The Benefits of Group Coaching
When I began my Health Coach Training Program I was focused on preparing myself to guide people one-on-one to make sustainable lifestyle and behavior changes for healthier living. While I planned women-centered events, dinners, group hikes, and workshops, I had no intention of creating a space for group coaching. As I’ve seen the synergy and support we’ve created in these group spaces—especially for women—I’ve realized that I desire for group coaching to be an important part of my health coaching practice.
My first memorable experience of “group coaching” was in 2003 during my time as the chef-intern in an agriculture literacy program at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in East Troy, WI. That was a life-changing 8-month stint in an anthroposophical enclave west of the city that opened my eyes to alternative communities, biodynamics, the energy transferred to our food during preparation, and what it felt like to simultaneously live an urban and rural life. For a couple months during this gig, I traveled to Madison weekly with the rest of the interns to be part of a small group discussing Allan Savory’s Holistic Resource Management and acquainting myself with the phrase “quality of life.” It was a heavy time for me emotionally—a coming of age of sorts—shortly after an explosive breakup. I remember feeling acutely aware (and slightly guilty) of how I used those weekly meetings as therapy sessions (WAAAAY before I ever considered starting formal talk therapy). And I remember how warm, welcoming, and accepting the group was despite my preoccupation with taking up their time with my life’s drama. How the facilitator and my fellow interns—who I grew quite close with in those several months of our term together—embraced me and all my imperfections, my “too much,” and my overshares! That experience was pivotal.
The next memory of a small group session was around 2018 when I joined a Theme Circle at my spiritual community. We’d meet monthly around a theme such as “Truth” or “Change” answering questions from our packet, digging deeply into conversations, offering each other solicited feedback, and generally holding space. That was also during an emotionally tumultuous time in my life as I sifted through what was happening in my relationship. There was comfort in the space held by those familiar faces and hearts for several months. I felt connected and heard; I felt a shift on my path.
I returned to that small group ministry at my church this season—now with a screen to accommodate those who want to attend virtually—and without an overhanging heaviness on my heart. I’m there to meet new people, learn the stories of others, hold space for their pain and challenges, and share my experiences. I’m ready to give back the acceptance and love that was offered to me. I’ve learned there’s a purpose for small group sessions regardless of the level of crisis in my life.
I now feel called to create a space for group coaching in my practice. While group coaching can feel scary because we might be asked to share vulnerably with complete strangers, it can also be incredibly advantageous as those folks don’t have any pre-conceived notions about us when we arrive. Private coaching is best for some people, but the power of community might be right for others.
The Benefits of Group Coaching:
A Personal Support System
A group program gives you an opportunity to share your feelings with others and develop deeper connections. Knowing you're not alone on the journey is an early human survival tactic needed the build willpower and helps you develop confidence to address your challenges so you can actually succeed!
Higher Likelihood of Achieving Your Goals
You’re much more likely to stick to your gym routine if you have a gym buddy, right? This is true with group coaching as well. When people are part of a TRIBE, this sense of belonging makes them procrastinate less, accomplish more, and reach their goals faster.
Benefit from Collective Wisdom
Together, you can unveil solutions that go undiscovered by doing the work solo. Have you ever been in a study group and learned from a classmate who just gets it? Other group members can help you master new concepts and habits like an ace!
Gain New Perspective
If you’ve ever received a gold nugget of advice from a really honest friend, you know how this feels. When you work alone, you examine situations from just your perspective. When you work in a group, you’re exposed to a variety of insights. There’s potential to see a situation from different angles and be motivated to develop new solutions.
A Great Value
Get the same quality coaching, but at a fraction of the cost of one-on-one coaching. Group coaching is a smart and affordable way to receive quality guidance.
A Team Invested in YOU
When you work in a group, the whole team celebrates your success. Just like when a player on a sports team scores a goal, the entire team celebrates!
Turn Work into Play
It can be more fun to go out to dinner with friends than by yourself. Working with a group can feel like a social event to which you look forward. You may start as strangers, but it becomes a close-knit group that’s energizing, kind, motivating and fun!
Regardless of what work you want to do on yourself in this new year, I encourage you to start somewhere, but START! See my Health Coaching offerings for more information, schedule your free consultation, or sign up for group coaching today. We start in February!
