Simply put, Coaching is the most effective long term learning and development tool. It places you - the client - at the center of the discussion and decision making. This increased ownership means the process and outcome are really customized to your unique situation and goals.

Coaching can create fundamental shifts in thinking and behaviour. As a result, academic studies as well as our own client feedback has shown that coaching:

• Increases clarity and ability to make decisions and achieve goals

• Improves work performance and business management

• Improves effectiveness and span and depth of impact

• Enhances confidence to launch new careers, start businesses, and live more fully

• Increases overall sense of ease, satisfaction and well-being

Although Coaching and Consulting are similar in focusing on achieving results, there are a few important differences:

• Coaching is a partnership of equals where consulting is based on the consultant ‘being an expert’.

• In coaching the client is always in the driver’s seat and the client owns the decision making and solution. In Consulting, the expert provides opinions and recommendations.

Coaching is based in the present and is focused on helping you achieve your goals today and for the future. Coaching is a partnership of equals and considers you to be the expert in your own life. The coach holds the space for exploration and reflection.

Therapy on the other hand, looks to the past to understand the present and may include a diagnosis and a treatment plan. The therapist is considered the expert and drives the discussion.

Since these helping professions are different in their focus and approach, they are not mutually exclusive and some clients may work with both a therapist and a coach at the same time.

Our ALIGN TO CHANGE coaching sessions are booked for 55 minutes (though other lengths are possible).

Once the Client logs on or attends in person (as previously agreed), the first part of the meeting will explore any learnings, shifts, and homework from the previous session.

The Client then shares the topic they would like to focus on for the session and the Coach uses inquiry and reflection to explore the topic with the client.

The session concludes with the Client sharing any learnings and committing to next steps.

Our coaching style is in line with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Standards, Code of Ethics, and Certification Requirements.

Coaching sessions are client lead and our coaches can use a variety of coaching frameworks and tools including the GROW model, the Four Square Coaching Framework, and Appreciating Inquiry, just to name a few.

However no matter what the framework of the session, coaching remains an inquiring based approach based on deep listening and reflection in service of the client and their individual needs.