What is coaching?

Coaching is a process which uses active communication between you and your Coach in a safe, non-judgemental, and positive environment, to identify, work towards, and achieve short-, medium-, and long-term goals.

Coaching acknowledges, and aims to delve deep to rediscover, the strengths you already have within you, and find new ones. By identifying these strengths, challenging limiting beliefs, and celebrating your successes, coaching will inspire you to act, be accountable, and reach your full potential.

What coaching is not

Coaching is not the same as mentoring, counselling, or consultancy. Your Coach will not advise or make suggestions. Should you begin a coaching relationship and later discover coaching is not the correct support mechanism for you at that time, you should discuss this openly with your Coach, and you will be supported to find a suitable solution to continue your journey.

You may find a blend of coaching and mentoring would suit you, your needs, and your long-term objectives better than a pure coaching process. Please ask if you would like to know more.

How do I know if I’m ready for coaching?

Are you feeling uninspired, unfulfilled, or is there a gap between your reality and your goals? Do you need to reconnect with the real you after a significant life event, or do you need clarity on what you want and need? Maybe you’re highly motivated to make changes to your life but have no idea where to start.

If any of the above sound like you, and you’re ready to take responsibility for your future, address any barriers to achievement of your full potential, and be accountable for your actions and desires, then coaching can support you.

Coaching is for people who want to take steps to move forward and focus on the future. Sometimes we are not ready for this, especially after loss, and that’s OK. If you’re not sure, please do get in touch.

Is everything I say confidential?

Yes, your coaching sessions are completely confidential, except for instances whereby your Coach feels yourself or others are at risk of imminent harm, or criminal acts are disclosed. Lost Words Coaching & Mentoring adheres to the Association for Coaching Code of Ethics for Coaches, Mentors and Supervisors, and you can find further information about this here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/general/custom.asp?page=AboutCodeEthics

Kat Proffitt - me as a Coach

As a Coach I want my clients to know that I am the right Coach for them, and that I am truly invested in their wellbeing and progress. My speciality coaching areas are in supporting individuals, couples, and families after significant life events, in particular loss of pregnancy, fertility, and parenthood. I support my clients to find the words to own their losses, find their strengths, rediscover identity, and rebuild relationships where communication has broken down.

Although at times I may have experienced life events like those you bring to our sessions, I do not expect to feel the same way about them as you do, and I will not offer personal experience or advice regarding the actions I took in similar situations without your consent to do so.

What will happen during a coaching session?

All coaching sessions, at present, are carried out via GoogleMeet, and you will receive a personal link in advance of your coaching sessions. With the exception of the Intake Call, each coaching session will follow a similar structure:

1. We will review the previous session and actions you completed, set a goal for the session, and discuss the reality of your current situation.

2. Creativity and an open mind are then encouraged as we explore some options which could help you achieve your goal

3. You will then identify which actions feel best for you and agree some actions to take forward.

Depending on your contract, sessions last between 45 and 90 minutes; I will manage the timing of the session and ensure you gain full value from our time together. I ask your permission to interrupt you should I feel focus has drifted away from the session goals, and I will also bring the session to a close a few minutes before the end to allow for a review and round-up.

I will ensure I hold all coaching sessions in a quiet, confidential environment, and I will take some brief notes throughout. It is beneficial for you to do the same and to ensure you are always prepared for your coaching session. This involves preparing the topic you’d like to focus on, having a means of recording your options and actions discussed, and making sure you’ve got adequate refreshments available. 

How many coaching sessions will I have?

This depends on which programme you have chosen. All contracts include a minimum of eight sessions:

• 1 x 90 minute intake session

• 6 x coaching sessions (45-90 minutes depending on programme)

• An optional review session carried out at any point during the contract

What happens next?

This is all about you, and what happens next is up to you. If you’re ready to embark on your coaching journey and delve deep to reach your full potential, then please get in touch. We will organise an intake call, which aims to look in detail at your short-, medium- and long-term aspirations and identify the values and beliefs that make you who you are. This will be supported by some independent activities that I will ask you to complete in advance.