Coaching Model: IDEAL

A Coaching Model Created by Sibel Benmayor
(Special Needs Families Coach, UNITED STATES)

Coaching is about creating an action plan that moves you forward, from where you are to where you want to be. James Himm Mitchell

My journey in ICA has been very introspective. Along this road, I had an opportunity to self reflect and grow. The assignment of creating my coaching model gave me the opportunity to think about how best I can support my clients. People, while making plans, taking decisions to think about the ideal situation and set up goals for themselves. Coach’s job is to listen and support the client by being present, asking the right questions and help them not to lose their focus. I see the coach as support the client can always count on, like a compass they can check whether they are moving in the right direction.

The word IDEAL and what it signifies resonated with me while I was researching. In my practice, I would like to help my clients explore different options, assess all of them and move towards their goal.

I– INVESTIGATE

The client talks about the challenges and with the support of the coach investigates what it is important for him, how important it is, look for the ideal outcome and set up a goal.

D– DISCOVERY

The stage is when the client talks about the goal and understands the importance of the goal in his life. The client discovers his values, motives and what he really wants to achieve. He looks at his goal from different perspectives and sees whether it aligns with their values.

E– EXPLORING

Happens when the client starts making a plan to achieve the goal. He explores his feelings, judgments, and prepares back-up plans. At this stage, clients decide whether the goal is reachable, whether they want to break it into smaller parts or not.

A– ACTION

Is when the client decides to move forward toward the goal talks about how much support he has, who are the people who can support him along the way, make a list of actions he will be taking and decides on a time frame.

L– LEARNING

Is the time to reflect and figure out the strengths and move toward the desired outcome. This is the place where clients feel empowered by their journey and enhance their learning. We can think of this as the parts of a jigsaw puzzle…