We spoke last week about what coaching isn’t, and we’ve identified green flags and red flags as well in previous posts. But how do you find the right spiritual coach for you? Exactly? Well… here we go!
What do you want?
I know. It’s basic. But still. Why are you looking for a spiritual coach? Is there a specific issues, a particular spiritual path, enlightenment? I’ve said before there’s no point seeking a Christian coach if you want to follow a pagan path… so, you know, think about this. Finding the right spiritual coach means you need a starting place and knowing something of what you want can help this.
Mind you, I can’t imagine why you’d seek a Christian coach for helping you follow a pagan path, but y’know, takes all sorts.
Now it does help to set clear goals, but sometimes the point of coaching is first to determine what you want, so don’t be too worried if you can be really clear on what it is you want to achieve. Particularly with spirituality, it can be difficult to go beyond “I want to feel better about this”. Sometimes you need the coach to help with this.
Research
I mean, there are loads of different spiritual coaches out there. Loads of different types of coaches even. So you need to feel into this a bit. I know – I’m getting all woo-woo and it’s only Monday morning! But finding the right spiritual coach is going to take time and effort. And research. So here we go.
There are, believe it or not, many different coaching methods. And processes. And a good coach will be able to explain their process to you. Even better if they can provide reviews and testimonials, but as someone who is trying to gather testimonials right now – those are definitely easier talked about that actually written! It’s not that people don’t want to provide them – it’s more that it takes time and effort to write them. And people forget. It’s completely understandable.
But they should be able to discuss the results other people have had with them anyway.
What credentials/ experience do these coaches have?
There are no legal requirements in Ireland to become a coach, although other jurisdictions differ. However, some sort of accreditation with someone like the ICF (International Coach Federation) or the AC (Association for Coaches) is preferable. It’s not always a requirement, but it’s something you should consider in your quest to find the right spiritual coach for you.
Equally, how much experience does this coach have? Are they starting out? Or have they been coaching for years (either as a main job or a side effect of their main job)? Have they experience with coaching clients similar to you? Are they confident in their abilities?
I know, it might seem obvious, but there are less-than-confident coaches out there. It’s not the end of the world, but a confident coach helps.
You will feel a connection with the right spiritual coach
Most coaches I know, spiritual or otherwise, offer a free initial consultation. This might be called an information call, discovery call, get-to-know-you session, or something else entirely. But it’s as important to the coach that that connection is there as it is for you.
And connection is something that can be difficult to measure scientifically. (Cue a load of people telling me different now!) So, this means trusting your gut. Is your instinct telling you this is very right? If so, you may have found your spiritual coach! If not, the journey to find the right spiritual coach for you is set to continue.
Ideally, you will feel seen, understood and supported in that initial call.
The right spiritual coaching approach
It’s important that the coach have a wide array of tools and techniques to use as the client (you) needs them. Now, if you asked me off the top of my head what tools and techniques I use, I’d be stumped. I’d have to think a bit. But I can generally tell you a few bits and bobs that come up regularly. For example, visualisation is a great tool to use. Breathing techniques, I’m a big fan of. And a few other things as well.
OK, I have books upon books of stuff that I’ve read about, practiced, engaged with. And most coaches do. It’s just that sometimes it’s hard to remember them all!
Most of all at this point, you should be able to discuss with your prospective coach how often you can meet, how long the sessions will last, if homework is a given or not (usually it is, to be fair) and what the expectations are around cancelling sessions on both sides. Most coaches have some sort of contract they will send you that outlines all this anyway, but it’s as well to be clear from the start.
The practicalities of the right spiritual coach
Most coaches these days do online or Zoom sessions, so location isn’t the limit that it used to be. However time zones are. For example, I’m usually in bed by 9:30pm Irish tie, which means if you’re on the west coast of the US, then the latest session I’ll be able to hold with you is 12 noon your time. This may or may not suit!
As well – think of the cost. As always, you don’t always get what you pay for, but it’s worth considering that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. It depends entirely on what you want. Any coach – myself included – will outline a high level price per session and put together a package for you if you wish to bulk buy.
Most of all, don’t rush
Make an informed decision – whether you’re more comfortable basing this on facts and figures or intuition is up to you, but make sure you’re engaging with the coach and making the decision in a way that works for you.
And if you want to discuss coaching options with me, drop me an email: orlagh@mybrigidsforge.com
