Frequently Asked Questions
How do I, as a life coach, differ from a therapist?
My idea behind coaching is that there is nothing wrong with the client; in fact, they're creative, resourceful and whole, it's just that they desire an even better life. Coaching has a broad focus and looks at one’s entire life: health, relationships, career, spirituality and how they all fit together. In therapy the assumption is often that something is wrong, thus preventing a person from functioning normally. The focus then is on healing and correcting past problematic behavior.
Why do people go to life coaches?
To change one's occupation, find healthy relationships, deal with stress or deepen self-understanding. These are just examples, of course. If something keeps you from moving forward and having a more enriching life -- then that's your reason for consulting a life coach.
Who benefits from coaching?
Anyone ready to try new patterns and form new habits. Anyone open to new possibilities and prepared to do what is necessary to reach his or her goals.
What happens in a typical life coaching session?
To get an accurate idea of a client’s strengths and values, we go through some coaching exercises. And naturally, questions are a critical part throughout. A simple question can have a long-term effect on a person’s lifestyle. During every coaching session, I listen intently; I may repeat back the exact words I heard from them. People often respond with enthusiasm and praise me for the "insight of my words." I tell them I am simply saying their own words back to them.
For individuals, how many coaching sessions does a person usually require? Understanding it varies per individual, is their an average number?
Yes, it does vary per individual. But my clients have found that at least three months of weekly sessions yield the best results. And that's not really very much time if it can produce a significant change in outlook and behavior. A change that that individual is then able to maintain on his or her own, in becoming more content, more productive, more fulfilled.
What results can people expect from coaching?
Ideally, coaching helps people shift to a higher level of performance and achieve desired results more consistently. I often compare coaching to dropping a stone in the middle of a pond – it’s amazing to watch the impact of the ripples move to the edges of the shore . . . and beyond!