FAQ

Q. How does the coaching process work?
A. Coaching is an exciting, participatory process in which the coach and client come together to move the client forward to greater success. Typically the coach and client meet two or three times each month by phone for about 45 minutes. Before each session, the client fills out and emails a Weekly Update form that gives the coach a snapshot of the client’s progress and challenges over the past week. During the call, the client chooses what to work on. The coach then asks questions, offers support and sometimes challenges the client to move him/her forward. Finally, the client volunteers what he/she is willing to do next to make progress.

Q. How does coaching differ from therapy or consulting?
A. Therapy typically treats specific conditions such as depression, anxiety or other diagnosable situations. Coaching is meant for generally healthy people who want to be more successful in their current situation or to be supported through a transition. Coaching looks at the who, what and how of any situation, is goal-oriented, and focuses primarily on the present and future.

Consulting, on the other hand, generally pays an expert to offer specific solutions to specific problems, such as cashflow problems or IT set-up. Coaching requires you, the client, to develop your own solutions, with the skilled guidance of the coach using powerful tools of questioning and accountability.

Q. Will my coach tell me what to do?
A. A coach who follows ICF-approved coaching practices will offer advice only sparingly, and usually will ask permission before doing so. Why? Coaching assumes that successful people already have the answers inside them; but they may need help in getting to those answers or putting them into practice. Instead of giving a lot of advice, your coach will instead ask many questions to help you discover and develop your own solutions.

Q. What if I don’t want to follow through on something I talked about with my coach?
A. The choice is always yours. Throughout the coaching process, you remain in control and responsible for your own success. Your coach will work with you to determine the appropriate next steps. A good coach will determine upfront how much prodding you want or need, and act accordingly. You should never feel compelled to do something you don’t agree with or feel comfortable doing.

Q. What’s the benefit of working with a certified coach or a trained coach?
A. Coaches who are certified through the International Coaching Federation have agreed to abide by the ICF Code of Ethics, which includes providing confidentiality to the client as allowed by law. In addition, certified coaches are required to have coached a specific number of hours, have been coached by a certified mentor coach, and have completed rigorous training in coaching techniques. Clients benefit by the use of these techniques during our sessions.

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