Coaching?

Over the past few years, the notion of "coaching" has become quite popular. What precisely "coaching" means, and how the process is approached, can be as varied as the backgrounds of the different individuals calling themselves "coaches". I first came in contact with the idea while studying Bowen Family Systems Theory, with Dr. Murray Bowen, M.D., of Georgetown University.

He had seen some common ground, between working with families and coaching a professional football team. In either instance, an important goal is to get all those individual "stars" working together, as a team. It stands to reason that a better organized and coordinated team, business, or family, is more adaptable, more able to respond effectively to whatever challenges might arise.

Considering a key ingredient in effective organization and teamwork has to do with relationships, it also stands to reason that the more people can understand and manage themselves in interpersonal-relationships, the more valuable they will be. The group stands to gain from the leadership and perspective that is stimulated, while the individual, making the effort, stands to gain as well, as the experience opens the door to improved functioning in other areas of life as well.

Interpersonal Coaching & Consulting is about understanding how relationships work and learning to put that knowledge to work in the important relationships in your life: at home, at work, and any other situations that demand your best.

Other people are not going to go away! They'll always be with you.

Learning to be more effective in relationships may be the most important thing you can do for yourself.

Coaching or Therapy?

This is an important question.

Therapy is serious business, and is not to be entered into lightly! When you have questions or concerns, or are interested in personal growth, but are not interested in, or in need of psychotherapy, coaching may be a practical and productive route. Coaching, in this context, is not intended to replace therapy.

Interpersonal coaching is focused on developing strengths, on understanding how relationships work, and on learning to become a more thoughtful person in your interpersonal life. The goal is to learn to understand how troubles arise in relationships and learning to take corrective, preventative action. In the process you may touch on sensitive areas, and have to make some choices. You will always be the one to decide how far you wish to delve, what areas are most important to understand, and what you will do. If it appears that therapy is indicated, you will have the opportunity to explore some options and possible resources.

Flexibility is an important feature. Coaching can be undertaken via telephone, mail, e-mail, fax, and can occur wherever it is most convenient: at home, at work, over coffee. It's up to you. If you think you may be interested in interpersonal coaching, or would like some more information, get in touch:

mail@interpersonal-coaching.com

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