What is coaching?

The Iternational Coach Federation defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.

How can I benefit from coaching over the phone rather than in person?
Phone coaching requires less time from a person's schedule.  The coaching can be experienced anywhere that the client has access to a phone.   Phone coaching eliminates travel expenses.  A client can be at home, work, outdoors, out of town, dressed for work or in pajamas!  Its convenience allows clients to choose a coach regardless of geographic distance.

What is the difference in counseling, consulting and coaching?
Counseling has healing as its primary focus and typically gives the greatest attention to the past.  The counselor makes a diagnosis and determines the needed course of action.  Consulting offers a person who is an expert in their field and is paid for their advice and expertise.   Coaching focuses on where a person or couple is and where they want to be.  A coach does not diagnose or issue expertise advice.  Instead, a Professional Coach is trained to ask powerful questions, listen beyond the surface, observe from an unbiased perspective, support the agenda of the client, recognize the wisdom and wholeness of the client, and promote action.

Why should I hire a coach certified with the International Coach Federation (ICF)?
Clients who hire ICF certified coaches are guaranteed a coach who adheres to a Coaching Code of Ethics (link), has received a required amount of formal training, has submitted the required documented amount of paid coaching hours, and has been mentored by other certified coaches.  Coaches not trained by ICF should be inquired as to their training, experience and what if any is their professional code of ethics.

How long will it take to reach my goals?

It depends on your commitment to the process and the kind of goals you are working towards achieving.  Most life changes take at least 3 months in order to replace old habits with new behaviors.  Most new behaviors need at least 3 months of "practice" in order to become a habit. However, most coaches allow a cient to stop the coaching at any time if it is not working for them.  

What will happen if I don't hire a coach?

What!  You will miss out on having someone partner with you in a way that will accelerate your progress towards reaching your goals.