Please drop me a line at beccagraveling@yahoo.co.uk if your question isn't answered below.
In simple terms, coaching is about helping someone get to where they want to be, to achieve something they'd like support with. The coach asks questions and the client answers, usually uncovering things about themselves that they hadn't previously recognised. Typically, clients come away from each coaching session with actions that they've identified for themselves to start making they changes they want. These all add up to work towards a long-term goal or plan.
Coaching is for people who recognise that there is real power in talking through what matters to them and acknowledging the importance of the support and reflection of a trained professional. When it comes to careers and other big life plans, we weren't meant to navigate this all on our own!
Coaching can fix your life!
All too often we think we can work things through on our own, or speak to trusted friends to help work out how we're going to achieve something, but coaching offers a much more committed experience, which allows clients to really commit to what they set out to achieve, with deep knowledge that they gain about themselves through the experience.
Most people are surprised at the power of just being able to talk for as long as they like, without interruption; something that rarely happens in other contexts. And that's just the tip of the coaching iceberg. Coaching takes place in the form of me asking gently challenging questions to help you establish the right path to take. It’s crucial to me that my clients feel supported and comfortable and I am fully led by your agenda and pace.
I start with an initial 30-minute introductory session, where we can get to know each other a little. I will take you through the terms of my coaching and give you time to ask all the questions you may have. It’s also an important opportunity for you to get a feel for whether you’d like to work together. After that conversation you can take all the time you need to decide whether you'd like to go ahead with my coaching programme.
If you opt to proceed, the next step is for you to complete an initial assessment form, which invites you to think about what’s important to you, any particular bespoke requirements you may have, so that I can ensure the sessions are fully tailored to your needs.
Coaching is designed to focus on a client’s goals or ambitions, rather than addressing their past experiences or their emotional health. Think of coaching as looking at your plans for the future, where the power is put in your hands to decide on the best steps to achieve your goals. Coaches do not offer any of their own experience or tell their client what to do but rather allow clients to take the lead in determining their own steps to work towards their goals.
The magic of pure coaching is that it empowers you to tap into your motivations, strengths, values and beliefs and come up with your own suggestions and decisions to help you move forward.
Consider the analogy of the grumpy teenager being told to do their English homework, which is their least favourite subject, and ignoring all parental advice. Contrast this with them coming up with a great idea for their Design and Technology project. They are motivated to do well at this. The project was their idea, and they feel good about this subject and can see a future for themselves in this field. Same child, but one who is thinking about what matters to them.
It’s just the same with us adults. Studies show that where we are given suggestions or told what to do, we are significantly less invested in taking steps to move forward, but where you come up with your own ideas and plans for making changes, you are always more committed, and therefore successful, in getting to where you want to be.
Only you are the expert of you and you will always find the way forward that is right for you. I just help you tap into that expertise.
Most of my clients come for coaching because there is something they're stuck with that they want to be different and they want help to find the right way forward. They usually have a goal in mind like 'I want to change my job so I can feel fulfilled', or 'I need to re-find my passion'. For some people, it's helpful to think about that goal before you start your coaching sessions, but for others, they might come knowing they need to make a change, but not knowing where to start. Both approaches are absolutely fine and there is no requirement to do any pre-work or homework.
All I ask of my clients is that they are willing to talk about their thoughts, ideas and what's important to them. And that they be prepared to act on the steps that they identify to help them achieve their goals.
Coaching takes place in the form of conversations which help people set and achieve their personal or professional goals. In my coaching I ask questions to gently challenge you and help you find ways to achieve your goals. Coaching happens in a confidential, safe space, at your pace. It is led by you, with no pressure, and there are no right or wrong answers. I will invite you to think creatively about how you can overcome obstacles, whilst focusing on your values, strengths, and skills. Importantly, I will give you time and space to think and will support you in mapping out a plan for where you’d like to get to.
Coaching can take place either in person, over a video call, or even over the phone. The priority is for you to be comfortable and in a private place where you can free up your thinking.
For those who like nature or exercise, or both, I offer the option to have their coaching whilst walking outside, where we often find the fresh air and natural environment has a significant impact on wellbeing and creative thinking.
Walking coaching can either take place in person, or remotely, for those who like to stick their earbuds in and have their coaching whilst they take a good walk.
I offer online coaching using Google Meet, Zoom or Teams and arrange appointments according to your preference of platform.
My coaching programme includes six coaching sessions. This is based upon positive feedback from previous clients, where they have found maximum benefit for the time commitment.
My coaching will always be tailored to the needs of each individual client, so we will discuss what's best for you, in the context of your situation. This includes frequency of sessions, and adding additional sessions, should they be required.
Individual coaching sessions are 60 minutes. I recommend that wherever possible, in order to get the full benefit from your coaching, you book time out both before and after the session to give yourself time to prepare for the session and reflect afterwards.