FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?: A: Both therapy and coaching professionals can help people who are working through difficult issues or situations and help them make changes. Therapy is a medical model that focuses on weaknesses, problems and healing the past. It tends to work toward resolving issues and overcoming obstacles from the past by focusing on analysis, treatment and healing of unresolved issues. Personal coaching is a performance model that tends toward personal evolution, problem solving and maintaining a sustainable flow. Rather than looking backward, coaching focuses on looking forward, dealing with the present and the future. It’s designing a life that will support your needs and wants and help you move forward through establishing goals and actions. Instead of dwelling on problems, coaching looks for opportunities and solutions.

Q: Is coaching the same as consulting?: A: A consultant is an expert who charges a fee for providing advice or services in a particular field. A coach is an expert who instructs an individual in a specified matter without necessarily giving advice. Rather, the possibilities are explored, discovered and discussed so that the clients come up with the best choice for themselves. Coaches go beyond consulting in that they offer support and encouragement to implement the skills and changes necessary for long-term success.

Q: How is a coach different from a friend or family member giving you advice?: A: Friends and family can be quite helpful and supportive in times of need. A coach, however, is a trained professional who has no vested interest in your outcome. Unlike family or friends who think they are helping you by “knowing what is best for you”, a coach is not emotionally attached to you or your situation and can provide an unbiased position from which to assess your options. Coaches care for their clients and their successes and can do so with the objectivity that friends and family frequently cannot provide. They will tell clients the truth, not just what they may want to hear. Coaches hold their clients accountable to follow through on their actions, which could seem like nagging when coming from a family member or a friend. Coaches are paid to help you get what you want and holding you accountable is one way to achieve that goal. It’s best to have your family and friends AND have a coach.

Q: What are the benefits of coaching?: A: An obvious benefit of coaching is reaching your goals more quickly. A coach helps ensure your goals are in line with your values and dreams. Coaches help their clients think bigger and see opportunities that may be missed. They encourage you to be more creative and resourceful in going after and achieving your goals. Other benefits are helping to establish priorities and seeing the bigger picture to get you into the game or play at a higher, more competent level. Coaching helps us to see our blind spots and what may be keeping us stuck in a particular routine or situation.

Q: How does coaching work and how much does it cost?: A: Most coaches who work with their clients over the phone. My local clients typically like to meet in person at my office, although I am available for phone coaching for people near and far. My sessions usually run 30 to 60 minutes once a week, unlike 30 to 45 minutes three times a month for most other coaches. My fees are set to be very affordable for most people. Typically, coaching requires a 3-month commitment to start to ensure reasonable and attainable goals. I do my best to accommodate client’s needs. Please contact me for more information.

Q: How will I know coaching is a worthwhile investment for me?: A: Change is difficult for most people and usually requires consistent work for 30 days. You probably won’t really know until you try coaching yourself for that length of time. By the end of that time, it should be clear to you that coaching is incredibly worthwhile or that it’s not. For many people, it can be life changing.

Q: What is required of me to be coached?: A: All that is required is a willing spirit to explore opportunities. You must be ready and willing to do what it takes to define and get what you want.