My Coaching Philosophy

Coaching is about Change.  People seek out a coach when they want something to change.  Necessarily, my coaching philosophy is also my philosophy of change. 

Change is a process that takes you from where you are to where you want to be.  My four-step process begins where you are today, explores how you got there and where you want to go, discovers what needs to change for your successful journey, aligns the elements of your life for success, and integrates these elements into your life.

Interwoven layers of beliefs, experiences, culture, agreements, physiology, values, habits, perceptions, and other dynamics form systems and structures in your life.  Changing one or more elements of these systems and/or structures begins the change process.  I acknowledge and embrace this complexity and approach coaching for successful change from six general perspectives:

Change is

                Linear and Spiral

                Problems present and are resolved, learning is gained and applied, solutions are developed and practiced, and exchanges are made.  Then we refine this learning and become more skillful with it and apply it to other problems and goals.

                Art and Science

                We reframe and redefine issues and practice adaptive experimentation to find the solution that works for us; hope is nurtured, resistance decreases, and our brains are rewired with new neural pathways. 

                Cognitive, Spiritual, and Behavioral

                Successful change happens when we employ effective practices that are based on sound thinking and unhindered by restraining forces.  Analysis and informed intuition merge to form the foundation of changed behavior.

                Cyclic, Seasonal, or Abrupt

                Some change is planned and deliberate; other change happens to us.  However it comes, change is part of life and when we accept, embrace, and even dance with it we are moving toward successfully navigating change.  Identifying a compelling 
reason to cooperate with change is key to an empowered response.

                Strategic

                Some of the same strategic planning steps that are used in  business can be applied to your life.  Through coaching, we
can identify your core strengths, weakness to overcome, opportunities before you, and threats to your success.  Then, we develop your strategic plan for success.

                Continuous Improvement

                Change holds the potential to be your catalyst for continuous improvement.  By challenging the status quo, generating strategic plans, and implementing change, you can radically shift the expression of your life.

In summary, your life is comprised of living systems and structures.  These interrelated elements can be strategically and systematically changed to move you toward the future you design and desire.  When your core values, strengths, agreements, and actions come into alignment you will live your most powerful and satisfying life.

Common characteristics of successful coaching clients:

Honesty and truthfulness

Committed to follow through on action points

Acceptance

Trust in the process

Desire to learn

Embrace change

Take action

Compelling reason for change (your motivation)

Selecting a Coach

Coaching is a process independent of specialization or expertise in a given field.  As such, the coaching process applies universally to those ready for change.  However, the qualifications, training, and experience of coaches are not universal and should be considered when selecting a coach.  

If you were seeking a qualified financial adviser you would look for someone suitably trained, with experience, and who demonstrates her knowledge and skill through responsibly and successfully managing her own financial affairs.  Do the same with a coach.  For your best experience with coaching, select a coach who has been trained through an accredited program, has gained experience working with different types of people in diverse circumstances, and walks the talk of balance, clarity, purpose, awareness, and strategic living. 

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”  (John Maxwell in Thinking for a Change)  Choose an intelligent coach who practices creativity.  My studies in Creative Problem Solving relate directly to my work as coach.

The International Coach Federation defines coaching as, “Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”

Coaching is a professional, ongoing relationship based in communication and creativity to inspire and equip you to realize your potential.  A great coach is a skilled communicator and an attentive observer, is solution-focused, is self-aware, and should model positive living.

When you are ready for change, coaching accelerates your progress by refining your focus and empowering your choices for action.  Using a process of exploration through inquiry and co-creation, coaching facilitates your self-discovery journey and empowers you to align the core elements of your life and integrate them into your every day choices, actions, and growth.

Coaching is NOT counseling, therapy, managing, or advice giving. 

How does Coaching work?

First, we talk about what you want, what you are looking for, and what you want to change.

If I am the coach for you then we will schedule a Foundation Session where we will lay the foundation for our coaching relationship.  We can design the coaching experience that meets your unique situation and needs.  This session takes about two hours and clients come away from this session with greater self-awareness, understanding, and enthusiasm! 

Following the Foundation Session we begin our weekly coaching sessions.  These can be held over the phone or in-person, depending on your needs and circumstances.  Typically, a weekly session lasts 50 minutes, is focused on a topic of your choosing, and ends with an action list we create together to move you toward your goals. 

Usually, you will already have an idea of what you want coaching for and we begin with that.  But sometimes you just aren’t sure where to begin.  Don’t worry, I have tools for helping you identify just what you need at the right time.

What are the benefits of Coaching?

1)      Successful change.

2)     Personally relevant process.

3)      Accountability.

4)      Clarity and focus.

5)      Balance and rhythm.

6)      Holding the big picture while working on selected elements.

7)      Resolution.

8)      Progress.

9)      High return on investment
And a relationship with someone who has your best interest in mind.

Types of Coaching

Coaching is a process of inquiry and discovery applicable to nearly any need or desire for change.  Each coaching relationship is unique with individual characteristics and dynamics reflecting the needs of the client and the understanding of the coach.  It makes sense to choose a coach that has some understanding in the area you want to change—understanding that comes through experience and training.

Some areas for coaching are:

Ø  Goal Setting and Achievement

Ø  Confidence and Empowerment

Ø  Personal Growth and Potential

Ø  Discovering and Living your Strengths

Ø  Identity and Purpose

Ø  Health and Wellness

Ø  Spiritual Life and Prayer Coach

Ø  Communication

Ø  Life Transitions

Ø  Life Balance

Ø  Developing Resiliency

Ø  Creative Problem Solving

Ø  Vision Casting and Communication

Ø  Negotiation and Conflict Management

Ø  Premarital Coaching

Ø  Relationships

Ø  Finances

And more...