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, perhaps at two or three week intervals, with little or no contact between client and coach in between each session.

The challenge with this format is that the client can drift between sessions and, as the coach has no contact during this time, immediate support cannot always be provided. As a result, much of the next formal session may be spent unpicking the events of the previous two or three weeks.

A further challenge is one of commitment and accountability. Think of the traditional sports coach in athletics. They will often check in with the athlete regularly and be there to encourage them and help keep them on track when motivation begins to dip.

These challenges can sometimes 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 those meetings, there is regular contact – often via email or phone. One of the main focuses of these check-ins is for the client to report on their progress or discuss any struggles with the practices agreed with the coach.

As with all forms of coaching, goals are set with the client. To help achieve these goals, the client agrees to daily or one-off practices. These are designed to help interrupt existing habits and encourage new ways of thinking and behaving.

By challenging long-established patterns in this way, many clients find these practices help open up new possibilities and question beliefs that may no longer be serving them. Goals and regular practice help move the client towards what they want to achieve. Some practices may need adjusting after a few days, and the regular check-ins with the coach provide an opportunity to review and refine them.

Additionally, the client may 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 online session to check in with the coach.

Is intensive coaching right for you?

In summary, this coaching format is more intensive and can therefore require a greater investment of both time and money from the client. However, the increased level of support and accountability often helps clients maintain momentum between sessions.

If someone is looking to make significant changes to long-established habits or behaviours, a more intensive coaching approach may provide the structure and consistency they need.

With commitment often comes progress. For many people, intensive coaching can open the door to new possibilities, whether that's a new career path, reduced stress, greater confidence or a renewed sense of purpose.

If you're considering coaching, it's worth discussing the different approaches with a coach to decide which style best suits your goals and circumstances.