Coaching is:

• practical, outcome-oriented and time-effective

• a collaborative partnership, with the coach supporting the client to achieve specific career, business or personal goals

The word ‘coaching’ literally means ‘to transport someone from one place to another’. All forms of coaching involve helping the client move forward.

People work with a coach because they want to improve their situations, make changes or achieve specific goals.

Coaching draws on your expertise – you are the expert in your own life. As a coach I believe that deep down, you know what you want and you have the resources to get there. My role is to help you make it happen.

Your Questions about Coaching

What is it like to work with a professional coach?

• The coaching relationship is one based on equality, openness and trust. Our relationship will be tailored to your needs.

• As your coach I will assume you are creative, resourceful and whole – you are not there to be ‘fixed’. I will listen to you with curiosity to understand who you are, what you think and how you experience the world.

• I will use powerful questions to help you explore what you want and how you might make things happen. Coaching can also be challenging – I may invite you to reflect on questions you have tried to avoid, or to take actions that you have been putting off.

How does it work?

• Coaching takes place as a series of focused conversations, normally conducted face-to-face or by telephone or MSN, supplemented by e-mail contact.

• Your coaching programme will be tailored to your needs. Using a range of tools and techniques I will support you as you address challenges, clarify goals, explore options and possibilities and take steps to achieve new levels of performance, achievement or satisfaction.

• My Career Coaching programme follows the Firework™ model and normally takes around 3 or 4 months. This is a structured 12-step programme which is flexible enough to be combined with personal or executive coaching depending on the needs of the client.

How does coaching differ from other sources of support?

• Partners, friends or managers can all offer support. Coaching differs from these types of relationship in that the focus is entirely on your needs and the support is offered without judgement.

• Unlike a consultant or mentor, a coach does not normally offer advice – though I will be there to help you identify your own solutions. And coaching is forward-focused. Unlike therapy it will not dig over your past or explore deep-seated psychological pain.

Why do people have coaching?

• People work with a coach because they want to improve their situations, make important changes or achieve specific goals. Coaching creates a space where you can reflect, gain new insights and explore where and how to make important.

Can I have a free consultation?

• Yes. I am happy to talk to you about what you want from coaching, answer any questions about my services and help you decide whether coaching is right for you.

• This consultation is offered without obligation and no fees are charged.

• As coaching is a relationship in which both parties must be comfortable with each other, this consultation is an opportunity for us both to decide whether we work well together and what sort of programme would best suit you.

How can I find the right coach for me?

• If we feel that we are not a good match, or if my practice is full, I can refer you to another coach. I work with a network of coaches from a range of backgrounds and it is likely that I will be able to help you find the right coach for you.

How long are the Pathway coaching programmes?

• I normally work with clients for at least three months. My Career Coaching programme usually takes around 4 months.

• Occasionally I work with a client for just one or two extended sessions to address a specific issue. Other clients stay with me for longer periods, up to a year, or schedule occasional follow-up sessions to ensure they stay on track with their action plans.

• If you are interested in coaching with Pathway, contact me to arrange a complimentary consultation.