What does it mean to be in relationship?  Seriously!  Ever really thought about it?  

If you are alive and breathing, relationship happens one way or another, either by default or choice.  We are connected to other people in our families, careers and communities and create ties all the time, whether we see each other or not.  We are all interconnected and relationship refers to the space we create between us.  Relationship coaching is about creating conscious intentional relationships. 

Imagine this…there is you, and there is me and there is something that happens when we enter into a relationship with one another.  The space between us, a third entity*, is unique to our relationship and is different than the space between you and any other person.  There is an emotional field and a system created when two or more come together. Relationships have their very own voice.

In relationship coaching, the client is the relationship system.  It is naturally creative, resourceful and whole and is shaped by the people involved.  It has unique energy and wisdom and when viewed through the lens of awareness has the ability to self-regulate.  As your relationship coach I am constantly listening for what is unique and trying to emerge and mirror that back to you.
 
Through a series of conversations we begin by getting to know each other through the design of a partnership alliance.  All parties in the relationship system discuss how they want to be together in the coaching, specifically when things get tough.  "What can we count on from each other?"  "What would make this relationship flourish?"  We then design the alliance between the relationship system and the coach, establishing ground rules, methods of conduct etc.   It is then my job to reveal the system to itself, and it begins to self-regulate.  At times when issues arise, coaching is done to create alignment. The relationship is given the opportunity to vent and at an appropriate time clients are asked, " Why is it important to resolve this?"  With agreement to move toward a resolution, coaching moves the relationship forward.  From this place we create commitments and action steps to take the relationship to the next level.
 
It all begins with a conversation.  Relationship systems are living, breathing organisms that require attention.  Change and sustainability happens when the relationship has a chance to breathe, communicate, and voice its perspective.  Couples, partnerships, business alliances and teams are all candidates for relationship coaching.  The sky is truly the limit!  Wherever people are in relationship there is room for increased connection and growth.

* The "third entity" as referred to in this writing references the work produced by Marita Fridjhon, MSW, CPCC, PCC and Faith Fuller, PhD, CPCC, PCC Founders and Co-Directors of The Center for Right Relationship.  For more information on The Center for Right Relationship, visit their website at: www.centerforrightrelationship.com