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Q&A
How does coaching differ from psychotherapy?
Good coaches and therapists share common characteristics and goals such as the ability to: build a foundation with another person, invest attention, create a safe and conducive environment for exploration and change, be affirming and empathic, facilitate learning and self-discovery, and give feedback. However, and this is a big however, coaching and therapy differ in many respects. Psychotherapy (although not all types) is designed for relieving symptoms of mental illness, such as depression, restoring everyday functioning, and sometimes, exploring the past. It focuses on the client's inner world and feelings.
Coaching does not deal with mental conditions, but is more about attaining goals, dreams, desires, creating fulfillment, and examining a future vision. It is very action- and results-oriented. While there may be some degree of overlap, coaching should not be used as a substitute for psychotherapy. Today, many individuals are finding they need some sort of "boost" or outlet, but they don't necessarily need or want therapy. Coaching can then be a great option.
How does coaching work?
Coaching will empower you by giving you the tools you need to eventually go off on your own and effectively problem solve and attain more goals. Your coach can help you tap into hidden resources and see talents and aspects of yourself that may not have been clear to you. Goals are based on your agenda, not what anyone else feels you need to be working on.
What kind of results can I expect?
This may sound like a cliche, but I'll go ahead and say it anyway--it depends! I will say that coaching is not a quick fix, nor is it week after week of getting someone else's advice. Results depend on many factors including the problems a person brings to the table, how much time and energy you are willing to (or able to) invest between sessions, and your committment to attaining goals. For example, someone who would like some personal coaching on organizing their space (a common reason some people hire a coach) may see results sooner than someone who wants to work on lowering stress in their lives or work on relationship issues.
As a rule, individuals do see some results within a month, and significant gains within 3-4 months. However, most clients are coached for about 6-9 months, but the length of time is up to the client.
Who uses life or personal coaches?
Well, I guess I'll answer that by giving a brief historical perspective. The earliest form of "coaching," (besides athletics) was in the executive or corporate realm. Over the years, however, life coaching has become increasingly popular in all walks of life. I could probably write pages and pages (but I won't) of who would use a life or personal coach. Just to name a few coaching specialties or reasons one might seek coaching (also see the introduction page of this website): business start-up and entrepeneurial ventures, executive and sales training, life and career transitions, adjusting to chronic illness and pain, spirituality, dating, improving a relationship or creating new relationships, stress management, organization and time management, creating balance between work and personal lives, or simplifying one's life. I could go on and on, but you probably get the picture of the endless possibilities.
Why should I choose you as my coach?
Hmm, I should discuss how to choose a personal coach in general and let you make your own informed decision. As I've mentioned, life coaching is a partnership and the degree of how well your coach fits your needs. You can hire the most highly esteemed, expensive coach, and if you feel your needs are not being met, you're wasting your time and money. It's all about comfort. You may have to call several coaches to get a feel for their style before you decide who is right for you.
You'll want to look at the coach's qualifications and certifications. Although this is important, training and life experience relevant to the coaching specialty is probably of equal importance. For example, a coach who has in the past successfully owned and ran his or her own business and provided consulting to companies but is newly certified, most likely has just as much to offer based on life experience, as someone who is certified but has little experience in the area of interest.
The bottom line of why you should hire any coach, in addition to qualifications, is that you are seeing results and feel comfortable with, heard by, understood by, and connected to them.
So, what do I do next if I want to be coached?
If after your complimentary session you decide you'd like to work together, we'll set up another time to talk. I'll then send you a packet of forms to fill out that will help you identify areas you'd like to focus on and change, and will help me begin to get to know you. You'll fill out the forms (pronto, I hope and with much enthusiasm) send them back to me before our first session...and then we'll be off and running....
Further questions?
Email me: mariesauro@aol.com or call:
(401) 829-7527.
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