What is Life Coaching Like?
The other day I was chatting with two friends. They both mentioned being asked what life coaching was like. Neither had an easy time explaining the coaching process. It got me to wondering how many others are not really sure about the process. There are many different coaches out there specializing in different goals and using different tools and styles. It is important to find the right fit for what one wants to accomplish and the right coach that matches one’s style. To give you a glimpse into life coaching in general, I thought I would share with you what it is like to go through life coaching with me.
Why: Most individuals come to me for one or both of these reasons. Reason one is they are looking to make a change in their career or find their life purpose. They may be a college student not sure of a major, an unsatisfied worker looking for more fulfillment or possible business ownership, an individual who has been laid off and figures this may be an opportunity to try something new, or a retiree looking to give back and still be productive without the need to receive a paycheck. The other reason I am approached for coaching is stress relief. It could be the stress of a job, balancing children and work, caring for ailing parents, or a host of other stressors.
How: The coaching process I use is unique for each individual because every individual is unique; however there are some steps in common. Before we meet for the first time, the client fills out a prework booklet. This booklet is a brief history of that client’s life. As a recovering Type-A, I like to move quickly so instead of spending the first few sessions getting to know the client, this booklet speeds things up so we can dig right into uncovering the client’s life purpose or relieving the client’s stress. During sessions we usually just talk. Sometimes I talk more, sometimes the client does. After the session, I send homework which I like to call Life Work because it is for the client, not for me or for a grade. The Life Work may be written work to help the client see things in a new light, it may be growing awareness of reactions and behaviors, or it may be creating new habits.
When: Usually I meet with clients every other week to allow enough time to complete the Life Work. If the client wants to move faster, we can do every week. I try not to go further than three weeks as we seem to lose momentum the longer time between sessions. I usually recommend committing to six sessions as this gives enough time to learn, explore, and implement what we uncover.
Where: Sessions are conducted via phone, Skype, or at my home office in Arlington Heights.
Who: Maybe you? Schedule a free twenty minute consultation to see if coaching is right for you.
