Here are some ideas.
The coach should have training specific to the profession of life coaching from an entity that is appropriately accredited by the International Coach Federation, International Association of Coaching, European Mentoring and Coaching Council, or the Center for Credentialing and Education.- The coach should have professional and/or life experience in area(s) where you need help.
- There should be good personal connection or “fit.” This can be explored through an initial consultation, which many coaches offer free of charge.
Coaching is tailored to each client and will vary based on individual needs.
At the beginning of the process, we will discuss what you wish to accomplish through our work together and we will utilize a few exercises to create a preliminary plan to achieve your goals.
Before each session I will ask you to complete a brief session preparation form, so that we can effectively focus our time. Then in the session itself, we can acknowledge obstacles, explore alternate perspectives and celebrate successes, all while keeping your goals in mind. We may refine or change goals as we move along, and periodically I may provide resources or exercises that can help you to direct your progress.
With the conclusion of each session, we will revisit your goals and evaluate the next steps that are needed to achieve these results.
Coaching sessions are generally scheduled for 1 hour. They take place either by telephone or through video meetings.
Life coaching can be therapeutic, but it is not therapy.
Traditional therapy is designed to address psychological disorders.
In coaching, emotional issues may arise, and problematic thoughts and actions may be examined. But there is little emphasis placed on the past.
Instead, the primary focus of life coaching is to help you identify your goals, achieve them, and develop constructive habits and skills that lead to life-long resilience.
Creating what you want now and in the future is at the heart of life coaching.
It is usually best to expect at least three months to experience meaningful change.
As goals are clarified and added, the process may evolve and this will affect the length of the coaching process.
As with everything in the client-coach relationship, these parameters are mutually created.