21 September 2020
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Local Business Profile: Anna Lehane, Life, Career, and Teen Coach
For me, the word ‘Coach’ conjures up images of a straight-talking U.S of A. man’s man. The sort of cliché character who can deliver a half time pep talk which injects adrenaline into the veins of an American Football team, leading to them beating their quality opponents massively. Indeed, something like the TV Series called ‘Coach’ (1989-1997) starting Craig T. Nelson.
However, you needn’t be on a US sports team to have a coach! and coaching doesn’t have to involve you listening to tough-love home truths. A Coach can actually be a nice person who listens to you, without judging. A coach can help you examine your automatic thoughts, limiting beliefs, habits and so much more. Coaching can give you the tools necessary to make positive life changes.
Anna Lehane: A Cork-based Life, Career, and Teen Coach with offices at Victoria Cross, Cork City
Anna Lehane (https://annalehanecoach.com/) has a Masters in Personal and Management Coaching from University College Cork along with a B.A. in Early Childhood Care and Education from C.I.T.
Anna had been working in the area of Early Years, Special Educational Needs and Child Development for over ten years but was eager for a change. While she certainly loved understanding the minds of children she was keen to understand the complex and albeit perplexing minds of adults!
Supporting and working with adults was a natural next step for Anna. However, it wasn’t a straightforward leap. She actually engaged in coaching to make the transition from working with children to working with adults.
Anna Lehane, Coach
Issues a Coach can help you with
- Self-management
- Identifying limiting beliefs
- Breaking negative thought patterns
- Motivation
- Self-discipline
- Work/life balance
- Managing stress
- Confidence
- Career support
How Is Coaching Different From Counselling And Mentoring?
Coaching differs from counselling in that its primary focus is on your current emotional and cognitive functioning as well your current motivation and performance. The fastest way to get from A to B is to stand fully in A first – this is what coaching does, first focus fully on where you are at present before making a plan to move forward. Coaching then and only then looks to the future. Coaching like counselling does of course take your previous experiences into account but they are not the sole focus, like they can often be with counselling.
Coaching differs from mentoring as mentoring is where a more experienced individual shares knowledge with the person being mentored. Mentoring is directive and advise is being given. Coaching on the other hand is non-directive and the premise is that the client is the expect in their own life – once asked the right questions, of course!
How Long Does It Take?
It varies from client to client but Anna suggests investing in 3 sessions to start. Typically clients engage in 4 to 6 sessions and it is suggested that clients take 2 weeks between sessions, but again, this varies from client to client.
Is Coaching For Personal Or Professional Goals?
Both! Personal and Professional goals have one thing in common – you! Coaching is an opportunity to look inward and to gain a deeper understanding of oneself, once you have a better understanding of yourself – life becomes easier and in turn goals become more achievable.
Where Do I Start?
The first step is to book a free 15-minute consultation where you can discuss your interest in coaching as well as your desired goals. See https://annalehanecoach.com/connect/ of email annalehanecoach@gmail.com or call 087 922 4694