Coaching FAQs

According to the International Coaching Federation, coaching can be defined as “an ongoing partnership that helps clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives. Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life.” Some might read this and think it sounds a lot like therapy. There is some overlap but there are several important distinctions to make. Counseling is generally directed toward clinical issues marked by specific symptoms and reaching a significant level of distress and interference in a person’s life. In some sense the word “counseling” or “therapy” conjures up an idea that the person needs help and is seeking a cure. In contrast to the above descriptions of counseling, coaching is not about treating clinical problems but rather helping individuals pursue and reach their goals or dreams. Coaching still includes people who feel discouraged or stuck, but not to the degree that his or her functioning is compromised. Counseling has stricter qualifications and boundaries and is most often done by someone who is licensed. Coaching on the other hand does not require any type of degree or certification to be practiced. Coaching is more flexible than counseling in how it is delivered. It is most commonly done over the phone, but a client’s or coach’s home is suitable not to mention the local coffee shop. Coaching is more action-oriented than counseling and requires someone who is ready to make changes and be challenged.

Coaches are not required to be licensed or certified, but many do pursue training and/or certification. There is no licensing board for coaches at this current time. There is a code of ethics, which I subscribe to, issued by the International Coaches Federation.

Are you at a place in your life where you are feeling stuck, discouraged, and wanting to live a more intentional and full life? The resounding answer is “yes”. Coach is not just for executives or the Oprahs of the world. It is fast becoming main stream for those who are serious about living a more intentional life consistent with their values and desires.

After a coaching agreement has been established over the phone, a client is sent an electronic intake package with information about coaching and some pre-session questions to answer. I prefer to initially meet in-person for 90 minutes in what is called the “discovery session”. We end this session with a couple of compelling coaching goals and supporting action items. From there we schedule weekly 30 minute telephone sessions which includes progress check ups, addressing obstacles, and further building the goals and action items. This is a basic summary and I would be happy to answer any further questions via email or phone.

Coaching involves you bringing all of “you” and me bringing all of “me”. There is no “me” separate from my relationship with God. I do not force my faith on anyone, but I will definitely inquire as to how faith can be a part of our coaching work together. If it doesn’t suite you, than we move on with our work. I stand on the conviction that the more I help someone get in touch with his or her heart and it’s desires, the more I aid in that person fulfilling their ultimate purpose which is to know, love, and serve God. This purpose takes shape in the day to day realities of our life (work, contribution, home, play, family life, health, and leisure) and when we live fully what is most important to us the end result is greater happiness.

What is the difference between counseling and coaching?

Are coaches licensed or certified?

Could I benefit from coaching?

How does it work?