FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is holistic life coaching?
Holistic life coaching acknowledges integration of the whole person - physical well-being, thoughts, emotions, spirit, and intuition.
People often turn to friends and family for guidance. Coaching is a professional extension of that help. You may have turned to a "wise" friend to make decisions or solve problems. But friends may not be sufficiently objective to give good advice.
Coaches are trained to help you see your life from a different perspective and give you confidence to move forward. They also help you to break negative belief patterns, act more decisively, and set clear goals. By working with a coach, you can set better goals and reach them faster than if you tried to reach them on your own.
How does life coaching work?
- Reflective listening
- Encouragement
- Powerful questions, which are designed to prompt the client to really think about how she sees things, how she is inspired, and what issues might be blocking her progress. Clients begin to see and think through things in a clearer and more balanced way.
- Homework assignments to assist clients in learning more about who they are, clarify their goals and intentions. Much of the work of coaching is done in between sessions, in the client's day to day life.
- Goal-setting and planning. As clients learn to listen and trust themselves, a plan is formulated by the client. Coach and client course-correct as necessary.
Coaches meet with clients face-to-face (in-person or video conferencing), by phone, e-mail, or even Facebook.
I ask new clients to commit to three sessions when they begin coaching ($349).
Our first session is 60-90 minutes. We will review where you are, where you would like to be, and what is standing in the way. Then together we will do a "life balance" assessment to explore your values and satisfaction in the main areas of your life.
We will take this awareness into our second session, when we will begin to identify options and goals as you begin to move forward.
In the third session, we will create a step-by-step plan to get you to where you want to be. From here, you will decide if you would like additional sessions.
What is the difference between coaching and therapy/counseling?
Psychotherapy/counseling generally focuses on uncovering and healing past pain and trauma. This is essential for being able to forgive and move past hurtful experiences.
Coaches are interested in where you are now and where you want to go. We generally coach people who are of sound mind and who are well mentally and emotionally. We might talk a little about the past, but we won't stay there for long. If, as your coach, I see that something from your past has become an obstacle, I will suggest that you talk with someone who is qualified to help you.
How do I know if I'm ready for coaching?
It's possible to be willing, able, ready - and afraid or anxious - at the same time. If you see yourself in any of these statements, you are ready for coaching. My clients find that having the support and guidance of a coach helps them move through their fears and commit to doing what is necessary to create the life they want and deserve.
- I want to find and live my life's purpose.
- I want to learn more about who I am.
- I want to feel more fulfilled.
- I want more enjoyment in my life.
- I am willing to overcome self-limiting beliefs and behaviors.
- I am ready to create plans and take action to achieve my goals.
- I know I need someone to help me to stay on track.
What are some misconceptions about coaching?
Life coaches are not mental health professionals, so they don't analyze or treat. They are not clinicians; they don't diagnose or prescribe. A coach is not a counselor, mentor, friend, advisor or instructor. A life coach is a guide. Where an instructor shows a person exactly what to do, a guide provides the tools and support a person needs to do something for themselves. Coaching is about objectivity, structure, and empowerment, not instruction or indoctrination.
I will be friendly and may suggest resources, but I do not become personally involved in a client's life. Nor will I attempt to give advice. We all have different perspectives of the world. No one perspective is "right" or "wrong," but some perspectives are restrictive and can stop a person from having the life they want. It is within everyone's capability to adjust their perspective. With the help of life coaching anyone can learn to open their mind if they wish.
Adapted from Life Coach Directory Copyright © 2015.
What does coaching cost?
Discovery session (phone only) -- no charge
New client package (3 sessions) -- $349
Single coaching session (45 to 60 minutes) -- $125
30-minute face-to-face, phone, or email check-in (for current clients only) -- $65
15-minute phone or email check-in (for current clients only ) --$35
Packages
5 sessions (10% discount) -- $549
10 sessions (20% discount) -- $999
Payments can be made by cash, check, money order, credit card or PayPal, Cash, Apple Pay, Venmo apps. Sliding scale payments may be negotiated on a need basis.