In the beginning, your coach will spend time getting to know you (and your family, depending on your concern). Some of the things you and your coach may explore include:

• Your values and preferences
• Family dynamics
• Strengths and needs
• Resources – including other members of your team (mental health providers, educators, etc.)

Pairing helps your coach understand what you need from the relationship so they can support you. This period is also an opportunity for you and your coach to define the scope and boundaries of your relationship.

Together, you’ll identify challenges, break them down into smaller pieces, prioritize, and decide which ones coaching can address. Because children grow quickly, you may revisit this stage throughout your work.

Using what they’ve learned about your family, your coach will help set goals that are realistic and aligned with your values and strengths. Goals can be adjusted as circumstances change.

Your coach may provide both education (e.g., developmental stages, brain science) and skill-building (e.g., modeling, role playing, rehearsing) so you feel prepared to meet your goals.

As you move toward your goals, your coach will help you to stay accountable. While coaching can’t replace therapy, your coach can also provide support and validation as you process feelings related to your experience. Your coach will also help you to reflect on your path – are the changes what you expected? What other routes could you take to reach your goals? Have you reached a goal? How will you celebrate?