If you are looking for a coach, there are a number of key questions to think about, such as what are you looking for, what would success look like, and what would a good coach look like? Here are my thoughts on three of the most important considerations.

1. Are you really looking for a coach?

Sometimes people approach a coach when they are actually looking for a therapist or a mentor. So, it is important to be clear on what you are looking for from a coach. A coach can help untangle a range of thoughts, help you reach a decision or explore an opportunity or problem. However, as a coach I am not looking to provide advice or support the exploration of traumatic events. I firmly believe that you are the expert on yourself, and so unlike a mentor I won’t be looking at offering industry specific help.

Many people have tried to draw distinctions between coaching and counselling. For some people the boundaries can seem fuzzy particularly when we consider the person as a whole. However, typically coaching will be more forward-looking and will not seek to help with traumatic feelings or deeply emotional topics. That is not to say that coaching doesn’t involve emotions, but it is important that I act within my competency range and, as I am not a qualified therapist, if the topic is heading into that territory I will flag this.

2. Have you found the right coach?

It is really important to find the right coach for you. Which is why as part of my coaching process I offer a free ten-minute consultation call where we can discuss what you want out of coaching, and you can determine whether I am the right coach for you. This also gives me a chance to determine whether I think I can help you with the topic you have in mind.

The coaching profession is really broad and there are a number of important aspects to consider, such as how directive a coach is, are they a specific type of coach, what is their training, what are you looking for in a coach and, importantly, can you open up to them?

I am very values-led in my approach and use empathy, listening and challenging with permission, to support a structured conversation. As a coach I am continually developing, and client feedback is really important to me as part of that development. I have included client testimonials on my website, to give you an indication of how others have found the experience of being coached by me.

3. Is it the right time?

You need to feel ready for coaching, and be open to the process in order to get the most out of it. Ideally coming to a coach will be a choice you make – and a choice you feel comfortable with. On a practical note, and to help you prepare for a coaching session, it is useful to think about your mindset, your environment and your privacy. Can you speak freely on the zoom call? Can you focus – or do you perhaps have something else on your mind? It’s always best to have complete privacy, and if possible, to be feeling calm and relaxed in a quiet, comfortable environment.

Get in touch

If you think you might be interested in being coached by me, please do not hesitate to contact me on lauraclarkecoaching@gmail.com.