Coaching Model: Phoenix

A Coaching Model Created by Karo-Lyne David
(Anxiety Coach, CANADA)

Introduction

While designing my coaching model, I found myself reflecting on the nuances that defined my practice, such as my coaching identity, my coaching process, my coaching niche…

Eventually, I came to realize that a coaching model is all of those things combined. It is a simple way for a coach to communicate who they are (identity), what they do (process), and who they do it for (niche). Using a visual representation, an acronym or a metaphor facilitates the interpretation of the model from the client’s perspective.

I chose the phoenix because it is a well-known symbol of rebirth, revival, renewal… it’s an archetype of self-transformation. It is also associated with power, which is a reflection of the impact of coaching.

From a marketing standpoint, the fiery colors suggest specific attributes. Red usually represents power, energy, determination and courage. Orange adds a dimension of enthusiasm and creativity. And yellow is associated with joy, warmth and light.

The shapes can also influence the perception of the model. In this case, the circles impart a positive emotional message and suggest relationship and unity, which is a reminder of the coaching partnership. But since these circles are arranged in a triangle, the diagram itself evokes a sense of balance.

The words “Self-Awareness”, “Self-Trust” and “Self-Love” represent the three main pillars of my process. They are not steps in a sense that one does not necessarily precede the other. They are interconnected.

Coaching Identity

Let’s take the metaphor to the next level… If a phoenix has to catch fire to be reborn from its ashes, then a person has to let their old self die to become someone new. The flames can be either very painful or very liberating; it depends on how you look at it.

Who am I as a coach? I am the phoenix. This is also metaphor for my own personal journey in the past few years. The pillars are the themes I had to explore and experience for myself in order to grow into the person I have now become. This is what I bring to the coaching relationship.

As for my coaching style, I think the colors reflect it well. In a coaching session, I can be bold and ask powerful questions, but I can also be warm and add a touch of lightness to the conversation.

Coaching Process

Depending on the client’s current situation and agenda, some of the pillars might require more coaching time than others. But working on any of these will inevitably create growth and expansion for the client. With courage and commitment, it will lead them to the self-transformation they are looking for.

Self-Awareness

Awareness is the quality or state of being aware. It is the knowledge and understanding of something. This pillar’s purpose is to help the client gain more self-awareness.

Within the coaching environment, the coach guides the client in the exploration of behaviors, thoughts,beliefs, emotions… The objective is to help the client be authentic and shine a light on the client’s true values, desires and motivations.

Self-Trust

To trust oneself is to have faith in one’s reliability, to have confidence in oneself. This pillar’s purpose is to empower the client, to support and strengthen the client’s belief in their ability to achieve.

Within the coaching environment, the coach guides the client to shift to a perspective of responsibility. The objective is to highlight the power of choice and the ever-present possibility for the client to be resourceful in their endeavor.

Self-Love

To love oneself is to appreciate and take care of oneself.The objective of this pillar is to have the client consider his/her own well-being and happiness as a priority is his/her life.

Within the coaching environment, the coach guides the client to acknowledge themselves and to be compassionate towards themselves at all stages of the process.

Coaching Niche

The phoenix coaching model speaks to clients who are looking for profound transformation. The power of the symbol and the intensity of the colors appeal to those who want to be challenged, who are eager to dive deep, who are ready to commit now and take it to the next level. It is a model that can be adapted to all clients seeking meaning and purpose or that want to redefine themselves and start anew.