In each stage of life, people learn varied activities. In order to become a pro in the chosen task, they seek help from a coach. Be it education, physical activity, outdoor games, dance, music or gym, coaching is the most vital ingredient. In case the coaching is not followed, then there is a possibility of failing. Particularly in therapeutic relationship, it is wise to complete the coaching so that there are no breakdowns. However, there are some people in the world who believe that coaching might be the reason for their failure. This is because of a wrong source. It is very important for people to do a thorough research about the activity and the institutes that teach those activities. After a quick and complete investigation, they will find a reliable institution and a coach who will ensure to deliver brilliant results. However, it is also essential to accept the coaching with open mind. In order to gain the best out of the coaching, below are certain guidance to be considered before seeking help from any person for coaching.

Primarily; you should ask yourself, whether you are ready to get coached. This question is crucial because it will determine your commitment and determination. Entering into any form of therapeutic relationship whether it is coaching, psychotherapy or counselling, they all require a degree of commitment on the part of the client. Regardless of what approach you choose to go for all practitioners will ask you, at very least, to be open to change; and more likely than not remind you that the majority of the work must by done by you. As much as clients want a magic wand to make their issues go away it doesn’t exist. So you have to be of the conviction to want to do something about your situation even if you don’t know how you want things to be different, just the certainty that you want change and you are willing to work at it is enough.

The Working Relationship: I don’t think that there is a practitioner of any discipline in the land that wouldn’t acknowledge the essential benefits of the quality of the working relationship is to the success of the coaching. In the first instance do you feel that you could work with them? Do you feel they are listening to you? Do you feel that they understand where you are coming from? If you have this you have some basis to build a potentially trusting relationship with the coach.

Cost: The price of coaching varies enormously from completely free to literally thousands of pounds for an individual session. Now the basis and justification for this huge disparity is a complicated issue. For the most part though as a potential coachee you are largely dependant on the ethics and morals of the individual coach as there are no formal regulations on pricing ie any coach, regardless of experience or training can charge whatever they like. Paying more therefore doesn’t guarantee anything. So don’t pay more than you can afford! If you feel you are getting value for money that is as good a barometer as any. However don’t be afraid to ask a coach to justify their costs and ask if they offer any sort of sliding scale.

Location/Timing: Make sure the location and timing of the session works for you.

When Coaching Might be Inappropriate

If you are struggling with the impact of any of the following issues I would suggest that coaching might not be appropriate for you.

Physical or Sexual Abuse: Life experiences of this nature can have very profound impacts on the psychological well-being of an individual. If the abuse is on-going the circumstances are frequently very complex and require a multi-disciplinary approach to support and manage the victim. As a consequence contacting your GP is always an excellent first port of call. They will be to refer you to the appropriate professionals and Social Services to help you.

Drugs or Alcohol: Again the impact of abuse of alcohol or drugs can have a profound impact on the psychological well-being of an individual. Similarly if you are still using alcohol or drugs there is a question about your ability to engage in a coaching relationship. Here again starting with a conversation with your GP and asking for a referral to a specialist agency or professional is the best port of call.

To put it the other way around, even though I have come from a background in psychotherapy and counselling and have worked with clients facing these difficulties. I would always look to refer them to their GP in the first instance and/or to a specialist agency providing expert support and guidance.