SELF-DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING

What is Life Coaching or Self-Development Consulting All About

Frequently, life coaching is thought to have some connection to athletics, and I am occasionally asked which sport I coach. To avoid this confusion I have come to identify the profession as self-development consulting. I suppose one could see a life coach as someone who coaches in the sport or game of life. I like that too, so let’s use the terms interchangeably.

Life coaching - or self-development consulting - is a phenomenon that originated in the United States. It is gradually gaining prominence and has now spread worldwide. The International Coach Federation (ICF) was founded in 1992 and began to show significant presence at its convention in 1996. This relatively new profession is said to be emerging because of a major shift in social parameters. This is based on the view that rapid change impacts human condition and social structures. In this present day, change has become the norm.

Because this is a relatively new area of endeavour, there is limited information available to substantiate empirically the benefits of engaging such a service; however, there is some. The studies that have been conducted indicate that 70% of the participants involved reported significant increases in their areas of focus. Several participants described immediate beneficial changes, and 95% cited the process as worthwhile. Still, this is noted for interest sake only, and the true indicator is always your personal experience.

Self-Development or Psychotherapy

Although life coaching is clearly therapeutic in that its aim is to enhance an individual’s performance or life experience, there are significant differences between this and psychotherapy. Coaching is short term (generally between 3 and 12 months) and
is solution based. It is therapy that understands the client is able and functional, and focuses primarily on the present and future, and not so much the past. Coaching is a results-orientated systematic process in which the coach facilitates performance enhancement and life skills development, rather than treating dysfunction. This difference allows a coach to be more forthright (albeit in a client-friendly manner), expecting a client to take a higher degree of personal responsibility.

Consultants

A personal self-development consultant is someone who gets to know you well, helps you stay focused, accountable, and on course. This person is a non-judgmental support, a trusted role model, advisor, ally, mensch and guide.

Coaching consultants are generalists as they are trained in a variety of life skills related issues, and yet many continue on and develop specialized areas. When necessary, consultants will refer clients to someone with a more relevant area of expertise.

General qualities of a coaching consultant are as follows:

1. They are accomplished listeners: they have a deep and empathetic listening - and hearing - ability.
   
2. They are reframing professionals: they have developed the ability to help clients re-think a situation or limiting belief, turning problems into opportunities.
   
3. They have the capacity to suspend judgement: Self-development consultants have “heard it all” and are not easily shocked. It is fundamental to the process that clients have a place to unload. Among other things, clients find this liberating and energizing.
   
4. They practice discretion and principled values: Professional life coaching consultants have, and maintain, strong ethical and confidentiality guidelines.
   
5. They have the capacity to offer possibilities and solutions: We all have unlimited potential and a proficient self-development consultant will recognize this, and will work to draw upon this innate potential to make relevant suggestions and offer pertinent alternatives.
   

In addition, the professional consultant understands the value of ongoing, long-term personal and professional education, and will continue to research and study, adding new skills and information to their consulting portfolio.

• I feel overwhelmed when making important decisions
• I feel frustrated and uncertain in my current direction
• I lack motivation
• I have difficulties taking responsibility for my circumstances
• I hesitate and procrastinate when it comes to taking my next steps
• I believe I can be more effective
• I think I’m on the way and just need a boost
• I believe there is more to life

• What is the purpose of my life
• What do I worry about
• What am I afraid might happen
• What are my values
• What trends do I see in my life
• What blocks my freedom and how can I overcome these barriers
• How can I make a difference - how can I contribute