My communication coaching and training programs focus on a range of communication and relationship skills, including:
- Conversation, connection and social interaction skills;
- Clear, constructive and assertive communication;
- Managing conflict, both at work and at home;
- Critical thinking, argumentation, persuasion and influence.
For these programs, I draw knowledge and techniques from fields such as social psychology, non-violent communication, cognitive psychology and social neuroscience, as well as my extended personal and professional experience.
Since many communication problems have underlying emotional causes, and many emotional issues create big problems in communication, I often find myself combining therapy and coaching when working with many of my clients.
Coaching Approach
I have my own approach to coaching, which has changed and evolved over the years. Working with me as your coach, you can expect several things:
A focus on the here and now. While many of our current problems have their roots in past events (including childhood ones), positive change happens when the focus is mostly on how these problems manifest themselves in the present and what can be done about them here and now. This is where I put most of the focus in my coaching sessions.
A mix of directive and non-directive coaching. Sometimes during coaching I will use thought-provoking questions, active listening and paraphrasing to help you find your own solutions to your problems. Other times I may take on a more didactic role and teach you relevant strategies and techniques, give you explicit feedback or make practical suggestions.
Reliable, tried & tested tools. When in a more didactic mode, I teach transformational strategies and techniques that have been confirmed to be effective by rigorous scientific studies, and have also been used successfully by many of my coaching clients before you.
A bit of tough love. As a coach I show understanding, empathy and positive regard towards my clients. But I am also honest and straightforward, so at times I may say things you may not fully like to hear, but which you need to hear in order to make significant changes and progress.
Relevant recommendations are available on demand.