Consider the picture on the left, a beautiful sailboat taking off on a journey across the ocean. Is it sailing at sunrise…or sunset?
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Peggy had spent years prioritizing others' needs over her own, sacrificing her happiness to please those around her. It wasn't until a friend suggested a codependency group that she realized her people-pleasing was consuming her. Initially, she felt uncertain, but as she heard others' stories, she found a surprising amount of comfort. Their struggles to set boundaries and learn to say "no" felt eerily familiar.
A turning point came when the group leader asked them to share one way they'd practiced self-care that week. Peggy was stumped, realizing she had no concept of caring for herself. But looking at the supportive faces, she felt a spark of determination. That week, she treated herself to a bouquet of flowers and felt a surprising burst of joy. It was a small act, but it felt monumental.
Week by week, Peggy continued attending the group, sharing her victories, and finding strength in their stories. She learned her value came not from what she did for others but from being true to herself. She began setting boundaries, saying "no" without guilt, and caring for herself in new ways. Today, Peggy still attends her group, but now she's the one offering encouragement to newcomers. She's found a quiet confidence to love others without losing herself.
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Now, back to the picture. The argument could be made for either sunrise or sunset. It’s a matter of perspective. That is the beauty of group coaching. You are surrounded by people who simultaneously understand what you are going through and can offer you a different perspective…actually, many different perspectives.
Let’s explore some key differences in approach…
Individual Coaching - Working individually with a coach offers a wealth of benefits for personal and professional growth. One-on-one sessions offer individually tailored guidance so you can address specific challenges and goals. This personalized approach accelerates self-awareness, confidence, and joy. It guides you on a journey of overcoming obstacles, making growth-minded decisions, and creating plans to exceed your goals. Ultimately, individual coaching empowers you to embody your full potential and be more successful than you’ve ever dreamed
Group Coaching - This provides a unique set of benefits as a stand-alone process or as a complement to individual coaching. Being part of a community of individuals with similar goals and challenges is incredibly motivating and supportive. You have the advantage of hearing diverse perspectives on a shared problem as you learn from others’ experiences and insights. This is one of the best ways to generate ideas, problem-solve, or simply have the chance to really be heard. The collective wisdom of the group is curated with the guidance of a coach, helping you stay focused on your goals. Group coaching is also more affordable than individual coaching, making this opportunity for growth and development more accessible. Ultimately, the camaraderie and shared growth in a group coaching setting can be absolutely transformative.
It’s important to note that group coaching and support groups are very different. Support groups primarily focus on providing a safe space to share challenges, receive emotional support, and connect with others who face similar situations. The facilitation often comes from peers within the group. Group coaching is led by a trained coach who actively guides the group to achieve specific goals. The coach provides expert instruction, tools, and strategies. Additionally, participants are encouraged to take action outside of the sessions. Group coaching holds members accountable for progress toward their objectives, offering a more structured path for growth and change.
Book Club - Our coach-led book clubs are truly a unique experience. Participating in a coach-led book club is a truly transformative experience. The guidance from the coach, combined with the diverse perspectives of the group, will open your eyes to new ways of interpreting the material. You will find yourself reflecting on the themes and lessons long after the discussions end, applying them to your own life and goals. The coach's expertise in helping to dig deeper and connect the dots is an invaluable benefit. You will feel like you get so much more out of each book than you would by reading alone, or even reading with people who do not have a coach’s expertise and experience. The sense of community and accountability is also a great motivator - it will push you to stay on track with your reading and really show up fully to each meeting. Your growth potential is limitless and you’ll be amazed at how you continue to expand through the weekly meetings.