As a professional coach, I help my clients materialize their dreams with the least possible time, money, energy, and stress. I help you get clear about what you want, and about where you are today. Then we design a plan together and follow it through.
How does coaching work?
Coaching is based on the principle that an objective, astute partner is a powerful tool for making things happen faster and easier.
Because we are all to some extent victims of living in our own heads, we often try to get away with being less than clear about what exactly we are trying to achieve — and unfortunately, we often spend our energy grappling with superficial issues, which are masks and distractions from what’s really important.
A coach:
- …supports you in articulating and reaching the outcomes that you truly want.
- …provides clear and objective feedback about your performance, to enable you to stay on track.
- …helps you notice when you get in your own way.
- …teaches you to silence the internal ‘gremlin’/'saboteur’ that saps your motivation.
- …is a “thinking partner” who can help you get outside yourself and find the perspective that will provide the most traction.
- …holds you accountable to the commitments you make to yourself.
A coach does not:
- …give advice or offer solutions to your problems.
- …treat mental health issues.
What are some of the benefits of coaching?
- Greater productivity and focus
- Less stress
- Reducing or eliminating fear and negative self-talk
- Improved relationships with others
- Clarity and confidence about your goals and purpose
- More time and energy for your passions
- Increased motivation due to awareness of the progress you’re making
What is the difference between coaching and psychological therapy?
Simply put, a coach like a fitness trainer while a psychotherapist is like a doctor or physical therapist. A doctor looks for something wrong with you, diagnoses and treats it, and considers their job done when your defect is healed or handled so that you can function “normally.” A fitness trainer assumes you are basically healthy, and works to build on that base to get you as strong as you are capable of becoming.
| Coaching | Therapy |
|---|---|
| Helps the client achieve personal and professional goals | Helps the patient understand the patterns underlying his/her behavior |
| Focuses on the client’s growth and fulfillment in the present and future | Focuses on negative behaviors or feelings arising from the patient’s past |
| Assumes the client already has the inner resources to achieve his/her goals | Looks for a defect that may need to be fixed before the patient can truly achieve his/her goals |
Are there standards or licensing for coaches?
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the oldest and largest accrediting body for professional coach training programs. ICF grants graduates of accredited programs the credentials of ACC (Associate Certified Coach), PCC (Professional Certified Coach), and MCC (Master Certified Coach), which recognize increasing levels of training and experience.
ICF defines Core Competencies and ethical standards to which all ICF-credentialed coaches must adhere. In addition, ICF sets requirements for continuing education to maintain certification.
What are usual and customary fees for coaching?
Fees for coaching are similar to other helping professions, and usually start at $100/hour. This may sound like a lot of money, but keep in mind that:
- Coaching can help you achieve the increased productivity and confidence necessary to negotiate a raise, or increase your own fees, thus paying for itself.
- Non-directive coaching that gets results is a specialized skill that requires training and experience to master. Your mom or your close friend is less likely than a professional to spot important clues, and much more likely to dispense his/her own opinion as advice. Moreover, friends, family members, colleagues, and managers may lack the objectivity necessary to provide the frank feedback you need.
- You might spend thousands of dollars on a short trip to Hawaii, a season of skiing, or a new TV. Consider an investment in your own fulfillment, growth, and professional development instead.
What paperwork is involved?
Typically, a coach will provide an agreement which documents some common sense working parameters for the relationship. Usually, these parameters include:
- Payment and refund policies
- The coach promises confidentiality
- The client acknowledges the difference between therapy and coaching, and certifies that he/she does not intend to use coaching as a substitute for mental health diagnosis or treatment
Some coaches also work with tools such as quizzes, checklists, inventories, or progress tracking forms.
How do I choose the right coach for me?
Chemistry and trust are very important in a coach-client relationship, and every coach has a unique style.
It is considered standard practice for a coach to offer a free introductory session. It’s a good idea to take several of these from different coaches, in order to get a sense of different styles and find the best fit. Don’t be shy about choosing not to continue with a coach after an introductory session or two.
For established coaches, be sure to look for a reputable credential (ICF or similar) and credible references/testimonials. Coaches in training may offer discounted rates, and this can be a great opportunity to try coaching more affordably.
ICF offers a Coach Referral Service and guidelines for clients on selecting and hiring a coach.
Noomii is a customized coach directory.