FAQ
Below are answers to some of the more common questions about life coaching as well as general information about the coaching process. If you do not see the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me. All communications are private and confidential.
What is life coaching?
Life coaching is a specialized process in which an individual receives assistance and support in defining personal goals and values, and taking proactive measures to create an effective, balanced and fulfilling life.
The process of life coaching empowers a person to make positive changes in their lives by enhancing their self-awareness and reinforcing their sense of commitment – the two elements necessary for making positive change. Self-awareness provokes a person’s desire to make changes in their life. Commitment is a person’s true ability to add action to their desire. A person cannot make changes in their life simply by thinking about it and, consequently, taking action without thinking will not yield any positive change.
In addition to the immediate results a person experiences from working with a life coach, the process increases their ability to examine and understand their own perspective and behavior — a life-management skill that will enable them to create and manage change throughout the rest of their lives.
Life coaching is a recognized discipline used by a variety of professionals, especially those working in the fields of psychology and personal development. It is a “cousin” to executive coaching. However, unlike executive coaching that focuses on serving an organization or entity, life coaching focuses on serving a person and assisting him or her improve the quality of his or her own life. Venerated for well over a decade in countries such as Great Britain, Australia, Sweden, Japan and Italy, professional life coaching is taking hold in the U.S.
Is it a form a therapy?
No. Therapy is about helping a client/ patient work towards healing, recovery, and issue resolution. Therapy involves diagnosing and treating an emotional or psychological disorder or disease. Life coaching is a dynamic partnership wherein a coach serves as a detached partner who guides and supports an individual as he or she determines what they would like to do to enhance their lives. Coaching is a support system that provides the client with an accountability partner, truthful dialogue, and new perspectives.
What can I expect from this experience?
You can expect your sessions to be safe and secure and a time for you to focus calmly on yourself without anyone offering his or her opinions or judgments. You are free to speak whatever is on your mind knowing everything you say is confidential. In fact, the efficacy of your coaching sessions requires you to be as honest as possible with yourself as well with as your coach.
You can expect your coach to offer suggestions and give you feedback on what she hears you saying. You should not expect her – nor do you want her – to tell you what you should do. This is not about your coach’s personal views or opinions; this is not about what your coach feels you should do in your life or the direction you should take. Coaching is about helping you decide what you want for your life.
You can expect your coach to serve as a co-creative partner. However, your co-creative partnership has a beginning, middle, and an end. Your coach is the person who will get you up and running, but you are the person who will continue to keep your own life moving forward.