make changes to their thoughts and behaviours to bring about change in their lives.

It is very much like having a conversation with a very close friend, but without the advice, judgement or attachment to any implications or outcomes. For me, coaching was a wonderful, uplifting, challenging and at times a hard process. I am more confident, I think much more clearly, I have more energy and motivation and much higher self-esteem. So for all the challenge and difficulty, coaching continues to prove itself as a method to help me improve and strive for personal excellence. Yes I still receive coaching as well as giving it! It keeps me on my toes and I recognise that coaching is a skill I will continuously develop and improve.

If you’ve had coaching, then it’d be great to hear your comments - please feel free to share your experiences by leaving a comment in this post.

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