Life Coaching is about making lasting change. It is about reconnecting with your strengths, your values, your purpose, and the unique possibilities your life holds. It is about keeping an eye on your vision, while staying grounded in the present. It is about making a commitment to bring forward the best of your self into your relationships, your work, and your community.
Partnering with a Life Coach offers you the regular time, space and support to create a more satisfying and authentic life through accomplishing the goals you set for yourself. It is an investment in the quality of your life and your contributions to the world.
You can count on your Coach to:
provide a safe, nurturing environment;
honor your wisdom and experience;
listen, acknowledge, encourage, question and cheerlead;
make thoughtful observations related to your dreams and goals;
suggest pertinent resources;
guide you through exploring options and setting goals;
value your strengths and possibilities;
celebrate successes - both small and large.
When and Where
Individual coaching sessions are usually 30-50 minutes long, two to four times per month, and take place via telephone or occasionally face-to-face. Your Coach is also available in between sessions via e-mail.
Teleclasses often run for 60 minutes per class session. Face-to-face classes, groups and retreats vary in length and times.
Cost
The cost of coaching services varies greatly around the world, depending on clientele, geographic location, and the Coach. Coaching fees are generally paid by the month, at the beginning of the month. Coaching groups and classes have separate fees depending on location and length of group/class. Contact Nancy to discuss your options and current fees for coaching services.
Number of Sessions
How long you work with a Coach depends on your needs and how you progress toward your goals. Many people find that it takes a minimum of 3-6 months to sort out issues, identify vision and goals, explore options and begin working toward goals. Sometimes a person needs a Coach for a very specific, time limited issue and meets for several sessions only. You will know when it is time to complete your coaching or make changes to goals or frequency of sessions. Coaching is about your process and your time frames. Your Coach is there to help you stay attuned to your process and to support your decisions.
Coaching and Therapy
Coaching is not therapy. Although both share similar values and techniques, there are several fundamental differences between the two. Therapy is about healing. It is a health care service that identifies, diagnoses and treats emotional and mental distress. It often addresses unresolved issues in the past in order to live more fully in the present. And it is often covered by health insurance.
Coaching, on the other hand, is about thriving. It is a personal and professional development service. People come to coaching because they are ready to move beyond healing and into a more proactive arena. Coaching is not usually covered by insurance, although some companies provide coaching for their employees. Check with your company to find out if coaching is included in professional development funds.
Occasionally a Client will work with both a Coach and a Therapist. Therapy provides a place to work on the issues causing distress and coaching provides the encouragement and accountability for setting and reaching specific goals. If need be, your Coach will refer you to therapy if there are some painful issues that are keeping you stuck and are beyond the scope of coaching.