Common Questions About Coaching

What is Life Coaching?
In order to better understand what coaching is all about, it helps to have a working definition. The International Coach Federation (ICF) currently defines coaching as

"an ongoing partnership that helps clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives. Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning [education], improve their performance [empowerment] and enhance their quality of life [experience].”

Based upon what the client desires to achieve in life, the ICF goes on to say that “coaching uses reporting, exploring, and a consistent commitment to action to move the client forward. Coaching accelerates the client's progress by providing greater focus and awareness of choice. It concentrates on where clients are today and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be tomorrow."

In short, the process of life-coaching can be defined simply as . . . 
“A purposeful conversation that inspires you to create the life you want!”

What are some of the things Coaching can help me with?
Coaching can prove very useful in helping clients with the following:

·         Goal-setting, planning and scheduling.

·         Developing new strategies for organization and time management.

·         Developing more effective communication skills.

·         Improving professional skills, such as better meeting management, leadership, presentation, and delegation skills, etc.

·         Stress reduction and anxiety management.

·         Health and wellness goals (especially for “Baby Boomers!”).

·         Improving intimacy with better relationship skills

·         Source of structure, support and encouragement.

·         Development of strategies to maintain focus and concentration.

·         Safe environment to work on social skills and self-esteem.

·         Effectively manage symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADD).

·         Moving out of your comfort zone to the next level of self-development.

·         Learning, loving and living more successfully

We often are aware of what changes we would like to make in our daily lives, but don't know how to make them or won't commit to taking action. Often we just are not willing to invest the time or money in the process or we don't know where to start. That is where I as your life coach can be of help. Coaching provides the accountability, focus and support needed to make the changes that we have been unable or unwilling to make before. In short, working with me will help you learn what I call the “ABC’s” of Christian Coaching: building biblical beliefs (Awareness) and taking responsible action (Behaviors) toward reaching your personal and professional goals (Consequences)!

How does Coaching usually work?
As coach and client, we forge an alliance that is synergistic in nature. We co-create an educational, empowering experience as a team. Our separate roles are clearly defined in the beginning. Together we decide where and when to begin, what to do and how to accomplish it (by a given date). A system of accountability is then set up (to measure and monitor our progress and your success) that is comfortable for us both. The process for this is designed so that you will experience maximum motivation: feeling pulled toward your goals (internal drive for desired outcomes) instead of pushed (external pressure from unwanted sources). The arrangements for support and financial compensation are agreed upon in the initial visit. I require a signed contract for a specific coaching term with the number and length of coaching sessions agreed upon in advance. My coaching is conducted by appointment either in person at my private office or—as is most often the case—over the phone and by e-mail. I may work with you individually or we can create a “coaching circle” that includes key people in your life. Using such people for support without a professional coach can be done, but may be difficult or even less effective.

Can Coaching help an individual with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)?
Yes! Nowadays, ADD Coaches abound—but many of them lack the specialized training that a licensed counselor brings to treatment. Time management and organizational skills are often improved with coaching for the client with ADD. Having a warm, supportive, safe environment in which to learn new skills is often very important. This is particularly true for an adult with ADD--who has experienced criticism and negativity growing up and may even suffer from bouts of depression. Licensed therapists are uniquely qualified to be ADD coaches because they understand attention deficit disorder and the challenges it presents to the coaching process (distractibility, impulsivity and hyperactivity). Helping those with ADD develop healthy lifestyle patterns is especially beneficial in the ongoing management of their symptoms. Coaching is a comfortable and effective way to learn and implement these new skills.

What does it cost for these Coaching Services?
My current Fee Schedule can be found elsewhere on this web-site.
(see Rates & Insurance)
Please note that insurance does not cover life-coaching services.