Choosing a Coach

Coaching in the UK is a relatively new profession and is as yet unregulated so it is important that you take this into consideration when choosing a coach.

You need to feel confident in their experience, professionalism and coaching ability.   There are a number of courses that potential coaches can take to learn how to coach. These are usually short-courses and provide the basic skill-sets for coaching. There are now many newly qualified life-coaches looking to develop their practices and looking for clients. The chances are you will know someone who is considering coaching as a profession. Coaching is new and 'finding its feet' and there are many people who now call themselves 'coaches', 'personal development coaches', 'life coaches' and 'life-style coaches'.

Coaching is most commonly done with a combination of face-to-face meetings and telephone calls. The interactions involve weekly, fortnightly or monthly telephone sessions but it usually starts with an initial face-to-face consultation.

As you read this, imagine that you have booked an initial consultation with AHA! Coaching to decide if you want to go ahead with coaching.   You may be in a difficult work situation - an important business relationship may be letting you down - you may feel you have reached a crisis point in your life - and are seeking professional help in order to break through the issues you face.

Before you arrive at the consultation be prepared by considering these questions:

'What is it I want out of life?' or 'What are the business issues I face?' What career changes do I want to make?' 'What do I imagine life will be like if I can actually achieve what I want?'