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What is coaching?
As defined by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), coaching is “partnering in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires a person to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership. When you work with a coach, you set out on a path to greater personal and professional fulfillment.”
Wait….is this therapy?
It’s a good question. I am not a therapist and I am not trained to support clients with deeper issues like trauma, depression, or anxiety. Some clients choose to be in coaching as well as therapy – it can be a powerful combination. While therapy is often centered on looking at the past and understanding how you got here, coaching focuses on being with what’s here today and looking to the future each client would like to create. Both coaching and therapy use evidence-based tools for growth and discovery. They might feel similar at times. If at any point in our sessions I feel I am not equipped to support what you are bringing, I will let you know and recommend other resources.
How do I find the right coach for me?
Each coach has their own unique style, training, way of working, and pricing. If you are seriously considering a coach, I recommend “interviewing” a few. Put a few key words into google and start following some coaches on social media. Sign up for their newsletters. Schedule a no-cost sample session (most coaches offer this). All of this will help you get a feel for who the coach is and if you think they are a good partner for you. As coaching can be a considerable investment, it’s important to feel like you’re “all-in”. When you are interviewing a coach, dial into how you feel – do you feel you can be honest with them. Do you feel they will challenge you. Do you get a sense that more is possible for you when you speak with them. If the answers are no, keep looking. If our work is not a fit, I can refer you to some coaches in my network.
How am I different from other coaches out there?
I am certified in coaching by the Co-Active Training Institute and I am a member of the International Coaching Federation which sets ethical and professional standards in the industry. I am currently being trained as a somatic coach with the Strozzi Institute for Somatics. Beyond all the formal training I’ve received (over 300 hours), I have a genuine and whole hearted interest in self-development. I am on this journey, too – make no mistake – which helps me empathize and connect with clients. The best way to see how I’m different is to schedule a sample call with me. Our conversation will help you see if I’m the right coach for you.
Walk me through the process, please.
Our calls will be on Zoom, phone or WhatsApp. Even though we are virtual, you will be invited to be in your whole body in our sessions – physical body, imagination, wisdom, heart, mind, emotions. After our sample call, we officially begin our journey with a Discovery Session where we explore the BIG and small arcs of our coaching- where are you headed? what’s important to you? what are the transformations you are pulled towards? Afterwards, we experiment and get curious about what opens learning and inspires new action for you. All sessions are 50 minutes. Each session begins with what you tried in between our calls and then moves into the current topic. You choose the topic and we explore it together, focused on what you are looking to take away. I lean in 100%. When you lean in 100%, the greatest shifts are possible. I take responsibility for our process and you take responsibility for your progress.
OK, tell me more.
In our coaching together, we look at what is present for you today – the beliefs you have that you may have outgrown, old patterns that got you here, but will not take you there. We visualize and reconnect with what feels alive inside you, shine light and nurture the inner resources that will fuel this next part of your journey. You will live into new possibilities, new ways of being and choosing. Your intuition – your inner knowing – is the guide. I trust it. Slowly you will remember that you can trust it, too.
The exploration of coaching with me will have varied terrain. All of who you are is welcome. I believe in you and I will fiercely hold the possibility for you to create and claim what comes from your heart – maybe one inch at a time, maybe in giant steps. Sometimes this looks like me listening, witnessing, being present and curious. Sometimes this looks like me challenging you because I sense you need a push. I pull from my training as a coach (yes, I am trained) to help uncover what needs to be seen, voiced and felt. At every turn, you have the opportunity to dial into what is true for you and practice being with it in our coaching container. When our session is over, you go out and live into it, courageously. This work is not for the faint of heart.
What happens in between?
In between our calls, you take your commitments and bring them to life either by taking the actions you agreed to or being with an important inquiry. I encourage all clients to take some notes to capture key insights from the session and also to remember take away actions. I am available in between on email to hear what you’re trying, celebrate, or just witness whatever is present. I am your partner in this journey. It can also help to have an accountability partner – someone who knows you are on this path and who you can share updates with.