What can I expect in a coaching session?
During sessions you are expected to talk or write about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts 50 minutes, but some people request longer sessions. Sessions are available in my office, online or over the telephone. Usually weekly sessions are best. Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week, at least until the crisis passes. During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the coaching sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For coaching to "work," you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the coaching sessions.
What benefits can I expect from working with a coach?
A number of benefits are available from participating in coaching. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Coaching can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find coaching to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from coaching include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications skills - learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you
- Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and develop new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What if I don't know what my goals are for coaching?
If you aren't sure what your goals are for coaching, your first task is to figure that out. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of your coaching sessions, your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for coaching will help you get the most out of the experience.
Is coaching confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a coach. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The coach is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The coach must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The coach will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.
What is Coaching for Caregivers or e-Coaching?
Online coaching or therapy, e-therapy, e-coaching, and email coaching all describe the same thing – coaching, guidance and support services which are provided online.
Online coaching, like face-to-face therapy, is a dialogue between you and your coach to assist you in dealing with problems and to encourage your personal growth. For patients or caregivers that can not schedule face-to-face sessions, this type of support is growing both in popularity and need.
You will receive my understanding, support, questions, information, feedback, and strategies to help you with your problems. While online coaching and support is different than in-person, it has been shown to be quite effective for many people.
Online coaching is provided through email correspondence or chat rooms. Some online clients choose to talk over the phone as well, and with our toll free number there are no additional charges.
Some people choose to have only a few email exchanges with me; sometimes called consultations or advice. Others develop a relationship with the two of us writing emails back and forth, or talking in a chat room over an extended period of time. Developing a therapeutic relationship, whether online or in-person, leads to a deeper exploration of issues.
It's up to you to decide what you want, however some problems can't be resolved without an ongoing therapeutic relationship, and some can't be resolved online. If you have problems that might be better dealt with in-person but you don't feel you can or want to, online coaching and support might be a good place to begin.
How does coaching differ from counseling/therapy?
Coaching deals with the present and takes what's inside and translate it into outer goals. Your Coach focuses on action, accountability and follow-through and supports optimally functioning and capable individuals in making desired changes in their life. Another way to think of coaching is to consider the following: Personal training is exercise for your body ~ coaching is exercise for your brain.
The advantages include:
- You may feel freer to be yourself and to share your concerns more openly online.
- You may feel more comfortable receiving coaching and support in the privacy of your own home.
- You may feel more comfortable writing about your problems than talking about them.
- You may write about what is bothering you sooner than if you were talking to someone - this often brings faster resolutions to problems.
- Writing may help you to think through your problems and to feel your emotions. It can bring focus, clarity, insight, and emotional relief.
- You can read and re-read your emails, and chat transcripts.
- Writing enhances your relationship with yourself.
- You can email your me any time of day.
- You can take as long as you want to write.
The disadvantages include:
- Online coaches don't have access to important information about you without face-to-face sessions, however, having phone sessions as well can provide your me with more information.
- There can be more misunderstandings by email and therefore a greater need to explain things and ask additional questions. However, this can also be an advantage as it encourages our being clear and asking questions - something some people are afraid to do in-person.
- Some problems just cannot be resolved online
- Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed over the internet.
- Online coaching and support is relatively new - although writing as a form of support is not new.
