Pulling Back The Curtain On Coaching

Coaching seems to be the buzz word of the moment with coaches popping up all over. Myself being one of them! Despite the growth in the coaching industry, there are still some misconceptions around what a coach actually does.

In an attempt to provide some clarity, I would like to start with coaching is not.

This is not therapy, counselling or mentorship. Coaching is not a forum for advice, diagnosis, or assumptions. A coach will ask, challenge and guide. Engaging you in the process so that every insight, every breakthrough, is yours.

Coaching will not offer quick fixes, or tell you what to do. It is about creating space for you to think, reflect, and challenge yourself in ways you might not have considered before. It is structured yet flexible, a process that adapts to your needs—whether you are navigating a specific challenge or looking for long-term growth.

A coach listens with intent and purpose—not just to what you say, but to how you say it. We hear the words you choose, the patterns in your thinking, the assumptions you may not even realise you’re making. And then, through carefully curated questions, we hold up a mirror.

There’s no script. No pre-set answers. Every session is shaped around you—where you are, what you need, and what will genuinely move you forward. That might mean deepening your self-awareness, exploring different perspectives, or testing out ideas in a way that feels safe yet stretching.

At times, coaching is about sitting with the discomfort of not knowing. Other times, it’s about uncovering opportunities and figuring out how to make the most of them. The GROW model—Goal, Reality, Opportunities, and Will—underpins the process, but coaching is more than just a framework. It’s a dynamic, responsive conversation that helps you think more clearly, act more decisively, and make progress in ways that truly matter to you.

So, what do people actually gain from coaching?

For one, coaching gives you a deeper sense of self-awareness. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day without ever stopping to ask: Why do I respond that way? What’s driving my decisions? What really matters to me? Coaching creates the space to explore these questions, helping you uncover the beliefs, values, and motivations that shape your choices. When you understand yourself better, you make clearer, more intentional decisions—ones that align with who you are and what you want.

It also strengthens how you think and make decisions. Ever found yourself stuck, going in circles over a choice? Coaching helps cut through the noise. By asking the right questions, it challenges you to step back, see the bigger picture, and weigh up your options with greater clarity. It doesn’t tell you what to do—it helps you figure out what makes the most sense for you.

Then there’s communication. Have you ever walked away from a conversation wondering why it didn’t quite land the way you intended? Coaching brings awareness to how you communicate—your tone, your word choices, the way you interact with others. That awareness leads to stronger relationships, whether at work or in your personal life.

And let’s not forget accountability. It’s one thing to set a goal; it’s another to follow through. Coaching provides the structure and support to keep you moving forward—not through pressure, but by keeping you connected to your why. The result? Greater motivation, resilience, and a deeper belief in your own ability to navigate challenges.

Does this sound valuable to you? Is this something you’d like to explore further? If so, let’s start the conversation. Get in touch for a chat, no obligation, no pressure, no expectations.