Pure Coaching: A Framework for Self-Discovery vs. A Roadmap to a New Life
- Elizabeth Reece
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
On my homepage, you’ll see the phrase “Pure Coach.”
It’s a term I chose to avoid any confusion about who I am, what I offer, my coaching philosophy and I will explain what it means. In an age of fast-paced solutions and “done-for-you” packages, the world of coaching has become a crowded and often confusing space. The lines between coaching and consulting, mentorship and training have blurred and what the world now calls coaching looks very different from its original, powerful intent.
To clarify this, let's explore two distinct approaches to 'Pure Coaching'. One is a framework of pure, non-directive coaching. The other, which I practice as part of my Coaching philosophy in line with my qualifications (Masters in Applied Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology) training and adherence to the ICF and EMCC Codes of Ethics, is a slightly more structured and therefore, directive approach rooted in Coaching Practice in the real world of Workplace & Wayfinding Consultancy and recovery mentorship.
How they all tie together in Life & Business is what makes me unique as a Coach. My philosophy, based on these amazing experiences is what distinguishes me from any other Coach and why I might be the one for you—a roadmap to a new way of being.
The Ideal of Pure, Non-Directive Coaching
In the world of professional coaching, the foundational model is a "pure" or "non-directive" one. This approach, advocated by many certifying bodies, is a beautifully simple, elegant framework. Its core principle is that the client holds all the answers within themselves. The coach's role is to act as a mirror, using powerful questions to help the client discover their own insights.
If you were to apply this to a simple three-phase process, it might look like this:
Phase 1: Life Reimagined. The coach simply creates a safe space for the client to explore their own vision. There is no agenda other than discovery. The coach asks open-ended questions like, "What does your ideal life look like?" or "What are your core values?"
Phase 2: Principles Applied. The coach does not suggest or introduce any specific principles. Instead, they would ask the client, "What principles will you apply to move toward your goals?" The coach is a guide, but the client is the sole source of the content.
Phase 3: Flourishing Achieved. The client, having discovered their own path, simply reaches a state of flourishing on their own terms. The coach is there to help them reflect on their progress, celebrate their successes, and sustain their momentum.
This is the very essence of coaching. It is the purest form of the art, a noble practice of helping someone become their own guide.
The Problem with Pure Coaching for the Golden Cage Creator
(Are you a Golden Cage Creator? Take the Quiz here to find out)
This pure, non-directive model is an incredibly powerful tool for many people. But I have found that for the high-achieving, purpose-driven individual—the person I call the "Golden Cage Creator"—it can be profoundly frustrating.
The Golden Cage Creator has achieved external success, often at a great personal and emotional cost. They are often trapped by their own achievements, feeling a deep sense of dissatisfaction despite having everything they once wanted. They don't just need to find their own answers; they need a new way of thinking, a new framework for living significantly and meaningfully that they don't yet have.
A "pure" coach, by definition, cannot provide that framework. They cannot offer a roadmap to a new perspective because that would be imposing their own agenda. But what if the client is stuck precisely because their current internal framework is the source of their suffering?
My Approach: Directive Coaching Based on a 30 years of experience in fields influenced and inspired by a 'Coaching way of being.'
This is where my own experience becomes mine and hopefully your most powerful tool. My coaching is not necessarily 'pure' by it's simplest definition but remains pure in it's intention and service of the clients own particular outcomes; it is purposefully and intentionally directive, agile, flexible and creative. Life my clients.
My coaching framework, which you see in our three phases, is a reflection of my own journey from suffering/ languishing to flourishing. It is the roadmap I discovered after realising I was trapped in my own "Golden Cage."
I moved from a place of seeking external validation and control to a place of inner peace and purpose by applying a very specific set of principles. These are not a list of platitudes; they are the 12 spiritual principles of a 12-step program, which are a profound and time-tested blueprint for character development and spiritual freedom.
This is what makes my coaching different.
It’s a different kind of “Life Reimagined.” I don't just ask you to envision a new life; I help you find it through a process of awakening that I have walked myself. How you awaken is dependent on the depth of work you need to do and the amount of work required to get you where you want to go.
It’s a different kind of “Principles Applied.” We discover and define your own principles, strengths and values. I guide you to apply those that have been proven to lead to profound transformation. This isn't my agenda; it's a positive & coaching psychology framework for recovery and growth that is backed by millions of success stories.
It's a different kind of “Flourishing.” Flourishing, in this model, is not just about achieving your goals. It is about living a life of ongoing service and connection—a state I know is achievable because I and many others are living it. Measuring our success in terms of what is significant to us and not by the standards imposed on us by our own thought traps or expectations of others.
This is a subtle but critical distinction. My coaching is not about dictating your path but providing a proven and powerful framework for a new way of being, of which you are the architect, wayfinder and creator. My role is to hold the torch, illuminating the path while you do the walking.
The Confusion of Modern Coaching
This distinction helps to clarify why so much of modern coaching is not, in fact, coaching at all. Many coaches are selling “done-for-you” packages—pre-recorded courses, one-size-fits-all strategies and quick-fix formulas. This is not coaching; it's a form of consulting or mentorship and it almost never leads to lasting change. It treats symptoms without addressing the root cause.
Plus, I love connecting with people! I want to work face to face and one to one! Shoulder to shoulder - in partnership.
I have worn all the hats in my career. Rolling out global training programs, designing CPD and knowledge based pitches and presentations, creating engaging workshops that foster long term strategic relationships. I have Coached, Consulted, Mentored and Trained and at the core of it, I was measured by revenue generation.
I did not measure my own success in those terms. I can proudly say, I have never closed a deal. Knowledge, value, integrity and trust did that. Those relationships and our shared outcomes were my successes. And my clients. It is not a win I want unless we can all share it.
My work exists in the space in between directive and non-directive. (The technical term is the Facilitation Approach) A powerful hybrid. It is a deeply personal, non-judgmental partnership where I bring my experience not as a rigid rulebook but as a roadmap of experience, strength & hope. The principles are my framework and life philosophy but your journey is uniquely your own.
I found that the joy was sucked out of my old career as communication became less about connection and more about numbers on a spreadsheet. Projects lost their purpose and people were profit or loss. I believe the most important project we work on is our lives! Integrating our lives and work in a way that satisfies our desire to be energised and inspired, engaged in meaningful pursuits, to feel accomplished while maintaining our holistic heath & wellbeing and ultimately - Flourish. (What is 'Flourishing' anyway?)
I connect with my clients past present and future through my research and writing. You will find my body of work available to you on multiple platforms. Previous clients are available to speak to you about their experiences.
My (current) signature Self Study Course - aims to connect us through my writing and yours. 'The Novices Guide To Not Novel Writing' is a really fun way to connect with yourself through writing while discovering things about yourself that you have likely forgotten. It's a great way to connect with me before potentially jumping in to a longer term working Relationship.
I believe that true transformation and sustainable change isn't found in a quick fix but in a courageous and purposeful journey. If you're a Golden Cage Creator who is ready to move beyond the confines of your own success and into a life of genuine peace and purpose, I invite you to explore this path with me.
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