What is the purpose of coaching?

Simply put, coaching provides individuals with the time and space to pause, talk and reflect on their current role as well as consider and purposefully plan for future professional aspirations. It’s all about working out what you want to do next, and to have the space to properly think through how you are going to get there.

Coaching is about actively identifying and moving towards our goals. Clients often come to coaching because they are seeking self-improvement, or they wish to explore a professional change they are considering. This may include managing a new role or leadership responsibilities, seeking a promotion or career change. However coaching is not just for significant workplace changes. Often clients are looking to change their individual approach, sometimes with a desire to be more efficient and productive in their current role, improve difficult working relationships or wanting a better work-life balance.

How could coaching help me?

Coaching has the capacity to unlock hidden potential in clients; quality time and expert listening allows space for reflection and quality thinking; something that is rare in our busy worlds. Coaching is more than listening, it is about delving deeper and challenging our preconceptions about what is, and isn’t, possible. Our first response is not always the most effective; coaching allows space to explore what is truly possible, and how to achieve this. I have successfully worked with clients on a number of areas, including:

• Development of leadership skills, specifically delegation

• Confidence

• Time management and productivity

• Strategic prioritisation skills

• Achievable work-life balance

• Building of self-confidence in readiness for a promotion

• Career change

What is the role of the coach?

The role of the coach is often referred to as ‘the skilled helper’. Through the skilled use of questioning, through carefully scaffolded sessions, and the use of tools where appropriate, the coach enables the client to identify and explore their goals in a safe space, with the aim of supporting the generation of practical solutions and effective strategies. The coach is there to support your thinking, so that you develop strategies that work for you.

How does the coaching process work?

The process depends on the type of coaching you need. We can discuss this at the initial consultation. It is worth bearing in mind that if you are seeking clarity, support and looking to create change, it does take time and reflection. I typically offer 4 - 6 sessions, each of which is 1 hour in length and take place every 2 -3 weeks. This means that clients work with me for around 3 months. Working with clients over a period of time enables realistic change, which is sustainable. However, sessions need to work for you, so there is flexibility in the approach. I also offer one-off coaching sessions, for very specific areas, or longer term coaching. Find out more here.

What happens in a session?

In the initial session we will discuss how we want to work together, so that the sessions are tailored to be most effective for you. We will then explore your current situation, identifying what you would like to focus on. Through the use of questioning and tools we will explore what your aims and priorities are. We will then begin to explore these further, with a view to identifying issues and actions for future sessions. 

Subsequent sessions begin with a check in, not only in relation to what you would like to focus on, but how you would like to work together during the session. Sessions may relate to one overarching goal, or may seek to address individual matters. This is flexible throughout our work together. Sessions allow time for space and reflection, but it is through the use of incisive questioning and tools which encourage a deeper understanding, to enable you to identify how you will meet your goals, whilst also identifying the potential barriers, and the support you may need to fully meet your aims.

Where does the coaching take place?

I work both remotely and in person. Sessions can be held online, including evenings. If you would prefer in person sessions I also work from the Apthorp centre in Bath. The centre is 1.5 miles from the centre of Bath, with good links to the M4 and Bristol. Free client parking is available on site.

I’m interested, what next?

If you are interested in finding out more, the first thing to do is contact me so I can send you further information regarding the coaching packages available, including costs. Following this, we can then arrange an initial, free 30 minute consultation so you can find out more and we can explore whether we would be a good coaching fit. During the session we will talk about what you want to gain from the coaching sessions, and discuss the best package for you and how to move forward to enable you to meet your goals.