What is coaching?

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. 

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This definition directly relates to my coaching goals and with the aim of transformational coaching, which is moving toward the greatest potential in a given situation. The definition also uses the word “inspires” and “partnering,” emphasizing that the coach takes a backseat to the client. The client has the answers and the coach is there to support the client.

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Coaching is a partnership that inspires a client to maximize their potential in a future-focused way. The coach does not offer advice but uses tools and questions to help the client move forward. The coach is not a subject matter expert like a consultant or mentor would be, and coaching is distinct from therapy in that therapy is a past-focused helping profession with a goal of getting a client to a baseline of health and functionality, while coaching is future-focused and aims to help a balanced person thrive.

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Note that I also attend regular coaching sessions as a client. Great coaches have coaches too!

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What types of coaching tools do you use?

I use intuition-based transformational coaching tools as opposed to traditional transactional coaching (i.e., SMART goals) that emphasize energy and draw on a variety of wisdom traditions and modalities, which may include meditation, working with the chakras, sacred geometry, classical elements, and much more. Tapping into our intuition will help develop life skills, such as self-confidence, communication skills, conflict resolution, etc. We may also find it helpful to look at enneagram types, astrology, and human design. That is the client's choice.

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Do you offer a coaching agreement?

Yes, I will draw up an agreement after our discovery call.

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Do you offer refunds?

Sessions are non-refundable and payment is made at the time of booking. I request 24 hours' notice for cancelations or rescheduling, but I know that emergencies arise, especially if you're a parent like me. If we need to reschedule due to an emergency, I agree to do so as soon as possible. If you purchase a reduced-rate coaching package, unused sessions will be refunded if for some reason we terminate our coaching partnership. Either of us may terminate the partnership at any time.
 

What can I expect to take away from our sessions? 

In my experience, clients leave sessions with new information that will help them either determine or take next steps. We agree in advance on flexible goals and will monitor progress along the way. 

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Clients bring any challenge that is getting their attention, but with the transformational coaching approach, we will dive beneath the surface in a way that will not only help provide information about the challenge but also facilitate self-exploration and deeper meanings. 

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What else should I know about coaching sessions? 

Expressing emotion during our sessions is normal and completely acceptable. Coaching sessions aren't a time for holding back. I ask that you bring openness, honesty, and vulnerability to our sessions, and I will do the same. I create a safe space for my clients to experience their emotions.

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I also believe in creating healing spaces within your environment, whether that be at home, your office, etc. That can mean different things to different people. If this is a topic of interest to you, let me know.

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What is a highly sensitive person? 

A highly sensitive person is deeply affected by external stimuli. High sensitivity is a personality trait found in an estimated 20% of the population and in some animals as well. Dr. Elaine Aron conducted research on this trait and is the author of the book The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. HSPs are sensitive to their environment, have stronger nervous system activity, may have stronger emotional and/or physiological reactions to stimuli, have sensory sensitivities, and are often more in tune with their surroundings. Dr. Aron has a comprehensive website with more details and self-assessments. While being an HSP can be stressful, it's also widely recognized as a superpower when properly managed.

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