There are numerous different forms of coaching for almost every situation in life. However, Transformational Coaching stands out because of its holistic approach. The focus is on the individual with all their values, beliefs and needs. Transformational Coaching therefore does not focus on solving a specific problem, but aims at a comprehensive change.
In the following article, we would like to take a closer look at what exactly is behind this form of coaching and what to look out for. You will also find out how you can train to become a Transformational Coach yourself.
Transformation is another term for transformation. And that's what it's all about in the end: The client develops into the person he or she wants to be. Transformational Coaching is a deep psychological approach that is not satisfied with a superficial view of the problem.
The goal of Transformational Coaching is to open up access to your (unconscious) emotions. Sometimes you don't even know what you really feel, because your psyche puts up a protective shield. It is not uncommon for sadness to become anger, for example. Fear often hides behind aloofness. As mentioned, these processes take place in the subconscious. The following scholarly article takes up the topic vividly.
Transformational Coaching can help you to explore, question and change entrenched behavioral patterns and beliefs. Your feelings get the necessary space to unfold. You learn your true Needs and draw new strength for the challenges of everyday life.
Transformational Coaching is based on the combination of various other coaching models. It combines aspects of the best coaching approaches into a completely independent concept. Because each client is treated individually, it is not easy to describe the approach. Every client will report a different experience after Transformational Coaching.
However, there is a core concept. This consists of the following components:
The elements mentioned form a cycle in Transformational Coaching. They are interdependent and build on each other. Let's take a detailed look at what is meant by the individual elements in relation to coaching:
The coach takes a close look at his client's outward appearance and inner beliefs. Sometimes discrepancies can be found here, which need to be worked on. The client's expectations are also addressed. Psychological patterns that determine behaviour in private life and at work are revealed.
It is basically assumed that the client has all the necessary resources to solve his problems and lead a happy life. Unfortunately, these skills are sometimes hidden, i.e. not accessible to the client. This is where the coach comes in. The coach provides suggestions for discovering hidden strengths and using them profitably.
With the aspect of integration it is meant that the coach applies his unique and exactly to the respective client adjusted transformational concept. Every client needs different impulses. Working according to a pattern is not called for in Transformational Coaching. The coaching work now takes place on the basis of the insights gained (see point 1).
Transformational Coaching encompasses and takes into account all affective, cognitive, somatic and behavioural aspects. Of course, these look a little different for each client.
Transformational Coaching and Become Life Coachingn are not infrequently confused with each other. But there are striking differences.
As the name already suggests, Life Coaching helps with problems of daily life. The coach focuses on a specific problem of his client. Together they work out goals and determine how they can be achieved. Several possibilities are examined. However, the coach does not make any specifications, but merely provides support.
The approach of Transformational Coaching is quite similar. Here, too, the aim is to improve the client's life situation and well-being. However, coach and client are free from the sometimes rigid concepts of classic life coaching.
In the first step, the coach questions the views of his client. Sometimes blockages can already be found here. The self-image and the relationship constellation also come into focus. Ultimately, Transformational Coaching is intended to sharpen the client's realistic self-perception.
Whereas Life Coaching is only about targeted problem solving, Transformational Coaching is about root cause analysis, so to speak. This is the key difference. The client's self-knowledge can contribute to bringing about profound changes.
This is expertly discussed in the following scientific paper: The soul in conversation with itself: Consciousness and the capacity for self-knowledge and self-transformation.
A Transformational Coach can either Individual coaching or conduct group coaching sessions. The latter is especially the case in companies. The main task of the Transformational Coach is, of course, listening, interpreting and mirroring. In some cases, special exercises can complement the coaching (e.g. role plays or meditations).
The coach gives his client the necessary impulses to question views and problems. He symbolically holds a mirror up to you: What really matters? Where do the Uncertainties and blocks that are holding you back? Which negative beliefs affect your behavior?
All this information is primarily conveyed through conversations that coach and client have with each other. But non-verbal signals are also perceived and evaluated by the coach. These include, for example, body language, facial expressions, choice of words and tone of voice. Once the blockages have been identified, you work together to find ways to change your attitude. With your inner attitude, your behaviour will also change.
There are indeed various parallels between coaching and therapy. However, a coach can never replace a therapist - this is also true for the Transformational Coach. You should always be aware of this.
Transformational Coaching (as well as coaching in general) is aimed at mentally healthy people who want to develop personally and need impulses to do so. In case of serious mental illness (depression, Anxiety disordersaddictions), coaching is not right for you. In this case, you should urgently seek the help of a psychotherapist.
When and in which way coaching is effective, you can read in the following work: Results of coaching research.
Transformational coaches enjoy an exciting and varied day at work. They also help other people to realise their full potential. Perhaps what you have read so far sounds so interesting to you that you are now considering a career as a Transformational Coach yourself. There are several ways to do this.
Distance learning courses are particularly popular, as you remain flexible in terms of time and location. This is especially advantageous for full-time professionals. You will receive online learning videos and exercises that you can complete at your own pace. To find the right course for you, it is advisable to consult the experiences of former participants.
Also make sure that you receive a certificate at the end of the course. Check out which coaching organisations the provider works with. This may give you the opportunity to join the team. You should stay away from offers that make dubious promises or conceal their costs.
In addition to the popular option of a distance learning course, you can of course also attend classroom training courses in order to Become a Transformational Coach. These offer the advantage of direct exchange. You can profit enormously from this. In addition, personal live training, mentoring, supervision and practical practice sessions with "real" clients can be carried out.
However, face-to-face courses are time- and location-bound. This is hardly feasible for working people or parents of small children. Ultimately, it is your personal wishes and circumstances that determine whether you start a face-to-face or online education.
In your training as a Transformational Coach, you will of course be taught the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to support clients independently later on. However, there are a few basic skills that you should have from the beginning:
Openness
As a coach you work with people. If you don't enjoy that, you should refrain from this career path. It is also important that you are not afraid of conflict. In coaching it is your task to confront clients with unpleasant truths. Only in this way can transformation take place.
attention
Listening carefully and observing are among your most important tasks. What sounds simple is not always so. Not all people have the willingness to listen to someone else with real perseverance. For a coach, this skill is essential.
empathy
A coach must be able to pick up his client emotionally. This includes putting yourself in the position of the person seeking advice in a non-judgmental way. Sometimes it is necessary to put your own emotions in the background for the duration of the coaching.
Patience
It often takes a while for success to show itself. Don't be impatient if you are not getting anywhere with your client. Transformation takes time.
Look beneath the surface
Is the client showing you his true self or is he (unconsciously) trying to deceive you? Good coaches develop a sense for this. You learn this during the training, but a basic tendency should already exist beforehand.
First of all, you should know that Transformational Coach is not a protected professional title. Theoretically, anyone can call themselves a transformational coach. For this reason, in addition to excellent coaches, there are unfortunately also some black sheep on the market. Since you certainly don't want to belong to the latter, you should choose a certified training.
So the answer to the above question is no, you. Need theoretically no certification. However, if you want to establish yourself successfully in the highly competitive coaching market, you should still aim for a training with a certificate. On the one hand, this ensures trust, so that you can win clients more easily. On the other hand, a well-founded education also serves to protect your future clients.
Since we assume that you really want to help people, you should not impart half-knowledge. Even if there is certainly a lot of good study material for self-learning, this can not replace a sound education.
Transformational Coaching is more multifaceted than any other type of coaching. One way to get trained with the highest quality standards is our Greator Coach Training. It is made up of two parts: the 3-month training and the Greator Coaching Practitioner and the 6-month Greator coach.
In the first part of the training you will work on your own topics. Here you will already be familiarized with the coaching tools that you will later use in your work with your clients. In the second part, the focus is on combining retrospection and vision. You will get to know the entire repertoire of possible actions and solutions.
Our Coaching training forms the basis for any kind of coaching. If you are interested in Transformational Coaching, you will create an ideal foundation with our certified training.
