FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Coaching?

Coaching is a partnership. It is where a professional relationship is established between you and a certified coach. The process of coaching should be a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires you to maximize your personal and professional potential,” according to the International Coach Federation. There are all different kinds of coaching; Life, Health & Wellness, Divorce, Sports, Career, Business, Executive, End of Life and many more.

My role of a coach is one of high impact and is designed for those who seek empowerment in personal and professional development in order to create a more rewarding life. It is about self-awareness, self-discovery, action, accountability and follow through.

What is the difference between a therapist and a coach?

Therapists are licensed professionals who focus on challenges typically routed in the past and why things happened. A coach can take you from the present into the future with a focus on your goals of personal and professional development to help you achieve success.

What is the difference between a mentor and a coach?

A mentor can be defined as a trusted advisor or someone having the wisdom and experience to help support the development of a person. They help support professional growth while modeling and suggesting methods based on experience. While the role of a mentor and coach are similar in the way they support development for long term, they are both incredibly valuable, the difference lies in the discipline.

A certified coach is able to target specific areas of learning and to bring skill development into focus to support further development in behavior and performance objectives. A coach will help uncover underlying challenges that may be preventing further learning or change. They do so in way that is not telling style rather they use a style / technique that allows for self-discovery. It’s these discoveries that contribute to the acquisition of new skills and strategies that are result in the success of being coached.

What is the objective of coaching?

It is about achieving your potential by leveraging your strengths, uncovering what’s holding you back, and focusing on the areas you feel need to be addressed to help you reach your goals more efficiently and effectively.

What are the session packages offered?

3-month to a 1-year

Is everyone coachable?

Yes, everyone is coachable, it just depends on your situational awareness and timing. If therapy or psychological counseling is needed or the need is identified at any stage in our relationship, it is your responsibility to seek out and engage these services from a licensed professional. When those services are complete, the coaching session can be continued.

Still undecided about coaching?

It’s understandable. Many people perceive this as the ultimate weakness. I like to say that everyone knows something, but not everyone knows everything! Coaching brings awareness and clarity. You need those both to be an advocate of change.

How do I know it’s worth it?

That’s a great question. I will implore you to do some research on the return of investment for coaching. The question I always like to ask is, 6-months from now, what will make you look back and say, ”yes, coaching was worth it.” What will be different in your life? What is it costing you to not make that move or change to reach that goal or implement a change?

Coaching is an investment in yourself and in what you can do to maximize your growth and success. What you put into it, you get out of it!

Am I ready for coaching?

If you are open for the opportunity for growth and the idea of transformation sounds intriguing, the journey begins with making the call, sending an email or text. We will begin with scheduling your complimentary session.

What is the commitment to coaching?

The initial visit is complimentary. This will help you determine if we are a good match. If it is determined that you want to move forward with me, we will talk about the next steps to take. If it’s decided that it’s not the good fit, I will help the client find a different coach.

What is the time frame for coaching results?

In my experience, a three-month commitment is needed to seeing good results. Some clients need more time while most do well with the three-months. It depends on how many goals the client wants to exceed.

What is the frequency of visits?

Once a week or once every two weeks. This allows for time to reflect and apply what was learned in session. Remember, much of your growth comes in between sessions through the application of the new skill.

How long are the sessions?

Sessions are 45-minutes, the first session is 90 minutes and is complimentary.

Where are the coaching sessions conducted?

Coaching sessions are done by phone or skype (by request only). Most importantly, clients need to secure a private room or a place where they can talk with no disruption during the sessions.

What happens in a coaching session?

With the first meeting is an “exploratory session” and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. After this initial session, you and coach agree on a regular coaching schedule, to be determined by the you and the coach. Typically, coaching is 3 sessions per month. Session length is 45 minutes. Coaching commitments range from 3-12 months.

Homework is required, both prior and during the commitment. Before each session, I ask to you to prepare and submit a Personal Goal Form to me. This form lists what you did during the past week, what you want to work on during the current session and how you are feeling. I ask you to prepare an agenda what you want to discuss in addition to what you would like from the coach during the session. The day’s agenda is used as a map for the session. Toward the end of the session, you and I will discuss accountability by deciding, together, what actions you will take during the week based on that day’s topic(s) or agenda.

Between the coaching sessions, you will work on completing your stated goals, often with supporting homework. Questions, victories or disappointments during the week you may contact the me by email (anytime) or by telephone (by appointment). You are always welcome to do as much homework as you want. Most of the learning/growth/action/results happen between the coaching sessions.

When is payment due?

It is my standard practice to request payment in advance for all coaching sessions. Preferred payment methods are; checks, ACH or credit card.

When a coaching series package has been booked, there can be some flexibility in payment arrangements, specifically when we mutually agree, in advance, and are documented in our signed Coaching Agreement.

What is Emotional Intelligence (EQ)?

This is a good question I get asked a lot. Emotion Intelligence, defined by Talent Smart is “your ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others, and your ability to use this awareness to manage your behavior and relationships.” In my coaching, EQ is used to help navigate the understanding of you! Then, through a growth mindset, together, we will begin to discover what it means to you and your relationships.

What is Emotional Intelligence as to how it relates to IQ?

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a set of skills that is rooted in human behavior. It accounts for your ability to recognize and understand emotions, and your skill at using this awareness to manage yourself and influence your relationship with others (Dan Goleman). The Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a series of standardized tests that determines your ability to learn and apply it. Your IQ remains the same from childhood to adulthood as it relatively compares to your age group.

How does EQ come into coaching?

The foundation of coaching begins with your desire for change. One of the most challenging jobs you will have is getting to know you and your why! Everything we do is rooted in an element of human behavior. As you gain an more insight and awareness into your emotional intelligence, the acquisition of skill and understanding will take on a new meaning and focus in your life.