Coaching
Sometimes you know what you want, but not how to get there. Or you feel something has to change, but you do not yet know what. A coach helps you get that clear.
What is coaching?
Coaching is guidance aimed at personal and professional goals. Not at mental health complaints, but at growth. Together with a coach you work on questions such as: how do I find balance again? What gives me energy? How do I set boundaries without guilt? Which direction fits who I am?
A coach listens, asks focused questions, observes your patterns and helps you find your own answers. Not advice imposed from outside, but guidance that grows your insight and gets you moving.
Please note: "coach" is not a protected professional title in the Netherlands. Anyone may call themselves a coach. Coaches on PsyIntake declare that they completed a certified training with a recognised professional body (ICF or NOBCO).
Scientific basis: coaching as a professional form of guidance has been studied in several meta-analyses. Theeboom et al. (2014, Journal of Positive Psychology) showed that coaching contributes significantly to coping, wellbeing, work performance and goal attainment. The ICF periodically publishes research reports on the effectiveness of certified coaching.
When do you choose coaching?
Coaching is not only for people with problems. It is just as much for people who function well but want more. Do you recognise yourself in any of the following?
Professional development
You want to take the next step in your career, but you do not know which direction to go. Or you are ready for something new and want to get it clear. A career coach helps you make choices that fit who you are.
Personal growth
You want to build your confidence, handle criticism better or work on your relationships. Coaching helps you grow as a person, without needing a mental health complaint for it.
More balance between work and life
You work hard but feel empty at the end of the day. You want to learn to set boundaries and handle your time and energy better, for yourself and not only for others.
Managing stress
You regularly experience stress but are not sure where it comes from or what to do about it. A coach helps you recognise your stressors and deal with them in a healthier way.
Reaching a concrete goal
You want to start your own business, finish a project or develop a specific skill. Coaching keeps you sharp and guides you step by step towards your goal.
Leadership development
You lead a team and want to communicate better, motivate more effectively or handle conflict productively. Coaching for people in leadership roles is proven effective.
Coaching or a psychologist: what fits you?
This is a question many people ask themselves. The difference lies in what you need help with.
Coaching fits you if...
A psychologist fits better if...
Not sure? That is not a problem. During the intake you will look together with the provider at what best fits your situation. Sometimes people start with coaching and find that a psychologist suits them better, or the other way round.
Which coach fits you?
That is a personal question. Alongside what you need help with, the click matters a great deal. You will share vulnerable things, and that takes trust. Take your time to choose someone you feel at ease with.
On PsyIntake you can search by specialisation, way of working and availability.
Related complaints
Related treatments
Frequently asked questions
Getting started
Ready to grow?
Book an intake with a certified coach. In that first conversation you will see whether the click is there and whether coaching is the right step for you.
Coaching is not reimbursed care.
Sources: Theeboom et al. (2014), Journal of Positive Psychology · ICF Global Coaching Study 2023 · Trimbos Institute