What separates you from others in your field?
I approach each client as the unique individual they truly are, I do not believe in a, “one size fits all” mentality. Each session with a single client is different; I use tools and techniques that will benefit the client during their appointment. I do not have a preconceived plan of what tools and techniques will be used. I have the greater good of the client at the center to whatever coaching takes place during their session.
What do you like most about being a coach?
The most rewarding aspect for me is that moment when the “lights turn on” in a client’s eyes and they suddenly realize they have the answers within – amazing! I love being the tool that truly empowers my clients to reveal their own strengths and responses.
Are you a shrink, therapist or counselor?
I am not a “shrink”, counselor or therapist, I am a coach. I don’t want to hear your story, or talk about the past. I want to help you focus on your future reality and help you find the answers within to get you there. I don’t guarantee results because the results are firmly the responsibility of the client. For a more detailed explanation on the differences, scroll to the end of the FAQs.
Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?
My personal goal is to constantly evolve and learn new techniques in order to benefit my clients. So I take classes and read subject matter in this topic and related fields.
Do you have a favorite story from your work?
One of my favorite stories about my coaching are the classes I teach in, “Interview with Confidence“ at a domestic violence shelter. It is so rewarding to teach the classes to the women who reside there. They are a constant source of inspiration, love and gratitude. The interaction, whether in a group or one to one is always so uplifting and a constant education for me and the women who attend – I love this part of my work!
Differences between Consultants and Coaches
(Source: Alan Edelmann)
“I read somewhere once that a consultant will explain why one car is better than another, will teach you how to drive the car, and might even drive the car for you.”
“A coach on the other hand will show you why a car is important, help you discover why you have trouble driving it and sit in the passenger’s seat next to you while you drive.”
Differences Between Therapy and Life Coaching
Comparison Source: Hayden, C. J., and Whitworth, L. “Distinctions Between Coaching and Therapy.
Therapy
- Assumes the client needs healing
- Roots in medicine, psychiatry
- Works with people to achieve self-understanding
- Focuses on feelings and past events
- Explores the root of problems
- Works to bring the unconscious into consciousness
- Works for internal resolution of pain and to let go of old patterns
Life Coaching
- Assumes the clients is highly-functional
- Roots in business and personal growth venues
- Works to motivate people to a higher level of functioning
- Focuses on actions and the future; goal-orientation
- Focuses on solving problems
- Works with the conscious mind
- Works for solutions to overcome barriers, learn new skills and implement effective choices
Differences Between Counseling and Life Coaching
Source: Steamtree.com
Generally, counseling is best at dealing with something that’s wrong: for example, emotional problems such as depression or anxiety, relational problems such as marital discord or a breach of trust, or the ongoing effects of previous traumatic experiences. It is especially focused on healing and recovery.
In coaching, while there may be certain things that are blocking a person’s forward progress, the starting place is not with a “presenting problem,” but with a goal or vision for the future, or a desire to improve one’s life. It is focused on being proactive, setting goals and taking action.
Counseling
There are seasons and phases in our lives. A person might do best with counseling at one time and with coaching at another. If the need is for emotional healing or to get through a time of feeling overwhelmed, depressed, confused or very anxious, counseling might be the best option. Almost all of us have times in our lives when we feel one or more of those emotions. If we are mainly dealing with overcoming difficult memories or traumatic events in our past, counseling is designed to deal with those issues.
If a person is feeling impaired in his or her work, relationships or emotional life, or if the present need seems to be just to cope, or if a person feels “in survival mode,” counseling may be called for.
Coaching
On the other hand, if a person’s present focus is oriented toward the future and the need is to design and implement goals, develop strategies, achieve a more balanced life and a better quality of life, coaching may be the best option. If you feel in a frame of mind to make decisions and move ahead (though perhaps not being sure what decisions to make or which direction to move), coaching is an excellent way to get focused and begin to get traction – or to increase your momentum toward a goal you have already been pursuing. Coaching can be a way for people to define their values, identify their strengths, and jumpstart their creativity.
