What is Coaching and How does it differ from COunseling?

Coaching is a relationship-based activity focused on identifying and moving towards your goals and desires for your life. The coach and counselor partner to move the client toward their desired personal, professional, and relational goals. Coaches are often very knowledgeable in a set niche, and a coach may share training and guidance, but the coach does not independently dictate the client's goals or action items to move forward.

Coaching is different from counseling or mentoring. Unlike counseling, coaching does not profoundly explore past experiences, traumas, or hurts. Instead, coaching focuses on actions to take in the present to impact the future. Coaches do not diagnose or treat mental illness, though coaches may provide references to mental health professionals If needed.

Counselling is a past-focused discipline, in which the counsellor identifies the reasons for the person’s feelings and behaviours and offers ways to handle a particular issue. Unfortunately, this often gives the client a label, e.g. “I’m depressed”, which they use to justify their actions and thereby limit their ability to change.

Some clients come to us after experiencing counselling when they get tired of having reasons and excuses and want to move forward.

In life coaching, we do not dwell on the reasons, because we want to avoid this negative outcome. Instead, we focus on the future, because no matter what has happened in the past, any person can make it better and learn to achieve, grow and be happy.

How Many Sessions do I need?

The goal as a coach is to equip you with tool to conquer future obstacles on your own. Six months is a typical investment with maintenance and follow up sessions as desired. I work with most clients for six months on a bi-weekly basis then a bi monthly maintenance schedule but you and your situation is unique so it will be entirely up to you how you engage Life Coaching and this investment into your life

The time frame can vary greatly and depends on a wide range of factors: your goal(s), your commitment and openness to change, your capacity for introspection, your circumstances, how quickly and thoughtfully you complete homework assignments, and other unique factors.

I have individuals who come in for a very brief engagement (e.g., one mock interview coaching session). We have others who come in focused on one goal, achieve that goal, and begin work on another goal and then another. Those individuals who partner with us in multiple capacities and for multiple goals work with us for a year or more.

Do you offer Payment Plans?

Yes! Finances should never be the reason that someone can’t move forward into their calling and best life. I’m happy to discuss payment plans as needed during our Discover Call. I also offer First Responder discounts and have the availability to work on a sliding scale, if needed.

What’s involved in a Coaching Session

You and your coach will discuss what you want to accomplish and what’s been tripping you up. Together, you’ll figure out areas where you can grow and improve and develop a game plan to make it all happen.

As your coach, I will be your wingman, advising, cheering you on, and holding you accountable for your goals. And at the end of each session, you’ll set your sights on what you want to tackle next time. It’s like having a personal trainer for your life!

More Questions?

I’m happy to answer any questions that you have during your Discovery Call. Write them down and we’ll get them all answered.