Frequently Asked Questions About Coaching
Here are some of the questions people often ask. If we haven’t answered your questions, please contact us.
- What is coaching?
- Who works with a coach?
- What is a typical first meeting like?
- What’s the difference between psychotherapy and coaching?
- How can I tell if a coach is properly trained?
What is coaching?
Coaching is a process that will guide you to the next phase in creating the life you want. Coaching is present-oriented, forward-moving, challenging and holds the client accountable for taking steps toward change.
Progress is a function of partnership and collaboration between the coach and client as they create the client’s vision for the future. A coach requires and expects behavior changes and asks the client to be responsible and accountable in following through. In the process of coaching, a coach can help a client to expand their thinking, clarify goals, and help them to hold their vision to achieve their goals.
Coaching can be done in a variety of convenient settings, including by phone or in person. Although most coaching is done by phone, occasionally coaching in person is appropriate.
Who works with a coach?
People from all walks of life use coaches. Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, Therapists, stay-at-home moms, those who are planning a transition like retirement, to name a few. A person hires a coach to partner, collaborate and strategize with them, moving them from where they are in the present to where they want to be in the future. A coach can help a person to identify and remove blocks that stand in the way of accomplishing their goals.
People turn to a coach in a variety of situations — for example, when they are seeking clarity on a personal situation or relationship, working towards a job promotion, starting a new business, challenged by an educational transition or planning for a meaningful retirement.
Coaching can assist people who want more for themselves, are open to focusing on defined goals and are ready to take the action necessary to meet them.
What is a typical first meeting like?
The first meeting is really an opportunity for the client and coach to connect — to discuss the coaching process in greater detail and to set mutual expectations. You will have the opportunity to take The Retirement Success Profile or The Life Options Profile. These instruments provide an interpretive report that will help a client to identify the areas of their life that need attention in order to have a successful retirement. During the first session, we will review the profile results, identify your goals, and then prioritize them. We will determine the biggest change that you are willing to make starting that day. We will then be on our way to working together to help you achieve what brought you to coaching.
Our sessions will be 30 to 45 minutes long, 3 times a month for 3 to 4 months or more if desired. Most people find that they can accomplish their goals within that time frame. However, some individuals find it helpful to continue with additional sessions as they identify more goals and/or need more support in learning tools and resources to move forward. We can be flexible and work around your schedule.
What’s the difference between psychotherapy and coaching?
Coaching is an approach used with people who might be thought of as “the worried well.” People who hire a coach are already successful and emotionally strong. However, they want more for themselves and are ready to take their lives to the next level. Coaching usually is conducted by phone. However, it can also occur in person.
In contrast, psychotherapy involves working with people who, because of serious emotional problems are at very difficult points in their lives. They have developed protective behaviors that have helped them to survive in the past, but these patterns are not serving them well now. The therapist uses a medical model to explore the symptoms, arrive at a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan to replace defensive patterns with healthier ways of coping. Psychotherapy must be conducted in a face-to-face setting.
How can I tell if a coach is properly trained?
It is important to work with a coach who has been trained by a certified coaching program. The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the national credentialing organization of coaching programs. It also certifies business and personal coaches. Dee Cascio is a member of ICF and also of the International Association of Coaches, a professional association for coaches.