I have also noticed that when I explain the concept of Life Coaching to people virtually everyone agrees that it is a great idea and that so many people need Coaching in these troubled times.
So if everyone thinks it is a great idea and very needed now, why are more people not seeking the services of a Life Coach? Why do people insist on taking the more difficult solo path?
I believe that there are a number of reasons for this; one is cost, but if people are not looking for coaches then they can not know how much it will cost, i.e. they are putting up a barrier for themselves based on a presupposition.
A second reason, I believe is the culture in Ireland. Traditionally, Ireland is a place where everybody knows everybody else and feelings are very much kept in check. To recruit a Coach, spend time working closely with him/her, potentially expose feelings and thoughts that have spent so much time locked in and then run the risk of meeting the Coach at the local supermarket or the main street of a local town is too much for some people.
Finally, I believe that there are certain stigmas associated with Coaching. First of all, it is viewed by many as a form of psychological help, e.g. counselling. Secondly, it is viewed as a form of weakness; many people do not like to ask for help.
As someone who has been through the coaching process before, during and since achieving my qualification, I have to say that ALL of the issues/worries/beliefs that have been listed above are completely wrong when used as barriers to undergoing a Coaching process.
Let me address all of these issues.
First of all Qualified Life & Executive Coaches have to sign a Code of Ethics when they qualify and again when they join any Coaching Associations. This ensures a level of standards in relation to the Coach/Client relationship. It also ensures client confidentiality no matter where or how the coach is met. So bumping into your Coach in the supermarket will result in no more than a cheery 'Hello' (not a coaching session).
Next, in relation to price, Coaching sessions vary in cost from Coach to Coach. However, most coaches can have some form of flexibility depending on individual circumstances.
With regard to the stigmas, Coaching is completely different from Counselling. A Coach is primarily interested in where the client is now versus where they want to be and working with the client to help them reach their goals. A Coach will help the client to re-focus on goals or priorities in accordance with client wishes.
Counselling on the other hand spends more time looking back at the client's life to establish how they got to their current state. A good Coach will recognise very quickly when a client needs Counselling rather than Coaching and will have no trouble recommending that to the client.
Asking for help is a good thing. People get caught up in day to day activities and can easily lose sight of where they are, what's important and where they want to go with their lives. This is even more important in the current climate of economic uncertainty. With so many people worried about the future it is easy to get 'bogged down' in the doom and gloom that is all around.
The Coach is the lifeline. He/She can help the client regain some perspective, some focus and most of all some relief from the pressures of life. By challenging the client's current view of the world, a new and clearer vision can open up. New goals and challenges can be identified, and maybe an opportunity for a new beginning may be found where previously there was none. A Coach has no agenda but the Client's. A Coach offers no advice, and doesn't have the answers; THE CLIENT DOES. The Coach merely acts as the means to access thoughts and ideas that have long been locked away under the pressures of day to day living.
Coaching is a simple, practical and very cost effective way for a client to take stock, regain some perspective, start again and re-connect with what is important for him/her. The Coaching process can relieve much of the stresses that can lead to health issues if they are left unchecked.
Life Coaching is available to everyone either in groups or one-to-one sessions. It is not a form of 'pschyo-babble' but a real form of gentle assistance that revolves around the client. It is readily available all over the world. Life Coaches are equipped to deal with every issue no matter how big, small or embarrassing the client feels it is.
Do I believe that people should try the Coaching process? You Bet!!
It worked wonders for me personally, and I have had the honour to see the process working for my clients. The saddest thing for me is that every day I see people who look lost or pressured with nowhere to turn for help, and yet help exists. It is time to wake up. You don't have to face the world alone. As the old saying goes, "a problem shared is a problem halved". Let a Life Coach help you to tackle your problems, you may find that they are not as bad as you think.
South East Coaching Services offers Coaching to Individuals, Groups, Businesses, etc. at very competitive rates. As a member of the Life & Business Coaching Association of Ireland, we are ready and available 24/7 to meet at a time and place convenient to you.
Check out http://www.secs.ie for more information
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