What is coaching?

Coaching helps people set goals that are achievable, meaningful and productive, while keeping an eye on the larger life picture. Working with a coach enables people to achieve those goals more quickly than they would have on their own. It's like having your very own muse sitting on your shoulder, making you accountable, while cheering you on.

What happens if I hire a coach?

While coaching varies from person to person, some predictable outcomes are:

• You take yourself more seriously
• Actions are more effective and focused
• Negative thinking is cleared away
• You create momentum which translates to results
• You set achieveable, meaningful goals.

Why does coaching work?

Coaching works for several reasons:

• The relationship between the client and the coach has immense power and momentum
• The client develops new skills, which translate into success
• Because the client is held accountable for his goal setting, change happens rather quickly
• Better goals are set -- ones that pull the client toward the goal rather than goals that require the client to push themselves.

What's the difference between coaching and therapy?

As a therapist and coach, I could give a lengthy answer to this, but I won't. The short answer is that typically therapy is based on pathology or some sort of past experience which requires healing. While coaching may touch upon old wounds, they are brought into the context of "now." Coaching is forward based and action oriented.

How does coaching work?

Typically, after an agreement has been reached that the client wants coaching, an appointment is made for an "intake." During that time, which is either in person or on the phone, the client and I will work on designing an alliance that will be in effect for the duration of the coaching. I will complete a thorough history and use some assessment tools to determine the clients values and life balance and from this, the client will set some initial goals.

Following the intake, a weekly 30-40 minute phone conversation takes place, with the client placing the phone call. Regular e-mail contact is also a part of the coaching.

Can you give some additional context about coaching?

A life coach does just what an athletic coach or music teacher does, only in a more complete and bigger way. A coach challenges you and takes the time to find out what winning in life means to you. A coach is your partner in living the life you know you can accomplish, personally and professionally. A coach is someone to hold you accountable for your life, to make sure you really do live up to your potential.