What is Coaching? FAQ

Business coaching focusses on professional matters, which does not exclude that also personal topics might be brought up, if they appear relevant for the process.
I support coachees in evaluating their current situation, exploring their values, goals, and strategies, and gaining perspective from various angles. Later, I guide clients in determining their next steps, acquiring new skills, and devising strategies that empower them to address their challenges even after the coaching concludes.
In essence, coaching involves sparring, self-reflection, and enabling individuals to help themselves.

Coaching differs from therapy or counseling and should not replace them. When clients face health issues or personal crises, coaches must recognize the limits of coaching and suggest specialized help when needed. This demands coaches to have solid psychological and sometimes clinical knowledge to assess such situations accurately.

Read the International Coaching Federation (ICF)’s definition of coaching.

Learn more about the International Coaching Federation (ICF)'s definition of coaching.

Successful coaching requires clients to possess a level of physical and psychological resilience. Moreover, certain qualities such as the willingness and ability to self-reflect, question thought and behavioral patterns, maintain an open mind, demonstrate curiosity about oneself, and commit to the process also significantly influence the success of coaching.

In the end, clients benefit most from coaching when they effectively integrate the insights and tasks learned during sessions into their daily lives in a responsible and consistent manner. This is when genuine positive changes occur.

Many coaching processes begin with this question, especially when clients face stress, burnout, or self-management challenges. In cases of career changes or leadership issues, some prefer professional advice and counseling over coaching.

Both coach and coachee must carefully assess the situation, conditions, and expectations to determine the appropriate course of action effectively. I therefore start each coaching process with a comprehensive preliminary consultation to assess these factors thoroughly. Only after this consultation will we determine whether collaboration would be beneficial for you.

  1. Each coaching collaboration with me begins with a 30-minute initial consultation and is free of charge. It's a chance for mutual introduction, where you can assess my approach and methods. We'll discuss your focus areas, specific goals, and time commitment.
  2. Based on the results of the preliminary consultation, I’ll provide you with a quote to summarize the coaching’s content and framework. If you decide to do coaching, we can usually schedule the first session within 10 days.
  3. We will discuss methodologies and tools to ensure they align with the context of our work together. Transparency and collaboration at eye-level are fundamental aspects of my coaching philosophy.
  4. Throughout the session, I will visualize and share all coaching outcomes we work on, making it simpler for you to integrate these insights into your daily life.
  5. Usually, longer coaching processes end with an "Integration Session" to assess implemented changes and devise long-term sustainability strategies.
  6. And very important - all discussions within coaching sessions are strictly confidential and will not be passed on to any third party.

Here you can find further information on the ICF Code of Ethics.

Coaching is personalized to each coachee's needs. While some issues can be resolved in 1-2 sessions, others may require up to 8 sessions. Sessions typically last 1.5 hours and are spaced 2-4 weeks apart. I also offer half-day or full-day intensive coaching, as well as online coaching for clients in Germany and abroad.
Ultimately, the number and duration of your coaching sessions are dependent on the issue at hand, the progress we make and your individual needs.
Ultimately, the number and duration of coaching sessions depend on the issue, progress, and your needs, which we can assess after our initial consultation.
Similarly, regarding the financial aspect, I'm happy to provide you with a personalized quote. Coaching for your professional situation may be tax-deductible – please check with your tax advisor.