Life Coaching

Have you ever wanted to make radical changes in your personal life or career, but are not sure where to start or if you have the confidence to do it? Many people are frightened of change - it always seems easier to stay put than move forward, even if you are dissatisfied with your present lot. This is because we are within our "comfort zone" - the devil we know. The problem with this strategy is that the longer you stay in a rut, the more likely you are to remain there and it becomes even more difficult to make a move. Many people stay in abusive or demoralising relationships, dead-end jobs and endure lifestyles that make them extremely unhappy simply because they cannot find the energy, courage and confidence to make a change. Sometimes people just need some help sorting the wood from the trees. There are so many options in life, it can be confusing. With the help of an objective impartial coach, you decide which ones to take. A coach helps you clarify what is important to you and formulate an action plan for the future. Madeleine will motivate you and increase your confidence, so that you can move on to a new, more fulfilling, life.

Fear of the unknown traps you; you can waste years of your lives hoping things will change of their own accord. However, it's a fact of life that nothing is likely to happen unless you make it happen. For most of us, success has to be worked at and it does require lots of effort, commitment and determination. The more you work at it, the more you are likely to achieve. You start by planning for the future, evaluating what is working for you and what is not, and then decide how you are going to move forward. Although some people can manage to do this for themselves, it can seem a daunting prospect when faced alone, which is why engaging the services of a life coach can help.


As your personal coach, Madeleine will provide you with an objective sounding board to work towards your goals and help you evaluate your current situation, relationships, values and beliefs by socratic questioning and using the extensive toolbox of techniques she has developed over the years. She can increase your ability to handle difficult situations as you become more pro-active and gain confidence in your capabilities.

For further information and to arrange a free no obligation 30 minute consultation, please phone 0845 638 1330 or complete the contact form on the Contact Us page.

Bulletin issued by the Association for Coaching, August 2003

TOO MUCH CHOICE - How To Select A Professional Coach

As the Human Potential industry expands across the UK, Coaches are entering the market at an unprecedented rate. The Association for Coaching has drawn up a brief set of questions to help guide clients when seeking an effective and safe coaching experience.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• Does the Coach have the experience, training and/or qualifications that are relevant to your needs?
• Does the coach engage in regular Continued Professional Development to ensure his/her skills are up-dated?
• Does the Coach have a Coaching Supervisor (this is someone the Coach can talk to who acts as a quality control mechanism) or belong to a Co-Coaching group?
• What is the model of practice/methodology/coaching philosophy used by the Coach and how it is suitable for addressing my current challenges?
• Is the Coach a member of a professional body such as the Association for Coaching, which has a Code of Ethics and Complaints procedure?
• Have I discussed with the Coach my expectations of coaching and the goals I want to achieve?
• Check your preferred method of working, face-to-face, telecoaching, email or a combination of two or more of these are offered by the Coach.
• What are the fees, payment terms, frequency and estimated duration of the coaching sessions?
• Have the Coach and I arranged regular review sessions to evaluate my progress?
• Do I feel the Coaching relationship is necessary and beneficial to me right now? Do not be coerced into a Coaching contract unless you are satisfied that it is of use to you.

We highly advise that you discuss these points either prior to or during your initial conversations with your Coach. This will help you get the best service while being clear about what is involved in the coaching process.




GENERAL ISSUES TO BE AWARE OF:

• If you are not comfortable with the coaching relationship, then it is important to raise this with the Coach. You are the purchaser of a service - if you feel it is not meeting your requirements, and then cancel the Coaching arrangement.
• Different techniques/exercises work for different people, if something is not working for you, let your Coach know this. Your Coach will welcome the feedback.
• If you have any doubts about the coaching you are receiving, discuss these with your coach, and if still uncertain, seek advice from the Association for Coaching.
• If you feel uncomfortable, undermined or manipulated at any time within the session discuss this with the Coach. It is easier to resolve issues as and when they arise.
• If you have contracted for individual sessions with your Coach you have the right to terminate Coaching at any time. If your coaching is part of a programme or if you have signed a contract for a set number of sessions you may incur a financial penalty.
• As with counselling and psychotherapy it is not in the client's best interests for the coach and client to be engaged in a sexual relationship and research supports this view.

These guidelines have been produced in conjunction with Professor Stephen Palmer PhD - a leading authority on Coaching Psychology in the UK who is Director of the Centre for Coaching - and Kasia Syzmanska, a Chartered Psychologist and Coach.


For further information contact:


Gladeana McMahon,
Head of Communications
media@associationforcoaching.com
Tel 020 8852 4854
Mob 07711 896 185

August (revised) 2003

The AC is an independent non-profit organisation, with the goal to promote best practice, raise awareness and standards across the UK & Ireland Coaching industry, while providing value added benefits to its members – whether they are professional Coaches or Organsiations involved in Coaching