The name sort of tells it all, doesn’t it? Relationship coaches work with clients – typically a couple or a family – to deal with what is often a very personal issue, or issues. Most relationship coaches and clients meet face-to-face simply because of the nature of the coaching. Relationships are more successful because people are interacting face-to-face. The same holds true for relationship coaches and clients.
While relationship coaching deals with personal and sensitive issues that require absolute confidentiality, it should be made very clear that coaching is NOT counseling. It is still coaching: the coaching helping the client discover and understand what it is the client really wants in/from a relationship, and then determine the steps accomplish those goals. It is not about delving into the client’s past or emotional issues or traumas. It is totally focused on the now and the future.
Relationship coaches work with singles who want to learn how to be better at making dating decisions, finding a spouse, where to meet and how to decide upon a potential Mr. or Ms. Right. These same coaches work with married couples who are looking for a little direction is improving their marriages. Sometimes they work with couples who are considering marriage and need some unbiased help in determining what their marriage might look like and how to get there. While relationship coaches work with couples who may be experiencing difficulties, they do not coach couples in abusive or seriously failing relationships.
Sometimes relationship coaches deal with individuals who have recently divorced or are going through a divorce and need someone to help them work through the practical aspects involved, making an action plan today and the future. Some relationship coaches focus on family issues, specifically between parents and children.
Relationship coaching also happens in the business world when organizations need some help with employee relationships, employee transitions through down-sizing and layoffs, and more.
I don’t know anyone who at some time in their lives couldn’t benefit from some relationship coaching to help them work through relationship issues with a more realistic, less emotional perspective. Do you?