How is coaching different than talking with a good friend?

While you may have an exceptional friend to talk with, consider what we may expect from in a professional helping relationship.

A professionally trained coach will…

• Understand your psychological needs and processes for supporting those needs.
• Be prepared to be fully present and focused on you and your topics.
• Have a clear understanding and intention about the purpose of the time together.
• Be reliably consistent in their conduct and skillful in the interaction.
• Be responsible for their own feelings and responses in the relationship.
• Maintain an appropriate blend of empathy and objectivity for your needs and challenges.

While some people may have a friend who functions like this, with a skilled, professional coach there is no question that the coach is there to give you complete and undivided attention the whole time. There is a clear role for the coach’s position and a clear purpose for this conversation – the coach is there to facilitate a process by which you can make progress toward changes that you desire for yourself.