1. What is coaching?

ICF defines coaching as partnering with Clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is a client-driven process. The Coach’s responsibility is to
• Discover, clarify and align with what the Client wants to achieve
• Encourage Client self-discovery
• Elicit Client-generated solutions and strategies
• Help the Client to be responsible and accountable for the decision they have arrived at, during the session.

The coaching process helps Clients improve their outlook on work and life, while improving their leadership skills and unlocking their potential.

2. What coaching is not.

Coaching is not a form of therapy or counselling. While coaching may involve elements of personal development and self-improvement, it is distinct from therapy, which typically focuses on addressing mental health issues, diagnosing disorders, and providing treatment.

Coaching is not about providing direct advice or telling someone what to do. Coaches work with individuals or groups to help them unlock their potential, set goals, and develop strategies to achieve those goals. Rather than offering solutions or making decisions on behalf of the Coachee/Client, Coaches facilitate a process of self-discovery and empower individuals to find their own answers.

Coaching is not a quick fix or a guaranteed path to success. It requires effort, commitment, and active participation from the Client. Coaches provide guidance, support, and accountability, but ultimately, it is up to the individual or group being coached to put in the work and take responsibility for their own growth and progress. Coaching encompasses various areas such as executive coaching, life coaching, career coaching, health coaching, and more. Coaching can be applied to personal, professional, or organizational contexts, depending on the specific needs and goals of the Coachee/Client.

Coaching is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each coaching relationship is unique, tailored to the individual or group being coached. Coaches adapt their techniques and methodologies to meet the specific needs, preferences, and learning styles of their Coachee/Client. The coaching process is personalized and customized to maximize its effectiveness and relevance.

3. Coaching Vs Mentoring

Mentoring is when someone seen as more knowledgeable and worldly wise gives advice and provides a role model. Mentoring involves wide ranging discussions that may not be limited to the work context. A mentor is a sponsor with great professional experience in their client’s field of work. Both mentoring and coaching are concerned mainly with achievements in the present and the future

4. Coaching Vs Counselling/therapy

Counselling is working with a client who feels uncomfortable, or dissatisfied with their life. They are seeking guidance and advice. A counsellor works remedially on a client’s problem. Therapy is working with the client who seeks relief from psychological or physical symptoms. The client wants emotional healing and relief from mental pain. Therapy deals with the client’s mental health. Coaching deals with the Client’s mental growth. The Client’s motive for entering therapy or counseling is usually to get away from pain or discomfort, rather than moving towards desired goals. Coaching is not remedial, it is generative. Both therapy and counselling are more likely to involve understanding and working with past experience than coaching.

5. Can coaching benefit me?

Here are 5 signs that you might benefit from partnering with a coach:
1) You are feeling “stuck”
2) You want to pursue a life-long dream
3) You long to find “happiness” for yourself or your loved ones
4) Career advancement and professional growth
5) You desire to feel more confident

6. What is the duration of a coaching session?

The coaching sessions are typically scheduled for an hour. A typical coaching conversation could take between 40-60 minutes. In case the Client wishes to engage in another session to continue the conversation or for follow-up, s/he is welcomed to schedule a new session with Coach Priya at a mutually available time!