Many doctors don’t really understand what Coaching is, what it can enable them to achieve and how quickly it can make a difference.

There is also the belief in  medical culture that you have to deal with challenges yourself and working with a coach  might be regarded as a sign of failure.  Quite the reverse in fact many doctors who decide a coach might help are amazed at how quickly they can turn things around.

Here are some of the myths surrounding coaching in many doctors’ minds and the correct facts.

• Coaches will tell you what to do

A good coach won’t tell you what to do because coaching is about helping you find your own solutions.

Coaches  offer you tools and tricks to make it possible for you to find the answer for yourself.

Coaching is not prescriptive:  as a result of their challenging questions you will gain insights into your situation and find the way forward.

• Coaching is the same as therapy or counseling

Coaching is different is solution focused,  works well with people who are motivated and  willing to try different approaches.

Therapy or counseling is more suitable for people with mental health problems or those reacting to sudden traumatic changes such as bereavement or relationship break-up  and need crisis management.

• Coaching is just a few phone calls

Interaction between coach and client often takes place on the phone. Phone coaching is very useful for busy doctors because there  is no need to spend time traveling.

Clients are asked to prepare for their calls and let the coach know how they want to use the time. After the call they will need to think about what was discussed and then take  whatever actions were decided on.

Coaching encourages you to take action and achieve what you want quickly.

• Coaches don’t understand a doctor’s life

You may or may not consider a vital part of coaching is that your coach understands your medical lifestyle.  On the other hand some doctors would prefer to work with a non-medical coach.

• Coaching is too expensive

That depends on what  it would be worth to you to sort  out your challenges. Like any service you can find coaches who charge rock bottom prices and some who are sky high.

Some  charge  somewhere in the middle! Remember you are not just paying for the phone calls. You are paying for years of training  in Coaching and life skills.

You have a choice just as you have when you decide where to have your holiday or which seat to sit in the theatre.