FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Definition - So What is Coaching?

The ICF (International Coach Federation) defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential”.1

The ICF goes on to explain that professional coaching is “an interactive process that helps individuals and organizations improve their performances and achieve extraordinary results. Professional coaches work with clients in all areas, including business, career, finances, health and relationships. As a result of professional coaching, clients set better goals, take more action, make better decisions, and more fully use their natural strengths”.2

What May I Expect?

Coaching is a process and results can often take time. Patience and persistence with the coaching process is needed to experience extraordinary results over time. The results that you will see will be based solely on the decisions you make and the actions you take. Your coach can help support clients with clarity of direction, accountability, forwarding action, and challenge and empower you. Coaching can provide the catalyst for action, but it is up to you, the client to make the decision to move forward and in which direction.

A Professional Coach helps you, the client, identify what you want personally and/or professionally while encouraging you to achieve what you have determined to be your goals. Coaches inquire, encourage, educate, challenge, make requests and listen so that you are aligned with your goals, values and vision. Coaching is about you taking positive action to develop a powerful foundation on which to simplify and manage your life.

The effectiveness of coaching is influenced by the level of your participation, including attendance at planned coaching sessions and follow through on commitments made together with the coach. Thus, all actions and outcomes are created by you, the client, with the support of the coach.

Certification - What Does That Mean?

There are many practicing coaches who may or may not be certified professional coaches. Certification means that a coach has undergone a set program of coach specific training, has documented coaching hours, supervision and experience, and has met the qualifications of the certification body.

Professional Coaching

The International Coach Federation has emerged globally in the industry as the leading authority and accreditation organization. “Founded in 1995, the ICF is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches.” 3

You may learn more about the coaching profession and which coach training programs have been accredited by the ICF by visiting their web site www.coachfederation.org. Here you may also learn more about the role of the professional coach and what you may expect from the coaching process.

What Coaching is NOT

Coaching is action-oriented and focuses primarily on the present and the future. It is not therapy or consulting or in any way to be construed as, or a replacement for therapy, mental health counseling, psychotherapy, legal counsel, or medical advice.

How is Coaching Delivered?

Our coaching services are typically provided by telephone or SKYPE or FACETIME (tele-coaching) with times mutually decided upon. Please contact us if you would like to discuss onsite support at your business location.

Confidentiality

Information exchanged in the coaching sessions is held in
strict confidence as allowed by law. Clients are informed that there are conditions under which confidentiality may not be maintained (e.g., illegal activity, pursuant to valid court order or subpoena; imminent or likely risk of danger to self or to others; etc). Where the coach reasonably believes any one of the above or similar circumstances is applicable, responsible authorities may be informed

The Institute of Professional Excellence In Coaching (IPEC)

There are many programs available for coaching certification, some with ICF approval and some without. IPEC is an accredited coach training program (ACTP) through the ICF. You may click on the link below to learn more about IPEC and its Programs and Services.

Copyright 2012-Present, Connect Coaching & Education Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Note: These FAQ answers were compiled from various sources (used with permision) and modified by Connect Coaching & Education Inc.
Special Thanks to IPEC, Heidi Ravis and Jennifer Barley for their contribution of original source documents and examples.