What Is Coaching? A Deep Dive into the Thinking Partnership
Coaching is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? How does it differ from mentoring or therapy? And what can you expect from a coaching session? These are some of the questions I explore in this blog, inspired by Episode 3 of The Solo Coach Podcast "What Is Coaching?"
Coaching Is Not Mentoring or Therapy
Before understanding what coaching is, it's useful to clarify what it isn’t.
Coaching is not mentoring. A mentor is someone with specific industry experience who shares their knowledge and wisdom with you. Think of a business mentor who has built a multi-million-dollar company and is now guiding you by imparting their own lessons.
Coaching is not therapy. Therapy often focuses on past trauma, emotions, and mental health challenges. Therapists are highly trained professionals who help clients work through personal challenges, sometimes diagnosing or treating psychological conditions.
So, if coaching is neither of these, what is it?
Coaching: A Thinking Partnership
Coaching is best described as a thinking partnership. It’s a process where the client leads, and the coach facilitates by asking powerful questions and providing a safe space for exploration. Coaching is:
Non-directive – The coach doesn’t tell the client what to do. Instead, they ask questions that encourage self-discovery.
Client-led – The focus is entirely on the client’s goals, challenges, and desires.
Future-focused – Rather than dwelling on the past, coaching looks at where you are now and where you want to be.
As a coach, my job is not to provide solutions but to help clients uncover their own answers. I hold space for them, reflect their thoughts back to them, and help them navigate challenges without jumping to conclusions or solutions.
Coaching in Action: A Real-Life Example
To illustrate the power of coaching, I want to share a story from a business networking event. I was in a conversation with a business consultant, a financial advisor, and myself as a coach.
We imagined a scenario where a business owner had cash flow issues. The consultant's approach was to analyze financial figures, identify problems, and provide strategic actions to fix them. The financial advisor focused on financial forecasting and structuring budgets. When it was my turn, I took a different route.
Instead of prescribing solutions, I asked: How long has this been an issue? How does it feel to be in this position? If I met you a year from now and everything was resolved, what would your life look like?
Through this process, the client realized that their biggest obstacle wasn’t just financial—it was emotional pressure, fear, and a reluctance to ask overdue clients for payment. By the end of our session, they had the confidence to make those calls, and within hours, they secured payments that resolved their immediate cash flow concerns.
The Structure of a Coaching Relationship
A coaching relationship has four key elements:
Discovery Call: This is an initial conversation where we explore whether coaching is the right fit. We discuss challenges, goals, and how coaching works.
Pre-Coaching Contracting: A clear agreement is set, covering logistics, confidentiality, and coaching commitments. The client understands that they are responsible for taking action.
The Coaching Container: This defines where and how coaching takes place—whether in person, online, or over the phone. It’s a safe, confidential space for open conversation.
Between-Session Contact: I offer clients the option to check in via WhatsApp between sessions. This isn't for continued coaching but for sharing insights, small updates, or celebrating wins.
What Happens in a Coaching Session?
A coaching session has a natural structure:
Beginning: Building rapport and defining the session’s focus.
Middle: Exploring the client’s thoughts, challenges, and options through guided questioning.
End: Clarifying actions, setting goals, and scheduling follow-ups.
A good coaching session helps a client move from uncertainty and overwhelm to clarity and action. It's not about being given answers but about discovering them within yourself.
The Power of Coaching: A Success Story
One of my clients ran a business but was overwhelmed, undercharging, and stretched too thin. Over six months of coaching, they:
Hired three freelancers to support their workload.
Tripled their prices and gained higher-paying clients.
Found more time for family, improving relationships.
Regained their passion for their business and personal life.
Coaching didn’t provide them with a step-by-step manual; it helped them unlock the confidence and clarity to take these steps themselves.
Final Thoughts
Coaching is not about telling you what to do—it’s about helping you figure out what you want to do. If you’re feeling stuck in life, business, or career, coaching could be the key to unlocking your next step.
Interested in exploring coaching? Let’s have a chat. I’d love to help you on your journey.
David Garwood - The Solo Coach
