Frequently Asked Questions
What is coaching?
Coaching is a relationship built on trust and accountability. Coaches accompany clients on the journey of increased self-awareness, discerning and clarifying dreams and goals, charting a path forward, and celebrating every step of the journey. Along the way, a coach uses reflective listening and powerful questions to help clients discover and dance with obstacles like limiting beliefs, thought distortions, self-defeating behaviors, and the ever-present inner critic.
How is coaching different from consulting, mentoring, and therapy?
A consultant is an individual who provides professional or expert advice in a particular field of science or business to either an organization or an individual. Hire a consultant when you need answers to technical questions.
A mentor is a seasoned professional who informally helps guide a lesser experienced person in their professional endeavors. Hire a mentor when you want someone to direct and advise you in your professional development.
A therapist is a licensed mental health professional who helps clients develop better cognitive and emotional skills, heal from trauma, reduce symptoms of mental illness and cope with various life challenges. Hire a therapist when you to want to be evaluated and treated for a mental health concern.
A coach is a partner on the journey of self-discovery. Together, the coach and client clarify goals, set intentions, explore obstacles and celebrate each step of the journey. Coaching assists people in not only imagining a greater reality but claiming and living that reality from the inside out. Hire a coach when you want to engage in a self-driven, creative process of personal transformation.
A consultant will give you answers
A mentor will guide and advise you.
A therapist will help you to heal.
A coach will empower you to chart your own path to the life you want
What are the standards and ethics of coaching?
I abide by the ethical standards and practices established by the International Coaching Federation. You can learn more information here: https://coachingfederation.org/ethics/code-of-ethics.
What about confidentiality?
Confidentiality is essential for the kind of trust-based relationship needed between coach and client. Everything that happens within a coaching session remains confidential.
How often would I meet with my coach?
That’s entirely dependent upon the needs and desires of the client. While most clients wish to meet monthly, some choose to meet more frequently for a season. Coaching sessions last between 50-60 minutes.
Where will my coaching take place?
Clients decide where they are comfortable holding their coaching sessions. Coffee shops, public parks, and other public spaces work well for some. While I don’t have an office, there are options for greater privacy if that’s desired. Videoconferencing is also great for both privacy and convenience.
I noticed that you were a pastor. Is your coaching faith-based?
No. I consider myself deeply spiritual and believe that all people are spiritual in their own way. But like everything in coaching, the client always sets the agenda. If a client wishes to integrate their spirituality into their coaching, I’m happy to accommodate them. Otherwise, it does not play a role in my coaching.