FAQs

What is coaching?

Coaching is the process of a coach using their listening, questioning, and observation skills, together with practical tools to support you to find ways to improve your performance and/or development, and challenge and change behaviours and ways of thinking that may be stopping you from achieving your aspirations.

How does it work?

Coaching is non-directive meaning that the coach does not impose their opinions or solutions on the client and does not position themselves as an expert or authority figure. Instead, the coach will be a guide/facilitator within the coaching process to help identify client needs and opportunities. Coaches apply a non-judgemental and client-centred approach to coaching, meaning that client needs and goals are the primary focus of the coaching relationship.

What happens in each coaching session?

There are a set number of sessions which are agreed upon in advance. Each session requires the coach to assist you in discovering your own development needs to help improve your performance/reach your goal.

During these sessions, clients are required to engage fully, openly, and honestly in conversations about their current situation and the changes they wish to make. The coach will ask relevant questions to encourage deeper analysis and different ways of thinking, will share any relevant observations they think will be helpful in the client’s development, and will incorporate different tools and/or exercises where appropriate. The coach may also set tasks/exercises for clients to complete between sessions.

Isn’t this a bit like counselling?

While coaching and counselling do share some similar foundational techniques it is important to know that coaching and counselling are NOT the same. Counselling is about improving the mental health and wellbeing of clients. Coaching is about helping clients to achieve specific goals and develop new skills.

If issues arise within your coaching sessions that suggest you may benefit from counselling instead of, or in addition to coaching, your coach will let you know and may be able to advise you on where to find qualified and certified counsellors.

What is my role as a coaching client?

As with most things, you get out what you put in! You should be ready to engage fully, openly, and honestly, be open to being questioned, and receiving constructive criticism and feedback, be willing to venture out of your comfort zone, and be willing to embrace new and different ways of thinking and behaving. Where sessions take place remotely, you should make sure you are in a quiet, private, and comfortable space with a good internet connection and where you will not be interrupted for the duration of the session. You may also wish to take notes during sessions, but this isn’t mandatory.

What about confidentiality?

In line with GDPR, your coach will not disclose your personal information to anyone, nor disclose discussions or records without your consent unless required to do so by law.

Your Data

The following client data will be collected:

• Name (including surname and preferred name)
• Email address
• Contact number
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Completed activities (as applicable)

Further information about confidentiality and your data is available in the coaching agreement which clients will receive and both parties will discuss and sign before the start of the coaching relationship.

What will I gain from the coaching process?

This will depend on what you initially sought coaching for, but generally speaking, coaching can help to gain a better understanding of yourself and your behaviours leading to increased self-awareness. You will also acquire useful tools and skills to help with your development in a multitude of areas including but not limited to:

• Career development
• Managing change, conflict, or stress
• Relationship building and how to relate better to others
• Being more effective in areas such as time management, stress management, and managing emotions.
• Confidence building

Setting aside allotted time to speak to someone about your challenges and actively working towards addressing them can help to confront issues that might otherwise continue to hinder your development and the achievement of your goals.

Where you may have a particular goal in mind but for a variety of reasons, are unable to set about achieving it, coaching can help support you to ‘unpack’ what may be holding you back and find solutions for how you can move forward.

It should also be remembered that, for a multitude of reasons not everyone has someone to talk to about their development challenges or performance issues so being able to explore these areas with a coach can provide this opportunity.

I have accessibility requirements, will this impact my ability to receive coaching?

Absolutely not! If you are comfortable sharing your accessibility requirements, we can discuss this at the chemistry meeting, or you can drop me a message. If I cannot meet your requirements, I may be able to help you find a specialist coach who can.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Yes. If you have any questions or queries that haven’t been covered here, please reach out and I’ll help as best I can.

Find out more about what clients of KBQ Coaching had to say about their coaching experiences.

View some examples of why someone may require the help of a coach.