Coaching psychology in a nutshell
People regularly ask me what coaching psychology is. So, in case you have also wondered, this is how I see it.
1. Coaching Psychology is a service for healthy individuals. It is for people who wish to get more out of life; improve their performance, or work towards a certain set of skills (such as improving their communication, presentation, etc). Most importantly (in my eyes), it is for individuals who want to embark on a journey of personal growth. Often times people will engage a coach when they are at a cross-roads, when change is happening, when they want to get unstuck from a familiar rut, and when they want a sounding board to bounce off thoughts, ideas, and explore some options. In short it is about functioning in an optimal way, which includes your emotional life, your thoughts and behaviours, your overall well-being of mind, body and spirit.
2. Coaching Psychology mainly deals with the present and the future. While exploring the present situation, and perhaps briefly delving into the past, the focus clearly is on moving forward. A coach can help individuals towards figuring out what it is they want to achieve, and then working toward their goals. Along the way the coach will challenge and keep clients accountable.
3. Solution-focused Coaching Psychology does just that - it focuses on generating solutions, rather than getting stuck on the problems. In order to do this, old patterns of thinking or 'cow paths' (there's a nice Swiss metaphor) are abandoned in order to find new ways of doing things and different paths to wander. After all, one cannot expect a different destination or many new sights along the way by taking the same old road.
So, this hopefully gives you a better idea of what Coaching Psychology is. If you are considering getting some coaching, and are not quite sure if it is for you, please feel free to contact me with any query.
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Coaching Psychology is not Counselling, Clinical Psychology, nor Psychotherapy, and should not be a substitute for either of these. Persons who are experiencing mental health issues are advised to seek appropriate support from a qualified mental health care professional.