FAQ
Below are answers to some of the more common questions about life coaching and, more specifically, about the Capital LifeWorks’ method of coaching. If you don’t 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 process in which an individual receives assistance and support in defining personal goals and values, and taking proactive measures to make their lives truly reflective of who they are and what is important to them. 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. It is quickly becoming a primary resource for people who want to achieve more out of life and are willing to make change happen.
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 to get your life where you want it to be more quickly than if you were on your own. You can expect your thinking to become “unstuck”; to become more confident in your decision-making; and to develop a new perspective. You can also expect to acquire or tone your ability to seek clarity and establish stability in your thinking. These are all skills that you can apply to the entire rest of your life.
You can expect your sessions to be safe and secure and a time to calmly focus on yourself without anyone offering their opinions or judgments. You are free to speak whatever is on your mind knowing everything you say is confidential. Your coaching sessions are meant as a means for you to be as honest as possible with yourself so that you can get clarity in your thinking and make decisions that are truly in your best interests.
You can expect me to offer suggestions and give you feedback on what I hear you saying. You should not expect me – nor do you want me – to tell you what you should do. This is not about my personal perspectives or opinions; this is not about what I think you should do in your life or the direction I think you should take. This is all about you deciding what you want for your life.
You can expect our co-creative partnership to have a beginning, middle, and an end. I get you up and running and help you accomplish certain goals. You are the one who keeps moving your own life forward.
How would you conduct our sessions?
For the most part, I conduct sessions over the telephone, although I arrange to have at least one face-to-face meeting with clients living within the Washington, DC area. I also allow, and often encourage, clients to be in contact with me in between sessions. When I begin working with a client, we both agree on and sign a Statement of Policies and Procedures that establishes the payment and scheduling procedure of our specific co-creative partnership.