Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is coaching and what will it do for me?

Based on the definition of the International Coach Federation, coaching is a partnership between a coach and client in which there exists a thought provoking and creative process inspiring the client to maximize her/his personal and professional potential.

A good coach will use various coaching methods and his/her insights to ask powerful questions thus promoting exploration and a back-and-forth flow of generative energy between the coach and the client. This process creates newly found awareness, clarity and motivation for the client culminating with a plan of action towards achieving his/her goals.

What are some reasons to work with a life, career, or business coach?

You …

…feel stuck or are in a rut.
…know what you want but don’t know how to get it.
…want to start a new business or improve your existing business.
…want a different career and need help getting it
…want to better organize your time.
…feel like you should be doing something else with your life but aren’t sure what.
…want to be happier.
…want to feel more inspired and alive.
…have too much stress.
…want to do something important and meaningful with your life.
…want to earn more money.
…want clarity.
…want balance in your life.
…want to be heard.

And many, many more…

Will I benefit from working with a coach?

I believe that anyone who makes an honest commitment to coaching and has the desire and willingness to change and improve their life will benefit from coaching.

I have witnessed the amazing results of coaching for my clients and have personally experienced the same when being coached.

Are coaching sessions confidential?

Yes, my coaching sessions are confidential (except as required by law and I have yet to find myself in such a position).

Are there any guidelines or rules that coaches follow?

Yes, although I can’t speak for all coaches. I am a member of the International Coach Federation, the world’s leading coaching organization that has developed a definition and philosophy of coaching, and has established a set of ethical standards that ICF members must uphold.

Do all coaches go through the same training?

No, absolutely not. There are many coach training schools throughout the world, some ICF accredited and some not. Most ICF accredited schools take anywhere from one to two years to complete.  Anyone can call themselves a coach regardless of their training, so it is important to check a coach’s credentials prior to hiring him/her to be your coach.

Does a coach have to be trained by an ICF accredited school to be considered a good coach?

Not necessarily. Although, the ICF is the most recognized organization and one whose principles, philosophies, and guidelines I have come to respect and to which I adhere.

How is coaching different that psychotherapy?

Therapy deals more with healing a persons’ present state of being by addressing and talking about their past, often childhood issues.

Coaching focuses on what a person wants from his/her life now and in the future, although it may be helpful at times to recognize past patterns that had previously held them back from achieving their goals. Most coaching sessions result in a plan of action that will immediately move the client closer to their desired result.

There are times that a coach will recommend therapy to a client in addition to coaching or instead of coaching.