Coaching

Coaching is a method of directing, instructing and training a person or group of people to achieve a goal or develop specific skills. Methods in coaching vary but the common theme is to enable people to improve, change and develop aspects of their lives. This is commonly done though implementing strategies, looking at different options/solutions, and then completing specific actions to move forward.

However, some coaching may include motivational speaking, seminars, workshops, and supervised practice. Some may focus on non-directive questioning, provocation and helping clients to analyze and solve their own challenges. Coaching is not targeted at psychological illness, and coaches are not therapists or consultants and parallels can be drawn between this and emotional education.

Furthermore, integral coaching draws on many sources and is a method focused on the entire person: mind, body, spirit, relationships, intentions, well-being, sense of belonging and meaning. This goes beyond accomplishing goals and has far-reaching and long-lasting positive effects in the client's life. These results include a greater sense of personal efficacy, a deeper experience of meaning and belonging, and a greater capacity to contribute – all aspects closely linked with emotional education.

Like emotional education some have argued that coaching amounts to little more than psychotherapy without the restrictions, oversight, or regulation. Although in the USA it was ruled that it was unlike therapy because it does not focus on examining or diagnosing the past but focuses on effecting change in a client's current and future behavior. While these are also the aims of therapy this goes to show it can be a grey area - See section on therapy for more discussion on this issue.

While there are some clear comparisons between coaching and emotional education, one of the largest differences is in practice. Coaching is usually done on an individual basis and sometimes over the phone. Emotional education is an educational experience using a facilitator in a group of participants. Coaching's primary focus is on goals and achievements while emotional education seeks to deepen the participants development.

Coaching's fundamental practice is anathema to emotional education as is its overall focus. However, if coaching is completed in a group using a facilitator, if it draws on many psychological and educational methods and theories, if it looks to deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships, then it is emotional education rather than coaching.