What is Coaching, and Why Should I Spend Money on It?
In a recent consultation, a prospective client chuckled a little. “A few years ago, everyone was becoming a coach,” she reminded me.
I cringed a little because she’s right. A news article from 2022 described how coaching has grown into a “near $3 billion industry.” Even this year, news outlets continue to report on the role that coaching plays in the lives of students and professionals.
When I launched my coaching business, I didn’t want people who found my website to assume that I had hopped on the bandwagon because it’s trendy. I decided to pursue full-time academic and executive function coaching because I’ve seen it work. I’ve seen students who once hated school make it to graduation and receive job offers from their top-choice companies. I’ve supported students in reflecting on their strengths and choosing an academic and career path that aligns with those strengths, helping them stay motivated in school. I’ve seen students use coaching as a launchpad to access other resources, allowing them to excel in even the most challenging courses in their major.
So, what is coaching, and why does it work?
What It Is
There isn’t a single definition of coaching. In fact, I recently attended a webinar where the presenters focused on defining coaching by what it is not. It’s not therapy, it’s not tutoring, it’s not teaching... and the list goes on.
This challenged me to think about how I describe coaching to my own prospective clients. Here’s how I currently describe executive function coaching:
Coaching is a collaborative support system focused on developing executive function skills. We help students set goals that align with their values, create action plans to achieve those goals, and reflect on past experiences to inform future planning.
For more details on what this looks like in practice, check out my page on our work.
Why Should I Spend Money on It?
That’s a very valid question. With the rising cost of goods in today’s economy, parents are understandably cautious with their finances. However, investing in academic and executive function coaching now can have tremendous long-term benefits.
First, while coaching may seem expensive upfront, it has the potential to save you money in the long run. If your child is struggling in their college courses, paying for coaching may be a better investment than paying for them to retake the course. According to EducationData.org, the average total cost per course at a private postsecondary institution is $6,165. In comparison, the typical cost of a 10-session coaching program ranges from $1,000 to $2,100, depending on the coach’s experience. While hiring a coach doesn’t guarantee your child will pass a course they’re struggling in, the chances of success are often higher when coaching support is involved.
Then, there are the intangible benefits of coaching—the ones that are hard to put a price tag on. As a coach, I’ve seen students gain confidence when facing academic challenges. When they achieve success in one area, I can help them reflect on what worked, so they can apply those skills in other settings.
Why Does It Work?
What makes academic and executive function coaching so effective? Shouldn’t students already have these skills?
Maybe. But maybe not. Students with ADHD or other disabilities may struggle to engage in goal-directed behavior due to their diagnosis, making added support crucial. Additionally, students who have spent years feeling unsuccessful in school often lack confidence, which can lead to decreased effort.
Coaching helps combat this by providing:
Accountability – It’s a human trait: if someone is going to ask us about a task, we’re more likely to follow through. I’ve lost count of how many times my students told me they did their homework because they knew I was going to ask about it.
Compassion – Most coaches, myself included, entered this field because we care deeply about students, and students can tell. Another human trait is that we’re more likely to do things for people we have a positive relationship with. As a coach, I spend time building rapport with my students, which increases their investment in the coaching process.
Collaboration – In coaching, students don’t sit on the sidelines while the coach does the work. They are active participants in the process. This increases their investment and, therefore, their likelihood of following through.
I’d love the opportunity to work with you and your child to help them thrive academically. To learn more about what I can offer, send me a message through my contact page or schedule a conversation.