Frequently Asked Questions

Many types of coaches can provide valuable one-on-one guidance and support. Certifications are often important in this area to ensure that the individual has some training in the field of coaching.

I/O psychologists may be coaches or may work as consultants who serve as seasoned and academically credentialed professionals who work with individuals and teams to help them learn, grow and change. I/O Psychologists may provide a more comprehensive approach to improving both individual and organizational performance because of the cross-over between coaching and consulting that may be needed. I/O Psychologists are uniquely qualified to develop organizational programs and processes that enable participants to build and improve leadership and performance skills.   Like other coaches, I/O Coaching engagements may focus on imparting specific skills, addressing performance issues on the job, preparing for and facilitating transitions to higher levels of leadership, or supporting broader changes in individual and group behavior that support the overall goals of the organization. 

It depends on your goals! Many executive coaches have expertise in your industry or organization that may be invaluable for you. There are many great Executive coaches who come from a variety of backgrounds and experience.

An Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychologist has extensive training in a business setting and can provide a mixture of coaching and consulting in the following ways:

• Workplace Focus: I/O Psychologists focus on improving the entire workplace environment, not just individual employee.
• Employee Selection: They are involved in the development of employee selection programs and designing screening tests that determine the qualification of an applicant for a certain position.
• Organizational Behavior: I/O Psychologists study the attitudes and behaviors of employees in the workplace, and how the organization itself affects individual behavior based on the management style, organizational culture, and role expectations.
• Company Evaluation: They can evaluate the operation of the company in terms of its effective communication, conflict resolution methods, and professional competence.
• Leadership Training: I/O Psychologists establish training programs required to improve the performance and leadership skills of the employees.
• Organizational Development: They help in improving the organization’s performance through increased profits, redesigning of products, work environment, and improving the organizational structure.
• Performance Management: I/O Psychologists design job performance standards and assessment techniques to evaluate employee’s performance, design rewarding systems, and areas of growth.
• Team Building: They focus on coming up with team building events to create bonding among the employees and help them see themselves as part of a group working towards a common objective.
• Conflict Resolution: They come up with the best conflict resolution mechanism to solve disputes among workers.

While both practice in an area of psychology and work to help individuals improve some areas of their lives, therapists typically focus on addressing mental health issues and past traumas, while I/O Psychologists focus on helping individuals achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being in the workplace setting. I/O Psychologists involved in business and organizational coaching focus on behaviors, emotions, motivations, and impacts to the workplace and organization. Although the focus is the workplace, areas of personal struggle, family dynamics, or other stressors will be discussed. If at any time the client requires therapy or a clinical approach, a referral will be made for therapy. 

Although specific results are not possible to predict, what can be predicted is the impact that executive coaching has on individuals and organizations through the extensive research that has been done in this area. In working with Dr. Amy Stevens, you can be assured that all strategies and techniques are evidence-based, current, and align with your organizational or individual goals. Key measures and ROI will be discussed before, during, and after the coaching relationship. 

An Introductory Session provides clients with an initial opportunity to explore their personal or organizational goals, challenges, and potential strategies in a focused and confidential setting. From this initial session, options will be discussed and provided, which may include group assessments, presentations, or events. Individual coaching may also be included for key stakeholders or employees transitioning roles or involved in an ongoing conflict. 

Confidentiality is of utmost importance in my coaching practice. I adhere to the International Coach Federation's (ICF) Code of Ethics, and the best practices of the American Psychological Association, which include strict guidelines for maintaining client confidentiality. When hired by an organization to coach their employees, all parties will sign an Informed Consent with clear guidelines regarding shared information between the parties in the organizational setting.