Is Life Coaching Right For You?

I have heard of Professional Coaching but I don't know what it is.

Professional Coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, business or organizations. Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life.

In each meeting, the client chooses the focus of conversation, while the coach listens and contributes observations and questions. This interaction creates clarity and moves the client into action. Coaching accelerates the client's progress by providing greater focus and awareness of choice. Coaching concentrates on where clients are now and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be in the future, recognizing that results are a matter of the client's intentions, choices and actions supported by the coach's efforts and application of the coaching process."

In a coaching relationship the coach acts as a facilitator to help you define and align your goals.  The process is driven by what you want to accomplish in your life.  The Coach seeks to maximize your potential by focusing on positive changes.  A life coach does not tell you what to do or even how to do it.  A life coach is your partner in success.  You are the expert in your own life.  You are in charge of what issues you want to address in each session.  The coach guides you by asking questions and offering an outside perspective.  A Coach helps you see what is possible in your life and illuminate your who you are and how you want to get there.

What is the difference between a coach and a therapist

A therapist focuses on past pains  i.e. the recovery from past trauma or significant symptoms of mental distress i.e. depression or anxiety.  A therapist helps to look back and understand the pain and how it effects current life.  the goal of therapy is to heal you from dysfunction and allow a more adaptive and functional life.  A coach works with people who are healthy and functioning fairly well in life.  The optimum coaching client wants to live life more fully.  There clients have a sense of what their dreams and goals might be.  They have a solid sense of their own core values.

By employing a coach you have  an available ally who is committed to guide and prompt you to accomplish your goals.  A Coach is committed to helping you go where you want to go and will hold you accountable to the goals you have established for yourself. 

How do I interact with my coach?                                                       

In that coaching is so differnt from the  therapeutic process it can be accomplished in many differnt forms.   Most often coaching takes place on the telephone.   Additionally the process is easily accomplished online through e-mail, ICQ or even in person.  Coaching is so convenient it can easily fit into the most strenuous  of life schedules.  

What is the time commitment?

As with any process of change this too will take a bit of time.  It is recommended to make a 3 month commitment to the process. The first few months of any change is challenging.  Think of your last venture into weight loss or an improved exercise regimen.   When motivated we often start out strong and then begin to waiver.   By making a commitment to the process you will have your coaching ally keeping you accountable and cheering you as you go.   By making the initial commitment you will be investing in yourself.   This will greatly increase your chances for long term success.  On average a coaching client will work with their coach for 6-8 months with follow ups after that.  Coaching sessions are generally about 45 minutes long and occur two to three times a month with available e-mails in-between.  Between coaching sessions you will have to take the steps you have outlined to reach your goals.  Positive life change generally does not happen without some action on your part.  However, part of the coaching process is to create a plan of action so these action steps become a part of your life.

Can I really change my life?

Many people wonder about their ability to change. It seems they have been stuck in the same ruts for years.  Their lives go on, satisfactorily but it feels like there could be so much more.  If you think of it this way one of the things we can depend upon in life, besides death and taxes, is that things always change.  Think over the last few years and I am sure you can see where change did occur.  By employing a coach you will be able to take some control over change and make strides in creating that fulfilling life you have thought was previously just out of reach.

What is the Coach's role?

As a coach I rely on my skills as a therapist to actively listen  and understand the issues that are being presented.   I have not experienced  your life .  You are the expert playing your life out.  AS the coach I am on the sidelines using my expertise as the asker of questions.  It is by asking the right questions I can help you see the differnt options you have as you continue to play out your life.  You decided which options are the best fit for you. 

Is coaching expensive?

A few thoughts about the cost.  I want you to think for a few minutes about what is most important to you. What are you willing to invest your resources in?  If you said  a double latte daily and a new computer game each month perhaps you are not ready for coaching.  If however you thought of improved relationships, increased professional success, personal health and wellness then you are in the right place.  If you are ready to take a serious step towards an improved life, you are ready to invest in the process.   Although we will create a contract for services you are free to terminate it at any time.  I do have several options available to structure the coaching experience.  These options will also help you structure your monetary investment.

Free Consultation

Still not convinced?  That is understandable.  The most important components of a coaching  relationship is the connection between coach and client.  If there is not a sense of connection the process will fall flat.  You will not feel supported or encouraged and frankly from the coaches point of view the encounter will seem empty and pointless. All of my potential clients are offered a free 30 minute consultation to get to know each other and gauge if the connection is a good fit.  If after that conversation if you do not feel I am the coach for you just let me know and I will provide you with other resources if you would like.  On the other hand if I do not feel I can be of help to you, I will refer you to other competent and knowledgeable coaches.  This win - win approach gives you a low risk chance to evaluate the opportunities that await you through Professional Coaching. Just Call: (813)871-2232 or Email:Donna@global-therapy.com