What Is Coaching?

Coaching is partnering with a client in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance the quality of their life.

In each meeting, the client chooses the focus of the conversation, while the coach listens and contributes observations and questions. This interaction creates clarity and moves the client into action. Coaching accelerates progress by providing greater focus and awareness of choice. It concentrates on where clients are now and what they are willing to do to get to where they what to be in the future.

Results are a matter of the client’s intentions, choices and actions, supported by the coach’s efforts and application of the coaching process. It’s a developmental change process that can produce extraordinary results!

What's my style of coaching?

i expect your best

Working with a coach says you are ready to be the best version of yourself.

i ask powerful questions

My primarily role is to facilitate self-awareness. I do this by asking thought-provoking, open-ended questions. You decide what's insightful and what you want to action.

i share my observations and intuitions

When I hear a different tone of voice or change in energy, I’ll ask about it. Often, it is these small moments that allow us to recognize something important. I won’t confront; I will invite exploration.

If you are open to it, I will gladly share my hunches, or intuitions. Please use only what rings true for you.

i am a resource

As your coach, I am a resource for you to use to your best advantage. I have compassion, empathy, understanding, patience and strength for you. I also have a lot of thoughts and ideas that I am willing to share in this co-creative partnership. I ask that my clients use me as this kind of a resource. Ultimately, you have the capability to broaden your own strengths, skills and talents.

i am your vision carrier

My experience with each client is a sacred trust and I hold their dreams and intentions in the highest regard. I am willing to remind you of them when you forget or aren’t able to focus on them so that you can create a life that is a true expression of you.

are you ready to make changes in your life?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I get. If you have other questions, send your inquiry on my contact page.

1. What are the benefits of coaching?

Focus on you and your agenda
An objective, fresh perspective
Direct, honest communication
Advice IF you ask for it; otherwise, not unsolicited
A safe, confidential, non-judgmental ear
Focus on the future (not the past which is over!)
A cheerleader and an accountability partner
Someone standing with you and for you and your dreams (which many of my clients say they’ve never actually had before)

2. Do you guarantee results?

My clients are motivated and committed to acting on their personal and professional goals. Anything less than their intentional full participation will not lead to success. My role is to guide clients through the coaching process; their role is to do the work. The client does the work and gets the results. Find out what others have said in my testimonials.

3. What do I talk about during life coaching calls?

After an initial discovery call, we agree on a program and complete the signup process, which includes signing a coaching agreement and arranging payment.

You direct the agenda in life coaching. You’ll find my career coaching program has a general outline, but life coaching is more free-flowing. You discuss what you are experiencing, your wins, challenges, hopes, dreams and intentions, action plans, and lessons learned. To get the most out of the coaching session, I ask clients to complete a coaching Prep Form. Clients agree this helps them organize their thoughts, and it serves as a record for them of their sessions and progress.

In between calls, clients work on their action plans; that’s where much of the learning and growth takes place. The greater the action, the faster the results. Clients may share successes, news, or questions with me in between calls via email.

4. Is what we talk about confidential?

I fully guarantee the utmost confidentiality (within the confines of the law, and so long as I don't fear for your or another's safety) in this coaching relationship. I am bound by the International Coaching Federation’s Code of Ethics.

5. How many coaching calls do I need?

Everyone’s needs vary. Some clients want a jump-start on the changes they want to make in their life and they want a few sessions to get going. Other clients see the value in more ongoing support, or more intense support depending on what’s going on for them. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Clients often see the long-term benefits of working with a coach and even after they have accomplished specific goals.

6. Can you find me a new job?

Some of my prospective career coaching clients ask me if I will find them a job. What I will do is help you identify your target job, work with you to create a strategy and tactical plan for your job search, help you revamp your marketing materials such as resume and online presence, and teach you how to build skills like networking and interviewing and shift your mindset so that you can convey your value confidently to potential employers. This is the ultimate plan for success!

7. Are you a therapist?

No, I’m not a therapist and I don’t offer therapy. I do not treat clinical disorders. If necessary, I will refer you to a therapist who may better meet your needs.

Professional coaching differs from therapy in many ways. You’ll need to decide which approach is called for in your case, and what will be most effective.

8. Are you certified?

Many coaches have professional certifications from coaching schools; some coaches, like me, are credentialed by the International Coach Federation (ICF). The ICF is the premier organization for professional coaches and has established a Code of Ethics and Core Coaching Competencies and rigorous processes to ensure excellence in service to clients.

Besides having an ACC ICF certification, I received my training at the Institute for Life Coach Training and received my certification as a Career Development Coaching Specialist. I am also a certified MBTI® (Myers-Briggs Type I and II) and Strong Interest Inventory® practitioner and I am qualified to utilize the Awaken Your Heart Magnet and From Stressed to Best programs. I’ve been a Certified Human Resources Leader for almost 20 years.

9. How much does coaching cost? Does insurance pay for coaching? What if I can’t afford coaching?

I offer a variety of options to getting coached. You can purchase one session at a time, or invest in a package of 3, 6, or 12+ sessions for a bundle discount. Inquire for further details.

Coaching is not typically covered by group insurance or private plans. Some organizations offer training dollars for coaching.

Coaching is an investment in yourself. What isn’t working for you right now? How much would it be worth it to you to make the changes you want?

Don’t take my word for it. Read about what others have said about my coaching services and decide for yourself if you’re ready to finally make an investment in YOU!

10. I work Monday through Friday. Can I have weekend or evening appointments?

I primarily work regular business hours; however, I can schedule the occasional appointment after hours or on weekends. Check out my online scheduling tool or inquire with me directly.

11. Do you coach in person?

I coach virtually, that is, I coach people over videoconference or phone. My clients tell me it’s equally effective – if not more so. No distractions, no commuting, just focused listening and powerful speaking!

12. How are payments made?

Payments are made upfront, prior to the coaching session or at the beginning of a coaching package program. You can pay with credit card using my online system or via electronic transfer.

13. Why should I hire you?

If my experience and style resonate with you, contact me! You can check out my ‘Why Me’ page to learn about my story, credentials, and approach. Or find out what others have said about my coaching.