About Coaching!

This article was published in the Daily Crisp

In a world that bombards us with choices and leaves us with no selection criteria, choosing where to get professional emotional support becomes another big dilemma.

The world is probably witnessing one of its highest waves of spiritual awakening. People are experiencing inner revolutions, consequently, the awareness and need arise for well-being and holistic lifestyles. Alas, being ruled with a materialistic world, where capitalism manipulates people’s choices to an extent that would make them choose glossy covers over real substance, makes your choice to reclaim your well-being a challenging one. In a long line of holistic practitioners, and in here, I answer your questions about one of those disciplines; life coaching.

What is life coaching?

In the most practical sense; coaching is a professional, collaborative, confidential, non-directive, non-judgmental, dynamic and empowering relationship that supports you to move from where you are to where you want to be. Coaching involves a conscious decision between a Coach and yourself to change and grow, whether that is in perspective, attitude, thoughts, emotions, or behaviors.

Life coaching is a science that is based on the study of human development, cognitive behavioral psychology, positive psychology, anthropology, physiology and art as a healing therapy.

Who can I consider a Life-Coach?

A professionally accredited person from an internationally recognized body. Someone who has been extensively and continuously trained, for no less than a one year program, to provide professional well-being support.  

When do I need a Coach?

When you feel emotionally struggling, muddled, stuck in a rut and lost. Unlike, psychotherapists and psychiatrists, coaching deals with “present” issues.

In your diagnostic session, if your Coach finds out that your present emotional struggle is driven from a deeply rooted past trauma, the ethics of Coaching profession entails that a Coach presents you with references of psychotherapists or psychiatrists (after permission from you).

How to choose a Life Coach?

• Check if the Coach is:
  1. Certified and accredited, from a recognized international body.
  2. Specialized in the niche area of relevance.  Life Coaching is the general practice, however, each Coach chooses a niche to specialize in, like; relationships, change and transformation…etc. The more specialized a Coach, the more in-depth relevance he may bring to your emotional well-being.

And finally, it is vital that your Coach is someone that you have great chemistry with!

Why it’s crucial to choose an accredited Coach?

1. Coaching is about dealing with human psychology, which is like the most sensitive electricity circuits to deal with, what you think maybe a simple mistake may take the power off!
2. It protects you against any breach of confidentiality as accredited Coaches are supervised by their accrediting bodies and operate under the Coaching Code of Ethics.

What to expect when I put myself forward to be coached?

1. Diagnostic session: An opportunity to know your Coach better. Also, for your Coach to work with you to develop an in-depth understanding of your situation and what you want to achieve from the Coaching relationship.
2. Intake session: This is where you discuss details of your program, level of commitment, fees and sign your coaching program confidentiality agreement.

 How long does a Coaching session or program take?

1. Coaching sessions are usually 45 minutes to one hour.
2. Coaching programs vary from 1 month (4 sessions) to a year, depending on your goals.

What happens during a session?

To keep it simple; an interactive dialogue driven by your emotional support needs and led by a professional Coach using both acquired professional coaching skills and natural coaching talents. Some of the sessions include a number of exercises, as well as in between sessions.

How is Coaching delivered?

1. Face to face (1:1 and group coaching sessions).
2. Phone (1:1 mainly).
3. Videoconferencing (1:1 and group coaching sessions).

It really depends on your geographical location, your preference and the coaching modes available via your Coach. The best benefits are usually achieved through a face to face interaction. If possible, always make face to face sessions the default of your coaching program, with phone and video-conferencing being an exception.  

When should I be able to experience the rewards of coaching?

As soon as your first session really! In the sense of anchoring some clarity in your vision, and feeling your mind starting to go somewhere, rather than going into vicious circles.

What are the costs involved?

• Nowadays, a session costs anywhere from 250 – 800 EGP per session.
• Coaches who ask for reasonable fees are driven by a humanitarian sense of responsibility, as all of them should. Reasonable fees are marked in the range of 250 – 500 EGP per session.

Fees vary according to Coach’s accrediting body, expertise, track record, socioeconomic tier they would like to offer their services.

What if I need Coaching but cannot afford it?

• Communicate with your Coach on the schemes of payment they are offering, more Coaches are now offering schemes such as; installments, pay as you go, pay in advance, student discount, retirement discounts, unemployed discounts, social responsibility rates …etc.
• However, whatever discounts you may be eligible for, you will be required to submit official documents as evidence of your eligibility to this discount.  A financial contribution towards your emotional well-being sustains your commitment.
• Group coaching, vary in fees depending on content, Coach’s fees, provision support (whether the workshop is being delivered in partnership with another company/Coach/etc.) and duration of the workshop.