Coaching and Positive Psychology

What is coaching, really? And how is it different from counseling, consulting, mentoring, training, or even AI?
If you've ever considered becoming a coach, hiring a coach, or simply using a coaching approach in your leadership, business, parenting, or relationships, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Valorie Burton breaks down what professional coaching actually is, why it's often misunderstood, and why it has become one of the fastest-growing professions in the world. You'll discover the unique role coaching plays in helping people think more clearly, make meaningful changes, and unlock their personal and professional potential.
You'll learn:
• What coaching is (and what it isn't)
• The differences between coaching, counseling, consulting, mentoring, and training
• Why coaching focuses on helping people think rather than giving advice
• How coaching creates lasting transformation through awareness, accountability, and intentional action
• Why coaching is becoming even more valuable in the age of artificial intelligence
Whether you're exploring coach training, considering working with a coach, or simply curious about the profession, this conversation will help you understand why coaching is such a powerful catalyst for growth.
Learn more about coach training and positive psychology at cappinstitute.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who is passionate about personal growth, leadership, or helping others thrive.

In this episode of the Coaching and Positive Psychology Podcast, Valorie Burton shares the seven biggest mistakes people make when choosing a coach training program and the practical questions that can help you make a confident decision.
Drawing from more than two decades of coaching experience and training thousands of coaches around the world, Valorie explains why mastering the craft of coaching should come before choosing a specialty, why accreditation and accountability matter, how feedback accelerates your growth, and why developing truly human coaching skills will only become more valuable in the age of AI.
Whether you're exploring coaching as a new career, looking to add coaching skills to your current profession, or comparing certification programs, this episode will help you evaluate your options with greater clarity and avoid costly mistakes.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why expertise alone doesn't make someone a coach
The right time to choose a coaching niche
How to evaluate the credibility of a coach training program
Why experienced faculty and meaningful feedback matter
What the future of coaching means for today's aspiring coaches
How to choose a program that aligns with your long-term goals and values
If you're serious about becoming the kind of coach people trust with their growth, this conversation is a must-listen before you invest in your training.

Have you ever achieved a goal that looked successful on the outside… but didn’t actually feel fulfilling? Or found yourself saying yes to things that quietly drained your energy, peace, or sense of purpose?

In this episode of The Coaching and Positive Psychology Podcast, Valorie Burton shares why clarity about your values changes everything. When you understand what you truly stand for, you make better decisions, pursue more meaningful goals, and lead your life with greater intention.

You’ll discover 3 powerful coaching questions to help you uncover your values, recognize what may be pulling you out of alignment, and clarify how you want to show up in your work, relationships, leadership, and everyday life.

Learn more about CaPP Institute also at https://cappinstitute.com/

Have you ever noticed how quickly one difficult moment can spiral into a flood of negative thoughts? One disappointment, one stressful moment, one uncertain situation… and suddenly your mind is telling a story that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and stuck.
In this episode of The Coaching and Positive Psychology Podcast, Valorie Burton shares 4 powerful coaching questions that can help you interrupt negative thinking, shift your mindset, and build resilience in real time.

You’ll discover why resilience begins with awareness, how coaching questions create intentionality, and how learning to “observe rather than absorb” your thoughts can change the way you lead, parent, communicate, and grow.

Learn more about CaPP Institute at https://cappinstitute.com/

What if the answers people need are already within them, they just need the space to discover them?
In this episode of The Coaching and Positive Psychology Podcast, we explore why coaching is less about having the right answers and more about creating awareness through powerful questions and meaningful conversations.
We discuss the difference between advice and coaching, why great leaders resist the urge to “fix” people, and how asking thoughtful questions can help others build clarity, confidence, and ownership of their next steps. You’ll walk away with practical coaching insights you can apply in leadership, relationships, parenting, and everyday communication.
Interested in becoming a coach? Learn more about our upcoming June 6-8 Coach Training Intensive at https://cappinstitute.com/coaching-programs/coach-training-intensive/