The efficacy of mindfulness has been extensively researched in multiple clinical domains. Because of this, we firmly believe that mindfulness training is a natural companion to coaching. We know that mindfulness training can teach resiliency and stress hardiness while coaching helps with problem solving and goal setting. Therefore, we believe that a combined approach offers the best possible outcomes for your organization. Because we are flexible, we can combine these two approaches in a way that fits the needs of your organization.
There are many similarities between our mindfulness training programs and both MBSR and MBCT (mindfulness based cognitive therapy). A full MBSR program runs eight weeks and requires about 45 minutes of daily practice with two hours of weekly class meetings. Our approach mindfulness to mindfulness training is based on the researched work from The Aikens Approach, a workplace directed mindfulness-based training program. Pursuit Health has tailored this approach for the needs of health care providers. The material can be delivered either individually, in workshops or via webinar. Our well-researched full program is also significantly less time intensive than traditional MBSR.
Cost is dependent on the type and duration of the coaching agreement or training program. Please contact us for a quote.
Coaching is about personal change, so it is for people who are ready to commit to making positive change, challenging the status quo in some area of their personal or professional lives. Coaching is for individuals who are ready to accept full responsibility for effecting the outcomes they desire. Mindfulness training is about development of insight into the nature of one’s mind in addition to enhanced ability to handle difficult situations such as workplace pressures. Any individual can benefit from combined training since the ability to better understand thought patterns and automatic reactions, particularly to stress, can better inform the coaching process.
In addition to individuals, groups under significant stress will benefit from combined training. For example, staff in an intensive care unit will become more resilient and stress hardy from mindfulness training while simultaneously solving workplace challenges through effective coaching.
Counseling focuses on resolving issues from the past. Coaching focuses on identifying obstacles that hold the client back from moving forward from the present towards their desired future, developing strategies to overcome them and holding the client accountable to their own agenda. Mentors share lessons learned from their own experience. Consultants use their knowledge to analyze and make specific recommendations for change.
Coaching is more about asking the right questions while empowering clients to discover their own solutions and create the success they desire. In coaching, the underlying belief is that all of us have the answers within and that there are inner blocks that get in our way of achieving our goals. Some of the approaches used in coaching include intuitive listening, clarifying, empowering questions, brainstorming, creating action plans and accountability.
The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Individuals who engage in a coaching relationship can expect to experience fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision-making skills, enhanced interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles.” (coachfederation.org)
One of the greatest benefits of coaching is the sustainability of the changes that take place through the coaching process. Rather than only solving a problem at hand, the client’s ability to find solutions in any situation in enhanced. Imagine a forum where the only agenda is helping you achieve your goals. Coaching is a place to be heard in an unfiltered, confidential relationship that supports your growth and development so that you can overcome obstacles that get in your way and optimize your life. It’s an opportunity to get feedback in a way that challenges you to access your true potential.
Coaching sessions can be held in person or by phone. We work with clients all over the US and internationally by phone, but with local clients our sessions are typically held in person.
Corporate health care coaching packages are customized to each organization’s needs. Typically this includes a combination of on-site workshops, group coaching sessions, individual sessions, mindfulness training and assessments such as our resiliency index.
For individual clients, coaching sessions are typically bundled in 10 sessions (1 hour each) over a period of 3 – 4 months. In some cases, 6 -12 months of coaching is arranged.
Some of the outcomes you can expect from coaching include:
~ Increased insight
~ Reduced stress
~ Improved burnout
~ Enhanced communication skills
~ Better work/life balance
~ More satisfaction in important life areas
~ Greater self confidence
~ Clarity of life purpose
~ Better relationships in personal and work life.
~ Greater self-confidence
~ Increased leadership skills
~ Improved decision making abilities
Coaching is customized to each person’s needs, so there is no hard and fast rule. Many people retain a coach for a short time period (i.e. three to six months) to work on a specific, limited challenge. Once people experience that effectiveness, they often make an extended commitment to coaching, or they return to the coaching relationship when significant events or issues arise down the line. A good coach constantly pushes you to optimize both your life and your career, depending on your personal goals. That’s one reason coaching is so effective.
