Choosing Your Coach
Because coaching is a collaborative process, it is essential to choose a coach who is a good fit for YOU.
Choosing the right coach is a crucial step toward achieving your personal or professional goals. Start by considering their qualifications and expertise to ensure they have the necessary training and experience in the area you need help with. Look for a coach who tailors their approach to your unique needs, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution. Professionalism and ethical practices are also key.
We know this process can be overwhelming and daunting so this page is about offering you structured support to make the right decision for you and your future.
Top
Tip
To confirm any facts about your coach, visit the directories below to confirm their training, qualifications and credentials.
Meeting Your Needs
Before contacting potential coaches, it can be helpful to determine what your own needs are and set some goals, so that you know what you want.
-
Which gender of coach would I prefer to have?
-
Am I seeking someone who has experience in other fields ie relationships/workplace?
-
Am I seeking someone with qualifications in other areas ie mental health/trauma?
-
Do I want someone with a lot of enthusiasm or a more understated approach?
-
How much financial resources can I put into the process?
-
What time do I have to commit to the process?
-
What are the areas I want to work on?
-
How do I want my life to look, instead of where I am now?
Green Flags
These are some important elements to look for when seeking out a coach:
-
Relevant training and credentials
-
Genuine empathy and understanding
-
Emphasises confidentiality
-
Privacy policy
-
Active listening skills
-
Client-centred approach
-
Accessible information
-
Clarity on their process
-
Clear boundaries and policies
-
Positive testimonials
-
Active coaching membership(s)
-
Engagement in continuous professional development
-
Strong values
-
Lived experience
Interview Questions
Treat this like an interview process. You are searching for someone you can trust to guide you on a journey. Remember, you are paying them.
-
Have you been coached?
-
How much coaching experience do you have?
-
What is your training/background?
-
Do you have a niche area/specialism?
What certifications do you hold?
-
Do you attend regular supervision sessions?
-
Have you worked with a mentor to get feedback on your coaching skills?
-
What professional coaching bodies are you a member of?
-
Are you covered by professional indemnity and malpractice insurance?
-
What outcomes have your previous clients had?
Red Flags
Here are some aspects that may waste your time and money & hinder your progress:
-
Overpromising results
-
Relying on 'tips, tricks and strategies'
-
Pressure to sign up/work with them
-
No proof of training or certification
-
No clarity on education & training dates/duration
-
Working outside of their scope
-
One-size-fits-all approach
-
Talking at, rather than asking questions
-
Not answering your questions
-
Talking about themselves/their story
-
No insurance
-
Not attending supervision/mentoring
-
Indefinite coaching duration
We would recommend that you keep looking for a coach if you notice anything missing from the green list, notice similar traits from the red list or have any concerns or discomfort at all.
Please note: If you choose a coach who is not certified or registered with any of the credentialing bodies, you may face difficulties with standards or ethics and have no governing body to support you.
Chemistry
Matters
Connection is Important
It is important that there is a good connection between you and your coach. The discovery call is a great place to determine this.
You want to feel safe, understood and aligned.
We recommend having discovery calls with a few coaches so you can find the right fit.
Coach Directories
Use the links below to take a look at the broad range of coaches available to you
