What Is Coaching?

The International Coach Federation defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential” and the coaching experience as “professional coaching focuses on setting goals, creating outcomes and managing personal change.”

If you’re looking to develop a particular aspect of yourself or your life, coaching may be a better fit than counselling or psychotherapy.

While coaching also offers some of the depth and healing of these other therapies, it’s generally more focused on forward motion and working towards specific goals.

Who would use coaching?

Coaching is widely used by people striving to live to their full potential and grow towards a fuller expression of themselves. It’s suitable for anyone with these aspirations. It’s also widely used in the professional and corporate environment – and equally by individuals who want to focus on an area of their life.

What’s the difference between coaching and counselling?

The difference between counselling / psychotherapy and coaching can be confusing. In general terms, coaching is generally suitable for people who are “functioning” well in their lives and want to put focus on a particular area of their lives.

Counselling and psychotherapy are generally more suitable for people who may not feel that they are coping or functioning well in their lives, and want to address specific emotional or behavioural issues.

Co-Active Coaching

While it’s not necessary for the client to know anything about coaching, Co-Active Coaching is one coaching approach practised at the Affinity Centre. In essence, Co-Active Coaching is a partnership between the coach and the client; the client brings the agenda and the content, and the coach manages the process to support the client in making change happen. More information on the Co-Active Coaching approach can be found here.