A Coaching Model Created by Christine Ernst Bode
(Transformational Coach, UNITED STATES)
My Coaching Model Takes a Client on a Trip
Destination: Home
Keeping in mind that the coach must always connect, build trust, collaborate, and celebrate with the client while remaining positive, validating, removing judgment and maintaining focus on the desired outcome, in this model the coach and client work together to evaluate the areas the client would like to address, then to create a map to get to the place they want to go, a place where they feel complete, fulfilled, and alive in their true self.
Transformation is universal. Like the caterpillar becoming a butterfly, the experience is universal but the details of the process are specific to the individual.
We carry thoughts, beliefs, and coping mechanisms with us throughout our lives. Some of them positive and useful and some of them only minimize or negate our personal power. We interpret the present and plan for the future based on the past experiences with assistance from the internal voice that shapes the way we communicate and, as a result, the kind of life we live.
Oftentimes what impedes change/transformation is the narrative that we tell ourselves; the “stories” about how we became who we are, labels that diminish us, outdated coping mechanisms that no longer serve us, and the internal conversation that we are often not aware of. Until we look at our internal world and let go of the stories, labels, and destructive self-talk we cannot fully move on.
This transformational coaching model is my process to help clients become aware of and move away from old habits and labels to create a new vision and reach beyond the limits they unknowingly place on themselves.
The Trip Home Coaching Model Illustrated:
The Trip Home Coaching Model Process:
Start Planning the trip home:
Determine the client’s vision for the session.
- Discuss what the client wants to address in the session.
- Decide what the goal/vision for the end of the session.
- Articulate signs of progress as well as the ideal outcome.
Pack the Bag - Making Choices:
Explore what client wants/needs to do to move forward. Identify and understanding underlying beliefs.
- Explore what is keeping him/her from moving forward.
- Identify practical issues that are in the way and need to be resolved.
- Identify and discuss underlying beliefs.
- Understand what beliefs nurture the issue and what their role is.
- Determine:
Which beliefs serve the client now and which are unnecessary baggage that can be left behind.
Which beliefs assist and support the client and can be neatly packed in the bag to be used when needed.
- Articulate: Beliefs, thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes that support positive transformation.
Create the Map:
Create the plan to move forward by helping the client to define actions for the week.
- Review each item on the list.
- Support client to define and commit to:
Action items.
Time frame to address them.
Take Off:
Now it is time to take the new approach on the road.
- Use the map to test new behaviors and ways of thinking.
- Notice what works and what needs to be adjusted.
- Experience the new perspective.
- Embrace the feeling of the changes.
- Client follows up in the next session with celebration and/or recalibration.
