Mental coaching - a good way of manipulating thoughts

Interview on the subject of mental coaching with Regina Karoline Schüller

Today we talk to Regina Karoline Schüller, Mental Coach Frankfurt at Your Coaching Institute in Frankfurt am Main, about mental coaching. Having worked for more than 25 years in management at high-ranking banks and institutions in the areas of communication and press - including at the European Central Bank and the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority - she is more than experienced in her current profession, which irrefutably has a lot to do with communication. In the following, she explains what mental coaching is all about and exactly how it works.

Can you give us examples of how you have helped a customer to overcome their fears?

Mental coaching or mental coach already contains the term „mental“. That's exactly what it's all about! We are controlled by our thoughts, they influence our behavior and therefore our quality of life. For me personally, the beginning of coaching is summarized as follows:

• Kick-off meeting: Getting to know each other and building trust. 
• Define the objective: What is the goal? Why do I want to achieve exactly this goal? 
• As-is analysis: Where do I stand today? What thoughts and fears do I have? 
• Target analysis: What are the milestones for achieving my goal? What are possible obstacles? 

The concrete and detailed elaboration, for example by means of specific questioning techniques, is the basis for effective changes that are necessary to achieve the goal.

As a mental coach, how do you go about identifying limiting beliefs?

Here it is important for me to find out „Who am I?“ I usually use the LINC method to create a personality profile for this purpose. I work through the results point by point with the coachee. This brings personal strengths and weaknesses, reality and perception, conviction and facts into the necessary balance.

To what extent does empathy play a role in your work as a mental coach?

A necessary role! Why? Coaching is largely based on building relationships. Mental coaches must be able to deal correctly and appropriately with their own emotions and needs as well as those of the other person. For this reason, coaches must regularly review and systematically develop their own emotional competence. I practice the latter through regular supervision.

How do you prepare a customer for a challenge or test?

In this phase, the coach is the motivator, the confidant and the helper. My approach is: continuous support and practise, practise, practise! Together with the coachee, I go through the challenge or test - whether big or small - again and again until a high level of confidence is achieved. We discuss any weaknesses and how we can remedy them. If possible, I am present at the respective appointment. However, my experience shows that the coachees are so well prepared that they can cope with the challenge well and often even better on their own! How effective can be our coaching, you can find out in our blog article.

How do you integrate meditation and breathing exercises into your mental coaching sessions?

I mainly use mediation and breathing exercises in extremely stressful situations, e.g. during a coaching session or in preparation for an upcoming challenge or exam. I pay close attention to the individual situation and how the coachee is feeling. A general approach is not possible here!

How do you work to promote a positive mindset among your customers?

The definition of the respective goal is of crucial importance. The goal must be concrete, achievable and therefore positive. The coach must motivate the coachee to rethink so that new paths emerge and blockages are removed, i.e. the coachee can step out of their comfort zone and actively change their behavior. Health encourage. I systematically give the coachee concrete, positively formulated goals. Here are a few examples: 

• I stay calm, even if my competitor or colleague makes a snarky remark!  
• I take a deep breath before answering. 
• Listen first. Then answer.

Ms. Schüller, thank you very much for the interview. Please also visit our main page on the topic Mental training. You can also find our blog post here, how to develop personal strength with a mental coach. You can find the original article under the following link.

Practical tips: How to get the most out of your coaching

The success of a coaching process depends largely on your own willingness and preparation. Before you start coaching, you should take the time to clearly formulate your goals. What exactly do you want to change? What specific results do you expect? The more precise your objectives, the more focused the coaching process can be.

Between the individual sessions, it is important to actively integrate the insights you have gained into your everyday life. Keep a coaching diary in which you record your progress, challenges and "aha" moments. This reflection reinforces the transfer effect and makes your personal development visible. Many of our clients report that the time between sessions is crucial for lasting change.

Be open to new perspectives and be prepared to question habitual thought patterns. A good coach will challenge you without overwhelming you. Trust the process, even if individual steps seem unfamiliar at first. The best results are achieved when you get involved in the collaboration and play an active role in shaping it. Our experience at Ihr Coaching Institut in Frankfurt has shown that clients who have this basic attitude achieve their goals much faster and more sustainably.

Scientific basis and effectiveness

The effectiveness of coaching has been proven by numerous scientific studies. A meta-analysis by the International Coach Federation shows that 80% of coached individuals experience a significant improvement in their self-efficacy. Other studies show positive effects on stress reduction, decision-making quality and interpersonal communication.

Research provides impressive results, particularly in the area of leadership development. A study by the Manchester Consulting Group showed an average return on investment of 5.7 times the coaching budget invested. The improvements were reflected in increased productivity, higher employee satisfaction and improved working relationships.

Neurobiological research explains why coaching is so effective: new neuronal connections are formed in the brain through targeted reflection and new experiences of action. This process, known as neuroplasticity, enables lasting changes in behavior. At Ihr Coaching Institut, we work exclusively with evidence-based methods that put these scientific findings into practice. Our certified coaches combine sound specialist knowledge with many years of practical experience.

Conclusion

Mental coaching is not a topic that can be reduced to a simple formula. The most important findings from this article:

• Professional support makes all the difference: Whether in a business or personal context - an experienced coach measurably accelerates development processes.
• Individual fit counts: There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The right method and the right coach are crucial to success.
• Act now: Knowledge alone changes nothing. The first step is always the most important - and often the most difficult.

If you are ready to take the next step, we are at your side as experienced sparring partners. A non-binding initial consultation will clarify whether and how we can support you.

The coaching process: procedure and phases

A professional coaching process follows a clear structure that is divided into several phases. In the orientation phase, the coach and client clarify the issue together, define specific goals and agree on the framework for the collaboration. This clarification of the assignment is crucial for later success, as it determines the direction and focus of the entire process.

During the work phase, new perspectives are opened up, resources activated and concrete action strategies developed with the help of various coaching methods. Your coach will ask specific questions to stimulate reflection and support you in developing individual solutions. Between sessions, you put the insights gained into practice and gain new experiences.

The final phase is used for reflection and sustainability assurance. Together, you evaluate the progress you have made, anchor successful strategies and plan the next steps for your further development. At Ihr Coaching Institut, we attach particular importance to careful evaluation so that you can clearly state the benefits of your coaching - both for yourself and for your employer.

Read also: Mental coaching - personal strengths with a mental coach..., Coaching costs & fee, Attitude in coaching

Would you like to benefit from the use of coaching in your company?

Arrange a free initial consultation now! Our experts will be happy to advise you.

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About the author

Tim S. Tabrizi is the founder and managing director of Ihr Coaching Institut (Frankfurt). Certified Executive Coach (ICF, DBVC) with over 15 years of experience. 35 coaches throughout Germany. LinkedIn profile | Your coaching institute on LinkedIn | Author page →