When I tell people about my evolving journey as a coach, I get a broad spectrum of responses. They range from, “So, what do you teach?”, to, “Isn’t that therapy?” So, I decided to pen this article. It is not a definition of coaching, rather it is what I have come to understand coaching to be. I will focus on the specific area of individual coaching.

Let me start with what coaching is not. It is neither teaching nor training. The subject of coaching is you, the client. And that is one topic that cannot be taught.

It is also not a consulting model where a coach comes in and fixes your problems by giving solutions and suggestions. Coaching is not about giving advice.

It is not counselling, and it’s definitely not therapy. Therapy is about healing and looking into the past. Coaching looks to the future.

Coaching is not mentoring where a senior or domain expert shares their experience with you and shows you the ropes. Coaching is not a problem-solving methodology. It can cultivate a problem-solving mindset, but by itself it does not solve problems. Coaching is not solution focused. It is people focused.

Coaching is a people transformation process. Transformation does not mean change. Coaching won’t change you into a different person. Rather, it’ll help you become who you truly are. It’ll help you see yourself deeply, clearly and fully. For a lot of us, it means seeing ourselves for the very first time.

Coaching looks very much like a conversation between two people. It takes place over a series of sessions. The client chooses the agenda for each session, and the coach and client explore it together.

A coach asks you questions and holds a mirror when you answer. As you see yourself from different viewpoints, you begin to look beyond your limiting beliefs and notice possibilities that never existed before.

A coach sees you the way you are without judgement or expectation. This helps you get in touch with your core values so that you may choose a path aligned to them.

Showing your true self to a coach and to yourself can be very freeing. But it can also get discomforting at times. So, choose a coach you feel safe with and are willing to be uncomfortable around.

Coaching can be an empowering journey towards awareness and growth. But it must be taken whole-heartedly. So, take it if you are ready. Take it when you are ready.