Research Paper By Frederick West III
(Spiritual Coach, UNITED STATES)
I am pretty confident that few people have written about this connection before, and that even doing so could stir up some interesting reactions. The idea of attaching any faith or religion with strong belief systems (that may seem like judgment to a vocation like coaching that promotes the exact opposite) could be pretty taboo. However, for my journey, it played an integral part in my understanding and adaptation of the coaching core competencies, so I felt inclined to share. In this submission, I will share my journey to coaching and how I was impacted by the discovery of this parallel. I will also share my observations of what happens during an exorcism– from my rudimentary understanding of it–to set the frame work for comparison. Finally, I will share the specific elements that I feel complement each other to illustrate the point, and explain how making this distinction changed my coaching journey, and my life.
Anyone who has been exposed to me for a period of time knows my commitment to my faith. While I am far from a bible beating isolationist, I live my life as if I have a Divine Purpose, and encourage others to do the same. In addition, as a husband of fifteen years and father to eight wonderfully rambunctious kids, we find our center staying close to the beliefs and values of our faith.
My journey in coaching started over five years ago, after I was exposed to the coaching profession by a Growth Coach Franchise owner. Up to that point, I was only moderately familiar with the coaching profession, and had never explored it in any depth. I had always enjoyed building people as a manager, youth coach, consultant, etc… but treated that part of my life as a benefit of engaging with people rather than a primary focus. Now that I reflect on that moment, I realize that gaining that insight into the profession was a defining moment in my life, however, the way I was exposed may have stunted my professional growth.
For people who may not be familiar, Growth Coach is a curriculum-based proprietary coaching system designed for small to medium businesses. While there are some tools inside the system that are used by certified coaches, the program itself is agenda- based, with built in accountability structures. As far as I could tell, being an accredited coach was not a requisite of owning a franchise, and more than likely would be in direct conflict ethically with a system built to have the coach set the agenda. However, my naivety was a grace, because what I was exposed to was truly an answer to my prayers. Almost immediately, I began exploring franchise options, and got my hands on every coaching resource I could find. After much deliberation and prayer, my family and I decided to create our own coaching platform, and after a few months we launched our coaching practice, Enterprise Solutions International. With my experience as a child growing up in an entrepreneurial family and my occupational choices, I was very equipped to handle most of the strategy needs of my clients, and many of them GREATLY benefitted from our time together.
After a few years, I had developed a solid reputation in my own community and was a regular speaker at local events. At these events it was quite common to run in to ICF accredited coaches, or people who knew of them, and I was constantly asked about where I studied and got certified. While I never volunteered that I had not yet gone through the certification process, when asked directly I was always up front and honest. Towards the end of 2012, I had grown tired of leveraging my reputation to offset my lack of credentials, and in 2013–after a referral from a past ICA graduate– started my journey. With full disclosure here, my intention was not so much to adapt the skill set of the coaching competencies as it was to get a little piece of paper that said “Accredited Coach”. It wasn’t that I had disrespect for the vocation, but just like any other profession, I had been around some amateur coaches and was not necessarily impressed with the results they were getting.
So with a closed mind and a specific intention, I set out into the world of ICA. I believe my first enlightenment came in a class held by Bill Turpin. In March of 2013, while attending a “Coaching Influences” module, I started to get a clearer picture of what competent coaching could produce. Up to that point, in my own profession I was VERY effective at creating a solution, but not so effective in helping the client discover and eliminate the beliefs that held them back from implementing it. Interestingly enough, that was the last class I took in 2013 with ICA, because in April I received another life-changing offer to represent and be trained by the Anthony Robbins organization. Within the Anthony Robbins group, I was exposed to some of the greatest tools and coaches in the industry. With their crucible-like environment, I began to understand the impact that pure coaching could have, and also how to use the skills outlined in the competencies to create definitive and lasting change. However, the conflict between relying on my consultative experience and creating a solution for the client, and giving the client the space to create one for themselves still was in full force.
It was one night while watching a movie that I first got the idea of the parallel. It was, of course, of movie about exorcisms, and during the commentary there was dialog around the importance of the possessing demon to expose themselves. Circling around internally in my mind, I couldn’t figure out why even having the name of the demon was important. I mean, the thing shouldn’t even be in there…Why not just tell it to get out… right? It was then that I discovered the power of clarifying and giving an identity to the unwanted. I began to use some of the skills I had been exposed to in ICA and Robbins to make sense of what I was seeing, and almost immediately the parallels became clear. To gain more clarity on the comparison, I began to research everything I could find. While I want to avoid sounding like an expert on being an exorcist here, there are several universally acknowledged characteristics and patterns.
Below are some of the most important ones:
Just in case some have been unable to make the connections, here is a list of the competencies spelled out by ICF.
1. Meeting Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards
A priest–one who is expressly and particularly authorized by the Ordinary (Officer of the Church)–when he intends to perform an exorcism over persons tormented by the devil, must be properly distinguished for his piety, prudence, and integrity of life.[i]
2. Establishing the Coaching Agreement
N/A
3. Establishing Trust and Intimacy with the Client
If it can be done conveniently the possessed person should be led to church or to some other sacred and worthy place, where the exorcism will be held, away from the crowd. But if the person is ill, or for any valid reason, the exorcism may take place in a private home.[ii]
4. Coaching Presence
Let the priest pronounce the exorcism in a commanding and authoritative voice and at the same time with great confidence, humility, and fervor; and when he sees that the spirit is sorely vexed, then he oppresses and threatens all the more. If he notices that the person afflicted is experiencing a disturbance in some part of his body or an acute pain or a swelling appears in some part, he traces the sign of the cross over that place and sprinkles it with holy water, which he must have at hand for this purpose.[iii]
5. Active Listening
He will pay attention as to what words in particular cause the evil spirits to tremble, repeating them the more frequently. And when he comes to a threatening expression, he recurs to it again and again, always increasing the punishment. If he perceives that he is making progress, let him persist for two, three, four hours, and longer if he can, until victory is attained.[iv]
6. Powerful Questioning
The exorcist must not digress into senseless prattle nor ask superfluous questions or such as are prompted by curiosity, particularly if they pertain to future and hidden matters, all of which have nothing to do with his office. Instead, he will bid the unclean spirit keep silence and answer only when asked. Neither ought he to give any credence to the devil if the latter maintains that he is the spirit of some saint or of a deceased party, or even claims to be a good angel.[v]
7. Direct Communication
During the exorcism he shall preferably employ words from Holy Writ, rather than forms of his own or of someone else. He shall, moreover, command the devil to tell whether he is detained in that body by necromancy, by evil signs or amulets; and if the one possessed has taken the latter by mouth, he should be made to vomit them; if he has them concealed on his person, he should expose them; and when discovered they must be burned. Moreover, the person should be exhorted to reveal all his temptations to the exorcist.[vi]
8. Creating Awareness
But necessary questions are, for example: the number and name of the spirits inhabiting the patient, the time when they entered into him, the cause thereof, and the like. As for all jesting, laughing, and nonsense on the part of the evil spirit–the exorcist should prevent it or contemn it, and he will exhort the bystanders (whose number must be very limited) to pay no attention to such goings on; neither are they to put any question to the subject. Rather they should intercede for him to God in all humility and urgency.[vii]
9. Designing Actions
The subject, if in good mental and physical health, should be exhorted to implore God’s help, to fast, and to fortify himself by frequent reception of penance and Holy Communion, at the discretion of the priest. And in the course of the exorcism he should be fully recollected, with his intention fixed on God, whom he should entreat with firm faith and in all humility. And if he is all the more grievously tormented, he ought to bear this patiently, never doubting the divine assistance.[viii]
10. Planning and Goal Setting
Finally, after the possessed one has been freed, let him be admonished to guard himself carefully against falling into sin, so as to afford no opportunity to the evil spirit of returning, lest the last state of that man become worse than the former.[ix]
11. Managing Progress and Accountability
Once in a while, after they are already recognized, they conceal themselves and leave the body practically free from every molestation, so that the victim believes himself completely delivered. Yet the exorcist may not desist until he sees the signs of deliverance.[x]
The source for this information does not come from movies or blogs, but instead a recognized translation of the original “Roman Ritual” used by priests for over 250 years. You can view the entire process here . The section on Exorcism is part XIII (13)
I really cannot put my finger on when or how, but being equipped with this new found awareness provided a profound amount of clarity for me, and increased my resolve to help clients come up with their own answers. In addition, my conviction towards my new vocation took on an entirely new meaning, and even forced me to evolve my brand. Driving down and getting clarity on the belief systems holding people back from their Divine Purpose became an obsession.
A lot of changes have manifested from this moment of clarity, and I am still today seeing the effects. In early 2014, I rebranded my business and tightened my niche from “Business Coaching and Consulting” with Enterprise Solutions International, to a “Higher Purpose Coach” focusing on Christian-Based businesses and organizations. We incorporated a new brand identity (Look Faith First) and created a new website, www.lookfaithfirst.com.
Before the shift, I was fulfilled by helping others feel happy; however, there is A LOT of danger in focusing on “happiness” as an intention. Sometimes in order to fulfill our role as coaches, we have to help the client dig deep and dirty to find their answer. This continually became more apparent to me as I continued my journey. Now my sessions have adapted an intention of “serve the client”, which has entirely changed the way I coach, and has helped me move past my reservations of challenging the client. As a result, my clients have now gotten a new level of coaching and have had the space they needed to change their lives to represent the vision they have for themselves. It has truly been a liberating experience for both of us.
After sharing my story and the many thoughts I had around coaching, then and now, I would like to summarize with this: There is an equal role and place for coaching in society, and the more we refine our image, our standards, and our message, others will discover it for themselves, too. While I do not believe it could ever be a replacement for quality consulting, coaching shouldn’t have to be. It has its own advantages, and creates its own unique results when properly applied. The message I would have for those who call themselves coaches but do not have the appreciation for pure coaching, and those who are coaches that dismiss the power of consulting, pause for a moment and acknowledge the role that both play in today’s world. It may mean the difference in the lives around you, or even in your own.
Resources
[i] Object 1, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[ii] Object 11, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[iii] Object 16, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[iv] Object 17, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[v] Object 12, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[vi] Object 14, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[vii] Object 20, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[viii] Object 12, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[ix] Object 21, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[x] Object 6, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[1] Object 1, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[1] Object 11, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[1] Object 16, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[1] Object 17, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[1] Object 12, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[1] Object 14, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[1] Object 20, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[1] Object 12, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[1] Object 21, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller
[1] Object 6, PART XI. BLESSINGS AND OTHER SACRAMENTALS THE ROMAN RITUAL, Translated by PHILIP T. WELLER, S.T.D. Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller