Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why should I pay for a Life Coach? What will you do for me that my friends and family won’t?

Answer: Often when people really get serious about losing weight they hire a personal trainer. They go for the expert.

 Why? There’s no secret to shedding pounds. You eat less and move around more. OK. Then why don’t they do it? Because knowing what to do isn’t always enough.

Most life problems are not "how do I" problems; they're "why can't I" problems.

Your family and friends love you, protect you and want you to be happy. But they may not be working from the same script as you. Their idea of what it takes to make you happy may not address what you have in your heart.

As your Coach I have no context for you. I take you at face value.  I have no knowledge of your past history of successes or supposed failures; no predetermined notions of "appropriate" boundaries or limitations. I am not constrained by your carefully constructed belief systems as to what you can or "can't" do. As your Coach, I work to your agenda to get you wherever you want to go. I deal with the "how do I's" but I also tackle the "why can't I's".

Question: So what does a Life Coach actually do?

Answer: A Coach uses learned techniques and experience to help you solve problems and initiate and manage change.

A good coach will teach you to make clear and appropriate decisions, challenge your belief systems, shift your perspective, recognize limiting patterns and unhelpful belief systems, set goals and implement action plans.

What does this mean in real-life terms? If you're caught in a job you hate, want out of a relationship, are "stuck", overwhelmed, or paralyzed by fear, starting up a new business or you've just lost the "juice" of life - a coach will enable you to get unstuck, move on and get what you want.

Question: How is Constructed Life Coaching different from other Life or Business Coaching?

Answer: Tough question to answer in a few words. Much of coaching is concerned with setting and reaching goals. This is very useful. We all want success and more money and a comfortable life. But life is more than money in the bank and a good work ethic.

My coaching addresses achieving material success and reaching goals but also includes other dimensions such as meaning, purpose, core value work, awareness, spirituality and moral code.  I am a successful businesswoman, writer and entrepreneur. I am also a deeply committed practitioner and teacher of Constructive Living (a Japanese re-education modality) and a Zen Buddhist.. So, I'm having my cake and enjoying it too. I identify strongly with the Biblical quote that there is no profit in gaining the whole world if you lose your soul.

Your physical, financial, emotional and spiritual wellnesses are interconnected. Any one of these which is neglected can cause suffering and may affect the other spheres of your life. I utilize mindfulness practice, meditation, visualization - basically whatever it takes to get you out of your head and into action.

 
Question: What does it cost?

Answer: I have many different programs available. Pick the one that’s right for you. Make enough of a commitment that you take it seriously. You are investing in yourself - which is about the only sure way to get a good return on your money these days. Don’t get in over your head. However, a three month minimum commitment is desirable to get off to a good start. 

My coaching fees are lower than the industry standard. This is not a case of getting what you pay for. I aim for a demographic of individuals who would not ordinarily consider coaching as a viable financial alternative at $150 - $250 per session.

My personal vision is that everyone should have access to affordable healthcare, retirement resources, education and Self-Development Resources. I do what I can to facilitate this.

Question: What results can I expect to achieve by being coached?

Answer: Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, what you get out of coaching will be pretty much proportional to what you put into it.

This means the sky's the limit. 

Change is an inside job. As your coach I cannot do the work for you. This may be disappointing news for anyone expecting a "magic bullet". Please be wary of anyone who guarantees to increase your income, get rid of fear or "fix" your life. The latest buzz word is "The Secret". The Law of Attraction, which is not a new theory, is valid but it cannot be manipulated or put into service of the ego. Sustained action within a purposeful framework is required. The good news is if you are serious about being coached and you put the necessary time and effort into it the potential for growth and change is unlimited. 

You will learn to clearly identify what you want.

You will recognize limiting thoughts and behaviors.

You will come to trust yourself.

You will be able to change the perspectives, habits and belief systems which no longer serve you.

You will take more risks and stretch yourself. This will cause you to re-evaluate your idea of what you can and cannot do.

You will be taking consistent, positive daily actions which will move you towards the life you want to live and not the life you're currently settling for.

Question: Is coaching a new profession? It seems like all of a sudden coaches are everywhere.

Answer: Thomas Leonard, R.I.P., was the world's first Coach. So - as a formalized industry, non-sports coaching has been around for only a few decades. As a non-formalized discipline it is up there as one of the oldest professions. Socrates was probably the first Coach. Coaching has been one of the fastest growing, and more interesting, results of the rise of entrepreneurial culture, self-help and personal development books etc, and the explosion of the information super highway. People are busier, overloaded with options and often overwhelmed. They're not "sick" enough for therapy but their level of wellness is not what it could be. 

Unfortunately, the Coaching industry is not regulated and anyone can hang out a shingle and call themselves a "Coach." You now see "Investment Coaches" who were Financial Planners last week; "Wellness Coaches" are often Personal Trainers with a new business card.  In fact, a Coach is not the same as an educator, trainer or consultant. It is a profession to itself. Please make sure your Coach is appropriately credentialed and trained to help you.

Question: How long will I be coached?

Answer: Until you’re done. Coaches shouldn’t have tenure. You will know when you’re making clearer and faster decisions. Problem-solving will become easier and you will feel generally more centered and confident about life. Once you take off the training wheels you can always come back for occasional "tune-ups" or situational coaching. You can always stop coaching at any time if you choose not to continue.

Coaching will simplify and kick-start your life at the same time.
There are no stupid questions. If you need more information.

 Contact me.

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