According to a study by the International Coaching Federation, the number of professional coaches increased 54% between 2019 and 2022. That’s remarkable growth in just a three year period.

With its growing popularity, you may have wondered if you need a coach. You might also be confused about what a coach does and how they can help you. To understand what coaching is, it might be helpful first to know what it is not.

Coaching is NOT:

1. Mental Health Therapy: Coaching does not focus on diagnosing or treating mental health issues or solving emotional challenges. If a client is experiencing these types of concerns, a coach will recommend they seek the support of a qualified counselor or other mental health professional to address them.
2. Medical Treatment: Nor does coaching involve the diagnosis or treatment of physical issues. As is true with the client experiencing mental health challenges, a coach will recommend a client consult with qualified health professionals to address any physical concerns.
3. Directive: Coaching is not about telling clients what to do. It’s about helping them uncover their own insights and develop their own strategies.
4. Past-Focused: Coaching does not delve deeply into past experiences or traumas. Its primary focus is on the present and future.
5. Friendship: While coaches may develop a friendly rapport with their clients, the relationship is professional and focused on achieving specific outcomes.
6. One-Size-Fits-All: Coaching is not a standardized program; it’s tailored to the individual needs and goals of each client.
7. Quick Fix: Coaching is not a quick fix; it requires time, commitment, and effort from the client to see meaningful results.

So, if it is not any of what is listed above, what exactly is it? Well, in a nutshell coaching is:

1. Goal-Oriented: Coaching focuses on helping clients set and achieve specific goals in their personal and/or professional lives.
2. Solution-Focused: It focuses on finding solutions to challenges and obstacles in the present and moving forward toward the future, rather than on in-depth analysis of the past.
3. Action-Based: Coaching involves creating actionable plans and strategies to help clients move forward.
4. Empowering: Coaches empower clients to identify their strengths, develop skills, and build confidence.
5. Partnership: The coach and client work together as partners, with the coach providing support, encouragement, and accountability.
6. Motivational: Coaches help clients stay motivated and inspired to pursue their goals.
7. Non-Judgmental: Coaches provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their goals for the future.

Basically, if you are looking for someone who will help you fine-tune your goals, create plans to achieve those goals, and then hold you accountable as you implement your plans, coaching might be a great tool for you.