What is coaching?

Coaching is often mistaken for a number of things, such as therapy or mentoring. Although coaching borrows elements from both, it’s quite different. Essentially, coaching is about change. It could be a change in how you think, or how you act or react, or how you feel. Or it could be around a change in your career or circumstances. Essentially, it’s around change in life, hence “life coaching”.

Areas of coaching

Coaching can be really useful when you’re stuck, or not able to find a solution to something. This could be:

  • Setting goals and reaching them
  • Gaining clarity around an issue or about yourself
  • Challenging and overcoming limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns
  • Changing your mindset to see things differently
  • Building confidence and finding new strategies
  • Physical fitness
  • Overcoming stress
  • Career plans and workplace issues such as work life balance and happiness

How does coaching work?

At its core, coaching is about the coach guiding the client through open questions which let them explore their thoughts and define their outcome, to believe in it and put plans into place to make it happen, and finally to take action. My coaching is built around the client’s own options and circumstances as this is the best way to achieve true change. Following someone else’s plan means doing something that was never built around yourself. Having daily ice baths might be good, but if there’s no frozen lake around, it gets harder.

Once a plan is in place, the coach holds the client accountable to their plan, and revisit and reframe it throughout. My clients have often commented on how the accountability to me is what motivates them. I’m not afraid to call out behaviour which is contrary to the client’s objective.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Is it expensive?
  • A: It can be. Some coaches charge hundreds of pounds per hour and like to throw in terms like "psychometric" and "NLP" in order to make it sound more technical. I don't, simply because I don't think we're made to fit into simple models and frameworks. The cost is something we can discuss.
  • Can coaching replace therapy?
  • A: Coaching is very different from therapy. However, I believe they can greatly complement each other. Coaching isn't meant to deal with deep psychological issues, but as part of a combined approach I believe coaching and therapy together can produce great results.
  • Who is coaching for?
  • A: Coaching really is for everyone. A coach doesn't have to be someone who's gone through the same issue as you; in fact, it might actually influence their coaching. A coach should be open to all circumstances, and the coaching free from prejudice. I even use coaching techniques with my children
  • Can you help me?
  • A: I don't know, but I'm willing to find out. Get in touch and we'll have a chat. No obligation, no sales pitch.
  • How do I contact you?
  • A: Use the form on the front page, send an email to coaching@grundstrom.org, or simply click here:
Contact Me