Frequently Asked Questions about life coaching

While both life coaches and therapists help individuals improve their lives, therapists typically focus on addressing mental health issues and past traumas, while life coaches focus on helping individuals achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being.

Life Coaching:

• Focus: Life coaching primarily focuses on helping individuals set and achieve specific personal or professional goals. Coaches work with clients to enhance their performance, overcome obstacles, and create positive changes in their lives.
• Approach: Life coaches use a forward-looking approach, emphasizing action, motivation, and accountability. They help clients identify their strengths, values, and aspirations, and assist them in developing actionable plans to move towards their desired outcomes.
• Goals: The main goal of life coaching is to empower clients to reach their potential and lead a more fulfilling life. Coaches support clients in achieving success, balance, and personal growth in various aspects of life.
• Relationship: The coach-client relationship in life coaching is often more collaborative, with the coach acting as a partner to support and guide the client towards their goals.

Therapy (Psychotherapy or Counseling):

• Focus: Therapy focuses on addressing emotional, psychological, and mental health concerns. Therapists or counselors work with clients to explore past experiences, traumas, and emotional struggles to promote healing and improve mental well-being.
• Approach: Therapists use evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help clients understand their feelings, behaviors, and thought patterns. They aim to facilitate self-awareness, emotional processing, and personal insight.
• Goals: The primary goal of therapy is to promote mental and emotional well-being, alleviate symptoms of psychological distress, and address mental health conditions.
• Relationship: The therapist-client relationship in therapy is based on professional boundaries, and therapists are trained to provide clinical interventions and treatment.

In summary, life coaching is focused on goal achievement and personal growth, therapy addresses emotional and mental health concerns, and counseling typically provides guidance on specific life challenges or transitions. It's essential for individuals seeking support to understand their needs and choose the appropriate approach that aligns with their specific goals and circumstances. In some cases, a combination of these approaches may be beneficial, depending on the individual's holistic needs.

Life coaching is a collaborative and goal-oriented process that aims to support individuals in achieving their personal and professional aspirations, enhancing their overall well-being, and unlocking their full potential. Life coaches work with clients to identify their goals, clarify their values, and create actionable plans to move towards their desired outcomes.

Key aspects of life coaching include:

• Goal Setting: Life coaches help clients set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. These goals can be related to various areas of life, such as career, relationships, health, personal growth, and work-life balance.
• Self-Exploration: Life coaching involves self-reflection and exploration to gain insight into one's strengths, values, beliefs, and challenges. Understanding oneself better is crucial for making positive changes and aligning actions with personal values.
• Action Planning: Coaches work with clients to develop action plans and strategies to achieve their goals. They support clients in breaking down big objectives into smaller, manageable steps, promoting progress and momentum.
• Accountability: Coaches serve as accountability partners, helping clients stay on track with their commitments and actions. Regular check-ins and progress assessments keep clients focused and motivated.
• Positive Psychology: Life coaching often draws on principles from positive psychology, focusing on strengths, positive emotions, resilience, and personal growth. It emphasizes a proactive and strengths-based approach to problem-solving.
• Empowerment: Coaches empower clients to make choices aligned with their values and to take ownership of their lives. They provide guidance and encouragement, but ultimately, clients are responsible for their decisions and actions.
• Non-Therapeutic Approach: Life coaching is distinct from therapy or counseling. While coaches may address certain challenges, they do not diagnose or treat mental health issues. Instead, coaching focuses on the present and future, supporting clients in reaching their potential.
• Confidentiality: Life coaching sessions are confidential and provide a safe space for clients to share their thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Life coaching sessions can be conducted in various formats, including in-person, over the phone, or through virtual platforms. The frequency and duration of coaching sessions depend on the client's needs and preferences.

Life coaching is a dynamic and empowering process that helps individuals overcome obstacles, gain clarity, build resilience, and achieve personal growth. By partnering with a life coach, individuals can enhance their self-awareness, develop effective strategies, and make meaningful progress towards their goals.

Life coaching can help you to meet the goals that you have for your life when you take the

time to develop a solid relationship with the coaching professional. It is the coach’s

objective to motivate you and hold you accountable for achieving your goals. From an

outside standpoint, a life coach may be able to see areas of concern that you are not able to discern. In that sense, the process raises your awareness of a different way to handle your business entity.

Life coaching might be beneficial for you if you:

• Desire for Positive Change: If you have a strong desire to improve aspects of your life, set and achieve meaningful goals, or gain clarity about your direction, life coaching can be a valuable tool.
• Willingness to Take Action: Life coaching involves setting actionable steps and making positive changes in your life. If you are ready to take action and commit to the coaching process, it can lead to transformative results.
• Seeking Support and Accountability: Life coaching offers support, encouragement, and accountability. If you feel you would benefit from having someone guide and motivate you along your journey, coaching may be a good fit.
• Openness to Self-Reflection: Coaching often involves self-reflection and exploring your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. If you are open to gaining deeper insights into yourself, coaching can be a powerful tool for personal growth.
• Goal-Oriented: Life coaching is focused on setting and achieving specific goals. If you have clear objectives in mind and are motivated to work towards them, coaching can help you stay on track and overcome obstacles.
• Comfort with a Collaborative Approach: Coaching is a collaborative partnership between the coach and the client. If you are comfortable working with a coach and are open to engaging in discussions and exercises, coaching can be effective.
• Readiness for Change: Coaching can be transformative, but it requires a readiness for change and a willingness to challenge limiting beliefs or behaviors.

Ultimately, the decision to engage in life coaching depends on your individual needs, goals, and preferences. If you resonate with the aspects mentioned above and feel that coaching aligns with your current life situation and aspirations, it might be worth exploring further.

My approach to goal-setting is to help clients identify specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. I also work with clients to create an action plan and provide accountability to ensure they stay on track to achieve their goals.

The client is expected to attend each session on time and ready to work. They may need to be open to changes in their goals as the coaching process evolves. Coaches are not

judgmental but impartial. To that end, coaches will ask the tough questions and expect the

tough answers in order for growth to take place personally. However, clients do maintain

the right to decide what topics to cover and to terminate a subject if they don’t want to

discuss it further.

The coach is expected to listen to the client and their desires and work within that

guideline as much as possible. Guidelines will be set down for each session ahead of time so that the client is aware of what behavior will and won’t be tolerated. The goal of each coaching session is to work through setbacks the client may have, clarify goals through exercises and find ways to move forward on goals with the client, i.e. creating action items.

The client is expected to hold themselves accountable for what they do and don’t do to

make these sessions productive.

These expectations are set forth to ensure to get the most out of coaching.  As long as you are doing the work and being honest with me we will be successful in meeting your goals and expectations.

Confidentiality is of utmost importance in my coaching practice. I adhere to the International Coach Federation's (ICF) Code of Ethics, which includes strict guidelines for maintaining client confidentiality. 

A life coaching session is a structured and focused meeting between a certified life coach and their client. The session is designed to support the client in setting and achieving their personal or professional goals, improving specific areas of their life, and enhancing overall well-being and fulfillment. Here's how a typical life coaching session unfolds.

• Introduction and Establishing Trust: The session begins with the health coach introducing themselves and establishing a warm and trusting relationship with the client. They create a safe space for the client to discuss their health concerns, challenges, and aspirations.
• Clarifying Goals and Objectives: The coach works with the client to identify their specific coaching goals. They may ask questions to understand the client's desired outcomes and areas they want to focus on during the session.
• Assessment and Exploration: The coach engages in active listening and thoughtful questioning to explore the client's current situation, challenges, and opportunities. They may encourage the client to reflect on their values, strengths, and potential obstacles.
• Setting Priorities: Based on the client's goals and aspirations, the coach helps the client prioritize their objectives. Together, they determine which areas need immediate attention and which steps to take first.
• Creating Action Plans: The coach collaborates with the client to develop actionable plans to achieve their goals. These plans include specific steps, deadlines, and potential strategies for overcoming challenges.
• Building Accountability: The coach supports the client in creating a system of accountability to ensure progress. They may agree on ways to track the client's actions and achievements between sessions.
• Identifying Resources and Support: The coach helps the client identify resources, tools, or additional support that can aid them in their journey towards their goals. This may include recommending books, workshops, or networking opportunities.
• Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: If necessary, the coach assists the client in identifying and addressing limiting beliefs or negative thought patterns that may be hindering their progress.
• Encouragement and Motivation: Throughout the session, the coach provides encouragement, motivation, and positive reinforcement to inspire the client to take action and stay focused on their goals.
• Wrap-Up and Reflection: Towards the end of the session, the coach and client review the key takeaways and action plans. They may summarize the progress made during the session and celebrate any achievements.
• Homework and Follow-Up: The coach may assign homework or reflective exercises for the client to work on between sessions. They also schedule the next coaching session to continue the progress.

It's essential to remember that life coaching sessions are tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. The coach acts as a guide, empowering the client to tap into their potential, make positive changes, and achieve personal growth. Regular coaching sessions offer continuous support and momentum towards the client's desired outcomes.

A health coaching session is a collaborative and client-centered meeting between a certified health coach and their client. The session focuses on promoting and supporting the client's journey towards improved health and well-being. Health coaches work with clients to set health-related goals, develop personalized action plans, and provide ongoing support and accountability. Here's how a typical health coaching session may unfold:

• Introduction and Establishing Trust: The session begins with the health coach introducing themselves and establishing a warm and trusting relationship with the client. They create a safe space for the client to discuss their health concerns, challenges, and aspirations.
• Health Assessment: The coach conducts a comprehensive health assessment to understand the client's current health status, lifestyle habits, medical history, and any health-related goals they may have.
• Goal Setting: The health coach works with the client to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) health goals. These goals may relate to areas such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, or other aspects of health and well-being.
• Identifying Barriers: The coach helps the client identify potential barriers or obstacles that may hinder their progress towards their health goals. They explore factors that might contribute to unhealthy habits or lifestyle choices.
• Personalized Action Plan: Based on the client's health assessment and goals, the health coach collaborates with the client to create a personalized action plan. The plan includes practical steps, behavior changes, and strategies to achieve the client's health objectives.
• Behavior Change Strategies: The coach introduces behavior change techniques and evidence-based strategies to support the client's efforts in adopting healthier habits. These strategies may focus on habit formation, motivation, and self-regulation.
• Nutrition and Wellness Education: Health coaches often provide education on nutrition, wellness, and healthy lifestyle practices. They may address questions and misconceptions related to diet and health.
• Support and Accountability: Throughout the session, the health coach provides ongoing support, encouragement, and motivation to the client. They offer guidance and help the client stay accountable to their action plan.
• Problem-Solving: The coach assists the client in problem-solving and overcoming challenges that may arise during their health journey. They explore solutions and alternatives to support the client's progress.
• Reflection and Feedback: Towards the end of the session, the coach and client reflect on the key insights and action steps discussed during the session. They may also seek feedback from the client on the coaching process and adjust the approach if needed.
• Follow-Up and Next Steps: The health coach may assign homework or activities for the client to work on between sessions. They schedule the next health coaching session to review progress and set new goals.

Health coaching is a dynamic and empowering process that helps individuals take charge of their health and well-being. The coach partners with the client to foster sustainable lifestyle changes, promote self-awareness, and support the client's overall health and vitality. Regular health coaching sessions offer continuous guidance and encouragement, allowing the client to make meaningful and lasting improvements in their health.

An accountability coaching session is a type of coaching session that focuses on helping individuals stay on track with their goals and commitments by providing support, encouragement, and a sense of responsibility. The main objective of an accountability coaching session is to hold the client accountable for taking the necessary actions towards their desired outcomes. Here's how an accountability coaching session typically works:

• Reviewing Goals and Commitments: The session starts with the coach and client reviewing the goals and commitments that were set in previous sessions or established earlier. The coach ensures clarity on what the client aims to achieve and what actions they committed to taking.
• Progress Assessment: The coach and client discuss the progress made since the last session. This involves exploring the steps taken, obstacles faced, and any achievements or challenges encountered along the way.
• Identifying Achievements and Challenges: The coach acknowledges the client's achievements and efforts, celebrating successes and milestones reached. They also identify any challenges or roadblocks that may have hindered progress.
• Exploring Barriers and Solutions: If the client faced challenges, the coach assists in exploring the underlying reasons and potential barriers that may have contributed to the setbacks. Together, they brainstorm potential solutions and strategies to overcome these obstacles.
• Reflecting on Actions Taken: The coach encourages the client to reflect on the actions they have taken towards their goals. This reflection helps the client gain insights into what worked well and what might need adjustment in their approach.
• Reassessing Goals and Priorities: Based on the progress made and the client's current circumstances, the coach and client may reassess and refine the goals or action plan as needed. They ensure that the goals remain relevant and aligned with the client's aspirations.
• Setting New Action Steps: The coach collaborates with the client to set new action steps for the upcoming period. These action steps are specific, attainable, and designed to move the client closer to their desired outcomes.
• Creating Accountability Measures: The coach and client discuss ways to reinforce accountability between sessions. This may involve setting up reminders, creating routines, or utilizing tools to track progress.
• Commitment and Encouragement: The coach encourages the client to recommit to their goals and
• action plan, fostering a sense of dedication and determination to follow through with their commitments.
• Follow-Up and Next Session Planning: The coach schedules the next accountability coaching session to review progress, provide ongoing support, and continue working towards the client's goals.

An accountability coaching session is a collaborative process that empowers the client to take responsibility for their actions and achievements. By having regular accountability sessions, individuals can maintain focus, stay motivated, and make consistent progress towards their objectives, increasing their chances of success and personal growth.

• Initial coaching consult is 30 min
• First coaching sessions is usually 90 minutes to 2 hours
• Regular coaching sessions are 50 minutes

I offer 2 options for coaching calls.

• Video call via Zoom
• Telephone call

All coaching clients must commit to a minimum of 3 months of coaching.  If you have coached with me before I do offer follow up and check in coaching calls.

I base all of my coaching on a monthly plan.  Please see my prices and packages on my Coaching Scheduler.

I try to work with mostly middle aged women but will review each person on a case by case basis. I do not work with anyone under the age of 18 years old but can definitely do a referral for you.