Why work with a coach?

Coaching takes you from desire > to commitment > to action. It’s about you as a whole person – your values, goals, balance, fulfillment and life purpose. I work with motivated individuals like you to develop your own definition of success and then make it happen.

Instead of saying “I wish it were this way” you’ll be saying “What’s one thing I can do right now to get closer to what I envision?”

My job as your coach is to listen deeply, ask hard questions, challenge, encourage and empower. I know my clients are already remarkable and it’s my job to provide support to enhance your skills, resources and creativity so you achieve the extraordinary results you desire. Together, we’ll design a plan inspired by your needs and aspirations. You’ll have someone on your side – acknowledging you, holding you accountable, giving you feedback and cheering you on!

Coaching helps you:

• Create work that doesn’t feel like ‘work’.
• Clarify and achieve life and career goals.
• Find greater joy and passion for life.
• Awaken your creativity.
• Improve relationships and communication.
• Challenge yourself to stretch beyond what you would do on your own.
• Make better choices at work or at home.
• Recognize where you’re ‘stuck’, learn tools to get ‘unstuck’ and move forward quickly.
• Embrace transitions including career change, new business startup, job loss, marriage, divorce, preparing for retirement or when facing health and medical decisions.

<br />

How does the process work?

Coaching is usually done by phone. I work with clients across the US and Canada. Session length is tailored to meet your needs. Most clients prefer three 40-minute sessions per month to keep connected and taking action toward their goals.

Once we’re working together, I’ll send you a questionnaire and schedule our Discovery Session. This is when we’ll design our relationship – the way we want to work together. Coaches call this The Designed Alliance. (read more in this pdf) We’ll discuss the kind of support you’d like from me in detail, look at what’s happening right now as well as your dreams and goals.

Then we’ll schedule following sessions. In ongoing sessions we’ll often discuss your accomplishments and challenges since the last call while looking at opportunities available to keep moving toward your goal. There is no judgement and you can’t disappoint me. I’ll ask powerful questions and keep your goal front and center. Sometimes we’ll use coaching tools including looking at Peak Experiences in your life, exploring your Values and playing with alternative Perspectives.

Coaches are fond of saying “90% of coaching happens between sessions” meaning that real life is where we truly experience, learn and grow. I believe you’ll find coaching to be an amazing tool in achieving your life dreams while we have fun along the way!

<br />

How does coaching differ from therapy or consulting?

Therapy often deals with the past and the ‘why’ of behavior. Coaching looks at where you are now and concentrates on forward action. Unlike therapy, coaching doesn’t diagnose or specifically focus on healing emotional wounds. That doesn’t mean you won’t experience a sense of healing as you talk openly and step into your goals and dreams.

But we’ll mainly be looking at what’s going on in your life right now, where you want to be and then supporting you taking the actions to get there.

I also coach clients who are currently working with a therapist. This combination of coaching and therapy can offer great pathways for learning. Please let me know if this approach would support you.

Coaching is not consulting or mentoring
While it makes sense that you may hire me in part because you value my experience as an entrepreneur and business owner, the difference is that YOU set the agenda in our coaching sessions and I support your agenda. I will always ask if you want me to share my consulting expertise. If you say ‘yes’, I will offer it without attachment or expectation. This approach means you continue to set the agenda to find the answers that are right for you.

Complete confidentiality
Rest assured that like therapy, all information provided is kept strictly confidential. I adhere to the code of ethics set by the International Coach Federation. (pdf)

<br />

What will coaching cost me?

The first session is free. This allows you to experience firsthand the process and benefits while seeing if my style of coaching works well for you. Sessions are co-designed by both client and coach and are usually between 30-40 minutes three times per month. I work with clients both by phone and in-person. You can also email me between our sessions for support. Rates depend upon the length and number of sessions per month. (My monthly rates typically range between $300-$400.) Billing is done at the first of each month and payable by check.

Contact me today for details and a free sample session.