What is intensive coaching?

Intensive coaching, or continuous coaching, is a form of coaching whereby the coaching relationship is maintained on a daily basis for an intensive block of time.

Traditional formats for coaching often follow that of counselling or psychotherapy, in that individual sessions are booked up (maybe in two or three-week intervals), with little or no contact between client and coach in between each session.

The problem with this format is that the client can drift in between sessions and, as the coach has no contact in this time, instant remedies cannot be sought. Therefore, in the subsequent formal session, much of this time may be involved in unpicking the problems of the intervening two or three weeks.

A further problem is one of commitment and willpower. Think of the traditional sports coach in athletics. They will check in with the athlete nearly every day and will be there to hold the latter to account and to encourage where inner strength might sometimes be lacking.

These problems can be overcome through continuous or intensive coaching.

How does intensive coaching work?

The client in effect ‘hires’ the coach for an eight-week continuous block of time. Formal meetings, either online or face-to-face, take place fortnightly but, in between that time, there is daily contact - mostly via email or phone. One of the main focuses of the daily check-in is for the client to report on their achievement or possibly their struggles with the practices that are set by the coach.

As with all forms of coaching, goals are set with the client. To meet these goals, the client agrees on daily or one-off practices. These are designed to break the habit of ‘being ourselves’; they create new neural pathways, literally re-forming the mind using brain plasticity.

By challenging ‘conditioning’ in this way, clients often say that these practices open up new possibilities and break long-held unhealthy beliefs. Goals and practice transport the client forward toward the object of their desire and deepest longing. However, some practices need adjustment after a few days, and the daily check-in with the coach can provide this feedback loop.

Additionally, the client can often encounter a problem that needs a quick solution, or an issue that cannot wait until the next formal meeting. Using the continuous coaching methodology, the client can request a phone call or a quick ad-hoc Skype session to check in with the coach.

In summary, this coaching format is more intensive and can, therefore, cost more in terms of time and money to the client. However, the intensity of the approach often means that results are rapid and, if a lifetime of poor thought, habit and conditioning is to be turned around, it’s not realistic to do this without a degree of intensive dedication and practice.

With commitment, though, comes reward. A new world can open up to the client, a world of infinite possibility, be it a new career path, less stress and worry, or just a new sense of freedom and aliveness. All of this is possible in a few short weeks using this emerging form of coaching.

If you’re ready to start your journey towards change, contact a coach today. Find out more about how to find the right coach for you on Life Coach Directory.