Commonly Asked Questions:

Why do people hire coaches?
For change. Most people who hire coaches are successful, high functioning individuals. They recognize their gifts and accept their limitations. They know there must be a way to bring the kind of satisfaction they have in some areas of life to the areas where they keep hitting obstacles. If you want something different than what you are currently experiencing, a coach can help you see and move beyond your assumed limits.

How do I choose a coach?
It is a good idea to have sample sessions with several coaches. Some will be a good fit for you and some won’t. Choose someone you communicate with easily, someone who sees you and will challenge you to be your best self.

What kind of advice do you give?
I don’t give much advice. You have the answers even if you don’t know it. My job is to help you to tap into your most creative, alive, and empowered self. That's what opens the doors of your inner creative genius. Your work and decisions build from there.

There are times with individuals and pairs when I share a specific area of my experience that I believe might serve the client. I put it out there for what it's worth, without attachment.

What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?
Therapists and coaches have many similar tools such as thought-provoking questions. Therapy developed from the study of what goes wrong with people and how to fix it. People with eating disorders, addictions, clinical depression, and other mental health conditions should seek assistance from a therapist rather than a coach. Coaching comes from the perspective that nothing needs to be fixed; the client is naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. We focus on looking at what is, then going forward toward broader possibilities.

I’m not comfortable sharing private information. How confidential are your coaching conversations?
Both who I coach and the contents of our conversations are confidential. The only exception is where there is an imminent danger that I must report.

The client is free to share any aspect of his or her coaching with anyone.

I’m tired. Do I have to commit to action in coaching?
You choose your commitments. You are in charge of where you want to be and when you want to act. That said, taking bold action is a component of effective coaching because there is no real change without it. It can take many forms… including cutting back on commitments! Let's find out what causes your energy drain. Then we can see what actions make sense for you.

I have too much on my plate now. I should start coaching when things get settled, right?
Probably not. As long as you can focus on a 30 to 40 minute phone call, working with a coach expands time. By that I mean you will be more relaxed, efficient, and energized if you are in coaching. The circumstances that make you feel unbalanced get put into perspective. Higher energy, a brighter outlook, and efficient choice of actions may dissipate the current craziness.

I'm depressed. Is coaching appropriate?
That depends. Diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression or any other mental illness calls for a mental health professional, rather than a coach. I won't coach anyone I am not able or qualified to help.

On the other hand, sadness, grief, and "down" times are normal for any human being. Beginning and continuing coaching during these times helps clients be present for all their emotions as they naturally flow from intensity through to resolution.

What if I begin coaching and want to quit?
I work with people who plan to stay with coaching for at least three months. However, clients are free to quit at any time. Whenever the coaching process comes to an end, we finish with a completion session for a big-picture view of the journey.

I want to do couples coaching but my partner isn't interested. What options do I have?
Take it one step at a time. Sometimes, a partner who is not interested in paying for coaching will agree to a sample session. Go for it. The value of the coaching may hit home even with such a short exposure. If that doesn't fly, you might want to try individual coaching. We all have things to learn about how we contribute to pain in our relationship and about how we accept or reject aspects of others.

I heard about someone who had a negative experience with a coach. How can I avoid having a similar experience?
As in every profession, there is a wide range of expertise and professionalism out there. One thing to look at is the coach's training and certification credentials. Coach training programs that are approved by the International Coach Federation have adhered to rigorous standards. The other thing to do is to talk with several potential coaches. Be yourself, ask questions, and see how it feels to interact. The coach will be also assessing whether he or she is the best coach for you. If you talk with several coaches, you will be in a great position to choose a qualified coach who you click with.

You mean the coach is choosing me too? What does a coach look for in a client?
I can only speak for myself on this one. I look for someone who:
• is willing to show who they really are (whether they like all they see or not)
• is willing to take a new look at "the way things are"
• is willing to be uncomfortable in the short run for the sake of peace and fulfillment in long run

Why would a coach hire a coach?
Some people are surprised to hear that I have a coach of my own. Of course! Doctors have doctors, coaches have coaches. How fabulous it is to have one person in my life with no agenda of her own, there solely to help me deepen my insights and make decisions from my most real, powerful and visionary self. Like everyone else, I brush off what seems like small stuff. With my coach's help, we take a more curious look and discover rich clues that help me accelerate the journey to my happiest life. I sure don't want to waste my time taking the long way!