Coaching is a process in which a professional helps another person achieve concrete goals that they define in line with their values, beliefs, and current environment. It can take place in person or online

Starting the coaching process is connected to starting the process of change. I would say that it’s worth it to start a coaching process when you feel truly committed to this change. Ask yourself these questions: Do you want something different? Are you ready to work for it? If yes, then coaching can provide you support and drive.

I understand you. Unfortunately, there are a lot of supposed “coaches” popping up. You have to be sure that the person you choose explains their code of ethics, shows you their credentials, and is committed to confidentiality from the first meeting. There are professional coaching organizations that work to dignify the profession and fight against unqualified practice. To join these organizations, you must have the proper credentials and take an exam. For example, I’m a member of the Spanish Coaching Association (ASESCO) and the International Coach Federation (ICF).

Coaches that are members of professional associations include the logos on their websites. A good idea is to ask your coach if they are members of ASESCO, ICF, or another relevant professional organization. The important thing is to ensure that the coach you work with is a professional in their field.

Not necessarily. Coaches don’t need to be masters in their client’s sector or job content; they aren’t mentors. Coaches are accredited experts in establishing relationships with their clients through a series of conversations, employing different methods with the end goal of helping improve their performance and/or bolstering their personal development.

As the ASESCO coaching white paper explains, “coaching is not a process of psychotherapy. Coaches and psychologists bring a different level of intervention. Their roles are also different. A coach won’t do any deep interventions for issues that appear or repair conflicts within a person. Coaching is all about development and growth so you can face current dilemmas and future goals more efficiently. Processes related to mental health, such as evaluation, diagnosis, and treatments (among others) are forbidden to professional coaches, and instead are for specialists in psychology and/or psychiatry, among others.”

Clinical psychology is an applied science that includes evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy. Coaching is a technical discipline, a strategic methodology aimed towards actions and achieving goals. These two processes should not be confused, but can be complementary to one another.

Between 45 to 60 minutes.

The physical distance between a coach and a client has no bearing on how well the method works.