What is career coaching?

Are you curious about coaching but still uncertain, as you may not fully understand its benefits?

I hear that sentiment quite often. Firstly, it's important to note that there are various coaching approaches today. In this discussion, I'll focus on ICF coaching, which is currently the most recognized and standardized coaching practice.

What is Career Coaching?

Career coaching is a goal-oriented process where a coach collaborates with an individual or group to facilitate professional development. The coach assists the coachee in identifying and achieving specific goals, overcoming challenges, and enhancing overall performance and well-being.

Coaching is distinct from consulting and mentoring; a coach refrains from offering direct advice and directions. It also differs from therapy, as the coach is not positioned as an expert providing guidance and explanations. Moreover, coaching doesn't delve extensively into past experiences and the causes of certain behaviours.

The coachee is considered the expert on their life and career, choosing the topics and goals to work on. So, what is the role of a coach?

The Role of a Coach:

A coach facilitates the process, making it more efficient, and offering conceptual frameworks and processes. The primary role of a coach is to listen and ask questions that help the client see different perspectives on a problem. This is a naturally occurring process that may not happen organically, as individuals often have tendencies in how they perceive and solve things.

What Does Career Coaching with Me Look Like?

I practice coaching following ICF principles, but I like to combine it with concepts from different psychotherapy schools, but most dominantly Transactional Analysis.

?? Our collaboration begins with a free 30-minute consultation, during which I provide a detailed explanation of the coaching process and address any questions or doubts you may have. I encourage you to ask challenging and unpleasant questions; it will help us get to the essence of your doubts much faster.

?? Before officially commencing the coaching process, I initiate a preliminary 60-minute theoretical session. In this session, I introduce fundamental concepts of Transactional Analysis (TA), a psychological framework that will significantly aid our coaching journey. Learning materials are provided to deepen your understanding of TA concepts, empowering you to interpret your behaviour and identify patterns independently.

?? Subsequently, we will schedule our first coaching session. Conducted online via Google Meet, these sessions last 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Typically, we meet weekly, with flexibility for adjustments. All discussions we have are confidential, even when sessions are paid for by a third party, such as your employer.

Is it Only Career Coaching? Where is the Border with My Personal Life?

There is no border. I specialize in career development-related topics, particularly career transitions. However, your career is intertwined with your personal life, and sometimes focusing on one side can positively impact the other.

Feel free to book a free consultation. It doesn't obligate you to continue with the process. And no, you will not be wasting my time. I happen to enjoy meeting new people and discussing coaching and counselling.

You can leave the process whenever you want. Some coaching changes are minor, expediting goal achievement without causing major disturbances. Others are more substantial, potentially disruptive, and can significantly influence your life. You have the right not to be ready to make that change now. And it's better to start the process when you feel ready.