What Coaching Is (and Isn’t)And How It Can Change Your Life
- Dr. Gemma Goodliffe
- May 26
- 2 min read
Coaching is often misunderstood. Is it therapy? Advice? Mentoring? In this post, I’ll explain what coaching truly is — and isn’t — so you can decide whether it’s right for you.
What is coaching, really?
📍 What Coaching Is
Coaching puts you in the driving seat of your own life. It is a collaborative, client-led process designed to help you reach specific personal or professional goals and move toward your ideal state — your vision.
At the heart of traditional coaching lies the idea that we already hold the answers within us. My role as your coach is to help uncover those answers through:
Deep and active listening
Powerful questioning
Observations and reflection
Accountability and structured support
Coaching empowers you to move forward with clarity and confidence, supported by someone who is fully in your corner. While coaches do not diagnose conditions or offer psychological therapy, we can work alongside medical practitioners to support wellbeing.
❌ What Coaching Isn’t
Although coaching draws on disciplines like counselling, psychotherapy, positive psychology, and neuro-linguistic programming, it is not the same as:
1. Therapy or Counselling
Therapy addresses and heals past trauma. Coaching focuses on the present and future: Where are you now, and where do you want to go?
2. Consulting
Consultants provide expert advice. Coaches help you develop your own solutions — though suggestions may be offered (with permission) if you're stuck.
3. Mentoring
Mentors share from personal experience. Coaches don’t need to have expertise in your field — we are experts in you.
4. Teaching
Teachers transfer knowledge. Coaches help you discover, uncover, and apply what you already know — even if you don’t realise it yet.
A life coach does for the rest of your life what a personal trainer does for your health and fitness.
Elaine MacDonald
✨ Benefits of Coaching
🌟 Goal Clarity & Action
Coaching helps you clarify what you really want, set achievable goals, and create a sustainable action plan using proven methods.
🤝 Safe, Supportive Space
You’ll gain a non-judgemental ally — your personal cheerleader — who believes in your potential even when you don’t. Together, we’ll break things into manageable steps and move through your stretch zone with confidence.
💪 Improved Mental Health & Confidence
By working through challenges, identifying strengths, and overcoming limiting beliefs, you'll build confidence and boost your overall wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're looking to make a life change, grow in confidence, or simply feel more in control, coaching can be a powerful way to get there. If you're curious to explore how coaching might support you, I’d love to hear from you.
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