What’s in a name?

by Judy Klipin

I often struggle with knowing how to name and describe what I do. ‘Coach’ is such a loose term; there are so many different kinds of coaches and so many different approaches to and philosophies of coaching.

Many of them I am deeply respectful of. Some, unfortunately, I am deeply suspicious of. (I am very aware that the suspicion is a function of my own judgements and preconceptions.)

But, still, putting a label to what it is that I do is hard. I still don’t know what kind of a coach I am.

I do, however, know what kind of a coach I am not:

I am not a coach who follows a set programme or uses a set process.

I am not a coach who is rigid and unforgiving when you don’t do your homework.

I am not a coach who encourages you to lie to yourself about what you are capable of and what is important to you.

I am not a coach who pushes you to your limits.

I am not a coach who helps you reach your social-self goals.

Whatever it is that I call myself, I know that I help people whose childhoods continue to impact on their adulthoods. I know that I work with people to understand and manage their anxiety. I know that I support my clients who have burnout and help them to regain and maintain their energy and enthusiasm levels. I know that I assist people to develop healthier and happier relationship dynamics in every area of their lives.

If you’re looking for a cheerleader, you’re in the wrong place. But if you are looking for someone to support you to do deep, meaningful and transformational work then let’s talk.

And when I work out what to call myself, I’ll let you know!

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