Frequently Asked Questions

Answered by Teri 

 

First thing you need to know:  This is not your traditional therapy or counseling!

Second thing you need to know: We've all been there and if we say we haven't, we're fooling ourselves.

 

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Q: How will coaching help me?

 

A: Professional Coaches provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks.

 

Often people find coaches to be a tremendous asset in achieving desired personal growth, family concerns, marriage issues, as well as the hiccups and curve balls of everyday life. Coaches provide a slightly different perspective which will allow you to navigate to a solution that feels supportive and good to you.  Benefits obtained from coaching depend on your willingness to engage in the process.

 

Some of the benefits available from coaching include:

*Invites healthy sustainable shift around self, goals, communication, goals.

*Communication skill-sets for improving your relationships

* Identifying healthier ways to cope with stress and anxiety

*Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

*Improving communications and listening skills

*Changing unhealthy behavior patterns and developing healthy effective ones

*Awareness around healthy problem solving tools

*Improving self-esteem and boosting confidence

 

*** Connecting the dots and making sense of life's curve balls, potholes and crossroads.

 

 

Q: I handle my own problems; why do I need to hire a coach?    

 

A: We all go through challenging situations, and while you may have successfully navigated through many of them, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, coaching is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. By taking responsibility and acknowledging where you're at in life you are making a commitment to healthier change. A coach can provide insight and support which give you tools needed to avoid triggers, and re-direct damaging patterns while overcome whatever challenges come your way.

 

By utilizing the assistance of a Professional Certified Coach, you are joining the ranks of many successful people. Michael Jordan, Cameron Diaz, Oprah Winfrey, Cher - to name a few, all have a coach in their corner helping them navigate their lives and careers.

 

Disclaimer: Like a few other professions out there, just about anyone can hand a shingle and call themselves a "Coach" - I invite you to do your homework. Find a professional that feels like the right fit for YOU, not someone that is going to tell you what you want to hear, but rather someone who authentically understands, effectively communicates processes and expectations. Someone who has done *and continues) their own work. Ask questions about their style of coaching, certifications/education, professional experience and what self-care they practice. Do not just assume that one style fits all - it does not.  

 

Q: Why go to a coach and how do I know if it is right for me?

 

A: People have many different motivations.  Some find themselves going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, death, lines, new job, etc.), and not handling the stress of it all very well. Others may assistance managing a range of other issues such as self-esteem, anxiety, habitual behaviors, relationship issues, spiritual conflicts or creative blocks. Coaching helps provide much needed encouragement and help with skills which assist through such times. While other folks find themselves at a point in life where they desire to know more about themselves, what that want out of life or maybe their purpose.

 

 

Q: What should I expect?

 

A: Because each person has a different set of concerns or issues - the coaching will vary. I may have 6 clients with similar concerns, however an individual blueprint is created for each one. Again, just because we have similar experiences - this does not mean one style fits all! You can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your concern and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous coaching session. Depending on your specific needs, coaching can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns, triggers and behaviors. Either way, it’s most common to schedule regular sessions with your life coach. (Usually weekly or bi-weekly)

 

 

Q: Does what we talk about in coaching remain confidential?

 

A: Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and life coach. Successful coaching requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the coach's office. You can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. Written consent is needed to have your coach to share information to someone on your healthcare team (Physician, Naturopath, Attorney) or family/spouse/partner.

 

Let me be clear, I am not a licensed mental health professional (nor do I play one on T.V.) however; I am ethically required to break confidentiality in the following situations:

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of child, adult, or elder.  

* If I have a reason to suspect client is in danger of harming self or others. 

 

Society likes to lasso and as such coaching often gets looped in with therapy/counseling. Remember coaching is not therapy or counseling...Unless the professional coach has the credentials to counsel (License/Ph.D., etc). Most all folks who turn to Life Coaching consider themselves to be well rounded functioning people who simply want to restore clarity, guidance, balance and peace of mind to the personal, emotional, professional, relational, or spiritual areas in their lives.

 

As a professional it is my responsibility to acknowledge where you are TODAY and work with you to facilitate a plan of action which will promote sustainable health and happiness - ​

 

All the best,