Life Beyond Teaching
What is Coaching?
"Coaching is about 'the now and the future' . A life coach gives people confidence and ability to move forward in a positive manner in the areas of their life where they crave change. Life coaching is about breaking down barriers that prevent this change from happening and creating the ideal environment for the positive action to take place. It is a totally holistic approach that looks at the present and sets goals for a successful future.
Life Coaching is not designed to support individuals in times of deep crisis or serious emotional trauma. It is not designed to help individuals overcome feelings of intense grief deep depression or other psychological conditions. It is not counselling or therapy.
Life Coaching does not teach, show or demonstrate how to approach new situations, nor does it give people answers or solutions to their problems. Coaching is about helping clients to explore their own solutions; the agenda belongs to the client. Coaching is not mentoring.
A life coach encourages and facilitates clients in identifying their own personal challenges, dreams and goals and works alongside each client to help them to achieve those self defined goals." The Coaching Academy
The relationship between client and coach is totally confidential and adheres to a Professional Code of Conduct.
Curious about Coaching?
- how coaching works by Penny Freeston
Coaching is straight forward, structured and surprisingly simple. It's totally confidential and takes place on the telephone or face to face and with the help of email. The client explains to the coach how he or she would like to progress in a given area. We look at what's already been done, what's the best option for what could be done and then pin the client down to achieving the goal. This can involve all types of scenarios such as relationships, changing careers, work/life balance, weight loss, exercise and time management.
Coaching takes time so the client has to be committed to change over a period. Goals are not reached overnight. It's like joining a gym - you actually have to go along and exercise to make any impact. Taking action is what's required.
In Coaching we believe that anything is possible. It is about thinking productively and being non judgmental; believing in someone 100%. I received an excellent training from the Coaching Academy that prepared me to take on all types of personal clients. The Coaching Bureau, Excelerate, has also trained me in their power coaching technique that can help unblock clients who have difficulty moving forward. Clients may need empowering or being more in control of their lives to bring about change.
It is extremely rewarding to able to help make a positive difference in someone's life. I love helping people and seeing them blossom. Teachers are especially close to my heart as I really understand the challenges they are facing.
These case studies illustrate how coaching enabled Rebecca, Barry and Bill choose their best options to change their lives for the better.
Rebecca's story
Rebecca had taken maternity leave and had returned to work full time
to a management post teaching French at a Secondary School. Her baby daughter
was teething and Rebecca was exhausted with broken nights and lack of
sleep.
Coaching helped her address the situation and cope with her demanding job. For financial reason Rebecca was unable to give up work or go part time. After considering options, her partner Chris was approached to share the load. Each partner then took it in turns to be on call alternate nights so Rebecca could catch up on some sleep. Meanwhile, Chris's mother came to stay on alternate weekends which enabled them to sleep in undisturbed and enjoy some time together going out for the day. Chris was able to take on some household chores and Rebecca's salary paid for a cleaner to come every Friday to keep on top of the house before her mother in law's visits!
Barry's story
After 23 years Barry left teaching and wanted to start a business
with his ex-colleague, Barbara. They had originally wanted a gift shop
or a second hand bookshop but needed to generate a better income to offset
their loss in salaries.
Coaching helped Barry consider other options and they chose to open a café instead. Their successful business has enabled them to employ staff so that they have days off, shorter hours and enough income to still enjoy holidays abroad. There are no after school meetings and no reports to write. Unruly children are banned!
Barry is now considering turning part of the café into a bookshop as well.
Bill's story
Bill, a widower, took early retirement from teaching but found himself
in demand renovating his daughter's house and maintaining the local church.
He was coached to consider how to find some time for himself He decided
to join a walking group and a wildlife trust and crossed through dates
in his diary when he was unavailable. By taking control and saying No
he felt more light hearted and less isolated as he met new friends as
well.
Anderson Internet
| Life Beyond Teaching offers help and support but is unable to take responsibility for individual results |