Although there are different definitions of deep coaching, this is my view of deep coaching and how it can be applied:
Deep Coaching
Deep coaching is a transformative approach that delves into the depths of a person’s being, aiming to facilitate profound personal growth and self-discovery.
It recognises the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and embraces the spiritual dimension of an individual’s life.
Deep coaching goes beyond surface-level goals and challenges, exploring the underlying beliefs, values, and emotions that shape a person’s experience.
It facilitates deep self-reflection, insight, and alignment with one’s authentic self. The coach-client relationship in deep coaching often involves a deeper level of trust, vulnerability, and exploration of the client’s inner world.
In deep coaching, silence is encouraged and embraced to allow deeper reflection and the opportunity to access innate wisdom.
Deep coaches and their clients aren’t afraid to speak about ‘spirit’ or ‘soul’.
Life Coaching
Life coaching, while also focused on personal development, tends to have a more practical and goal-oriented approach.
It primarily focuses on helping clients identify and achieve specific goals in various areas of life, such as career, relationships, or health. Life coaching typically emphasises action planning, accountability, and strategies to overcome obstacles.
While some life coaches may incorporate aspects of spirituality if it aligns with the client’s needs, it is not a central focus of the practice for many life coaches.
The Embrace of Spirit
One key distinction between deep coaching and life coaching lies in their embrace of spirit. Deep coaching acknowledges and embraces the spiritual dimension of a person’s life, recognising that personal growth and transformation extend beyond the physical and mental realms. It may incorporate practices such as meditation, or exploration of one’s life purpose and meaning.
In contrast, life coaching may not explicitly integrate spirituality unless it aligns with the client’s specific goals or preferences.
Ultimately, the distinction between deep coaching and life coaching lies in the depth of exploration, the focus on self-discovery and transformation, the integration of mind, body, and spirit, and the coach-client relationship dynamics.
While both approaches can be valuable and supportive, individuals seeking a more holistic and spiritually-oriented coaching experience may find deep coaching to be a better fit for their needs.
