Coaching Model: P.A.C.E

A Coaching Model Created by Delores McWilliam
(Christian Life Coach, CANADA)

My focus is on coaching women in all stages of life. My specialty is helping women discover their life purpose and exploring their values and giftings so that they may live a life filled with joy and intent. A life with exciting purpose the way God designed them to.

I approach my coaching using the P.A.C.E. coaching model. It is based on the premise that life is a marathon, not a sprint – we should pace ourselves accordingly. Sometimes a coaching session can move forward at lightning speed, other times it is lengthier in its examination of steps. Over the course of a coaching relationship however, my aim is to pace my sessions so that my client has ample time to discover what will bring a new learning about their current reality and what their future can look like.

In general, a session will follow these steps:

P

Partner with my client by reaching an understanding about the day’s goal and how we will know that we achieved it. It is here that we set up the contract and specifically outline the goal and markers of the coaching session. Intimacy and trust must be established for the client to feel comfortable and at ease in order for them to fully experience the learning that is about to take place.

A

Asking powerful questions and investigating what is happening in my client’s life. We dive into the issue or topic that the client wishes to address that will give the desired results. An exploration of what their core values are is extremely important in order to prioritize obligations and desired activities.

C

Create Awareness. It is here that we look at moving forward and eliminating possible barriers to success. I am also curious about what is happening with the client and what new thinking is coming up for them. There is also a check in to ensure we are moving in the right direction.

E

Explore Action Steps and New Insights. If the client is ready, we set some SMART goals (Smart,measurable, attainable, realistic, timely) and set up structures that will help promote success. There is also an examination of possible roadblocks to the established structures and what other kind of supports could be put in place to help in this success. I offer support to my client in their process, which could look like an accountability check in or follow-up session.

Through the exploration of the client’s situation and desired goal(s), a new opportunity arises to live with more intention. The client has refined her priorities and sees life from a whole new perspective because there is an understanding of what is truly important and meaningful to her.

Her pace of life will also reflect these new discoveries – sometimes speeding up toward a goal or sometimes slowing down because of a new understanding of the timeline of said goal. It’s really all about the client’s process and the desire to live a joyful, purpose-filled life.