Paul vanden Hout
What is coaching?

I don’t give you answers. I help you find them.

Coaching is an accompaniment process to help you discover your own resources, make better decisions and take action. You have the answers; my job is to help you ask yourself the right questions.

What it is —and isn’t.

Not therapy. Not mentoring. Not consulting. It is a space in which YOU find your answers, with a trained companion who asks the questions that open the path.

It helps when you know something has to change but can’t quite see how. When rational frameworks fall short. When the next step requires aligning head, intuition and action.

Clarity

Coaching, mentoring, counselling: how they differ.

Coaching

My approach
Focus
Present → future. How to move forward.
Position
Asks, doesn’t advise.
Who answers
The client.
Horizon
Typically 3-6 months.

Mentoring

Focus
Experience transfer.
Position
Shares what they know, advises.
Who answers
The mentor, in their domain.
Horizon
Variable, ad-hoc.

Counselling

Focus
Past and emotional blocks.
Position
Clinical methodology.
Who answers
Co-constructed with therapist.
Horizon
Long (months, years).

How we work together

Step 1
First conversation

We get to know each other and see if we fit. No commitment.

Step 2
Clear goals

We define where you want to go and how to measure progress.

Step 3
Accompaniment

Regular sessions, in person or remote, at your pace.

Step 4
Results

Real, sustainable changes that stay with you.

Coaching in action

What the work looks like.

Individual sessions, teams and group experiences. Authentic moments of reflection, connection and change.

ICF PCC — Professional Certified CoachICF Member — International Coaching Federation
ICF credential

A certified path, always in training.

In 2018, after finishing my initial coaching studies in Barcelona, I earned the ACC (Associate Certified Coach) credential from the International Coaching Federation: a full exam, several recorded sessions, supervision hours with other certified coaches, and the ethics assessment. That was my first step into professional coaching. I haven't stopped since: I studied Team Coaching at the renowned Gestalt institute in Barcelona, trained as a Mentor Coach, and took courses such as Coaching for Values and "the Coaching Retreat" (supervision and self-development).

In 2022, after more than 600 hours of coaching with clients, I took the next step and earned the PCC (Professional Certified Coach) credential from the ICF. These credentials last three years, and renewing them calls for ongoing learning —webinars, courses, peer coaching. I renewed my PCC in 2025. As a member of ICF Spain and ICF International, I give back to the community through webinars, mentoring and peer coaching.

ACC 2018PCC 2022Renewed 2025Team coaching (Gestalt)Mentor CoachCoaching for Values

Coaching is still a very young profession, and the ICF is the largest coaching association in the world: more than 48,000 certified coaches across over 150 countries. We all work to lift the practice toward greater professionalism, grounded in the ICF's 8 core competencies and with a clearly ethical and inclusive focus.

ICF — The Foundation of Coaching Success

A shift in mindset

In this dynamic, ambiguous world, we're all a little lost —and that's perfectly normal. This is where coaching helps, because it sparks a shift in mindset: that "click" in your head that lets you see things from a different angle. It starts from the premise that you are creative, whole and full of resources. And it's wonderfully practical: you can put it to use right away, in both your work and your life.

ICF — It's measured in mindset shifts
FAQ

What people ask most before starting.

What does a coaching process cost?+

Depends on format (individual, team) and number of sessions. After the first conversation I send a detailed written quote. No surprises.

What languages do you work in?+

Spanish, English, Dutch and German.

In-person or online?+

Both work. In-person in my Barcelona office (Carrer Lepant 286) or virtual via Zoom/Meet/Teams. Some clients mix.

How long does a process last?+

6-12 sessions across 3-6 months is typical. If you need more, we evaluate together. No locked package.

Coaching or psychology?+

If what you need to work on is past, trauma or deep emotional blocks, I refer you to therapist colleagues. Coaching looks forward; therapy, backward.

Confidentiality?+

Strict. I adhere to the ICF ethical code. Names and cases never shared without explicit authorization.

Ready to move forward? So am I.

Take the first step toward where you want to be. Write to me and we’ll schedule a first session, in person in Barcelona or remote.

Contact me
Materiales de un taller de coaching