What is Professional Coaching?

The International Coach 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.

 

Coaches honor the client as the expert in his or her life and work and believe every client is creative, resourceful and whole. Standing on this foundation, the my responsibility is to:

• Discover, clarify, and align with what the client wants to achieve

• Encourage client self-discovery

• Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies

• Hold the client responsible and accountable

 Courtesy of ICF (2015)

 

What is Positive Psychology?

To put it simply, there are two ways for improving our wellbeing: one is to rid ourselves of the negative things in our lives, the second is to strengthen those things that are positive. Positive Psychology emphasizes the second.

 

Coaches who use the principles of positive psychology focus on the potential use of strengths in clients - such as optimism, gratitude, and creativity - for enhancing day-to-day personal happiness. And happiness grows when we have pleasure, engagement and meaning in our lives. Moore (2010), Psychology Today

 

Where do I start?

I offer a complimentary initial consultation to all potential clients designed to assess coach, client fit.  During this meeting we will take some time to get to acquainted and learn what brings you to coaching.  I will provide a short orientation about Positive Psychology Coaching and how it is different from therapy, mentorship and other coaching approaches.  We will discuss the terms of the coaching agreement.  I will share info about my coaching style and detail the format for a typical coaching session.  If you feel there is a fit, we move forward and set a series of coaching meetings.

 

How do I know I'm ready for coaching?

You are contemplating change, thinking about growth, or moving from the status quo personally or professionally to a new level of self-actualization.  A new level of being your best and living your best life.  If this describes you, then you are ready for coaching.  

 

What does a coaching session look like?

Our coaching sessions will be a 60 minute coaching conversation.  The first part is a check in on your general well-being, where we also discuss any reflections or insights since our previous meeting.  This is an opportunity for us to learn more about each other and develop higher levels of trust.  The next part is the Coaching Conversation.  We will set an agenda for the conversation, brainstorm solution focused ideas, develop insights and self-awareness to help you move forward to achieving your goals.  During the final section we set action steps and build alignment around those steps for me to hold you accountable.

 

Is there homework?

There is YOUwork.  It could be anything from assessments to scientifically identify strengths to daily practices to develop new habits or refine skills. YOUwork helps you develop awareness, insights and apply your new learning outside of the coaching session in your day-to-day life. 

 

What is the price?

Coaching sessions start at $200/hr (CDN) for a 60-minute session over the phone, Skype or Facetime (add travel charge for face-to-face meetings).  Minimum 5 sessions.  Team Coaching sessions start at $250/hr, plus travel charge.

 

What does success look like?

Measurement may be thought of in two distinct ways: external indicators of performance and internal indicators of success. Ideally, both are incorporated.  Examples of external measures include achievement of coaching goals established at the outset of the coaching relationship. 

 

Examples of internal measures include changes in your self-awareness and awareness of others, shifts in thinking that create more effective actions, and shifts in your emotional state that inspire confidence. Courtesy of ICF (2015)