Thinking about working with a coach? Good. Wondering how to choose the coach? Even better. There are six questions the International Coaching Federation (ICF) – the world’s largest association of professional coaches – recommends you ask before you commit.
Here are my answers!
And at the end, I’ll share one bonus question that didn't come from the ICF – but from me.
1. What's Your Coaching Style?
“You want a thinking partner, not a lecturer.” (ICF)
People who work with me describe our sessions as challenging, deep, often emotional, creative, structured, highly individual – and fun.
In coaching, I don’t give advice. I’m not a mentor. In fact,
I work with leaders, entrepreneurs, and private individuals who are done (!) with generic advice.
My style is based on three things: psychology, integral theory, and improvisation. That means our sessions are both scientifically grounded and alive. Structured and spontaneous. Strategic and creative.
I call this Integral Improvisational Coaching – the approach I shared on the TEDx stage in Berlin and have continued to refine ever since.
2. Have You Coached Someone on a Goal Like Mine?
“Fit with your situation matters more than a long client list.” (ICF)
Well, I don't know you or your goal yet! But these are the goals I most often support:
- Leadership & Impact – leading in life and at work with clarity, presence, and purpose
- Business & Career – knowing which personal and professional decisions you're making, and why
- Focus & Productivity – setting clear priorities and achieving the outcomes that matter
- Emotions & Mindset – feeling at peace with yourself, even when life gets challenging
- Relationships & Communication – shaping your private and professional relationships with intention
- Energy & Balance – creating a work-life balance with ease, joy, and fulfillment
Underneath all of this, the questions we return to are always the same: Who am I? Who do I want to be? How do I want to show up in life, in business, as a parent, as a partner, as a leader? What's really important to me? What's my purpose?
Some clients have shared what it's like to work with me and what they get out of it. You’ll find their coaching stories here.
3. What Training or Credential Do You Hold?
“A credential means they’ve been trained, tested, and held to a standard.” (ICF)
My foundation is a Master of Science in Psychology.
On top of that, I’m a certified Integral Coach and Business Coach as well as a certified Transformational Coach for Teams and Organizations.
I’m a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) – which means continuous professional development is part of my coaching practice.
Yes, degrees and certifications give you frameworks, concepts, and some practice. I’d call this the more structured and science part. But I believe there's another side to coaching:
The art of creating a space where you can truly come in as a client, express yourself, and find your answers.
For me, both matter equally.
4. What Does a First Coaching Session Look Like?
“You deserve to know what to expect before you commit.” (ICF)
I love the first session. It's always exciting, because you never quite know what's going to happen.
First, we establish our working relationship. Then, you define your coaching goals. These become our guidelines throughout your process. Then, you start working on your first topic or question.
At the end of the session, we co-create an experiment – something you work on between our sessions.
Our sessions are held online via video call, in English or German.
5. How Will We Know the Coaching Is Working?
“Good coaching tracks progress you can feel and name.” (ICF)
At the beginning, we set your coaching goals. Since they are our guidelines, we can check in with them at any point so we can track your progress.
We also do a coaching evaluation. Together, we go through every single goal you set and look at how far you've come with each one. On top of that, we reflect on how you experience the coaching process itself – and how you experience our coaching relationship.
Progress in coaching is more than ticking off your goals. I care about how you develop and grow as a person through our work together.
6. Is Everything We Talk About Confidential?
“Trust is the foundation. The answer should be an easy yes.” (ICF)
Yes.
And as a psychologist, I'm specifically bound to maintain confidentiality.
That includes your free pre-coaching call – nobody knows we're talking. And it includes everything you share throughout our coaching process.
You always decide what you'd like to share with the world about our work together!
Bonus Question: How Does Our Conversation Feel?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself during our free pre-coaching call: Do I feel understood? Do I feel I can speak openly about what's on my mind? Do I feel comfortable?
And by comfortable, I don't mean everything during our call has to feel easy. Speaking up about certain topics, or being confronted with certain questions, might feel a bit uncomfortable in the moment. That's okay.
But overall, you should feel seen, heard, and understood.
As you can see, it's not only about what's written on paper. What's between the lines matters just as much.
And that's exactly how our coaching work will be, too.
Christine Paulus
ENGLISH | DEUTSCH
