Life Coaching By Design. FAQs
What is coaching?
Coaching is a comparably new profession. It blends the best concepts from business, psychology,
philosophy, sports and spirituality. Although coaching combines skills from other disciplines, it is a distinct
process of supporting others to create an ideal life. Coaches work with clients on a variety of topics: from
business and professional issues to personal and spiritual concerns. A coach is an advocate, a sounding
board, a cheerleader, an accountability partner, a truth teller and a supporter
Coaching involves dialogue between a coach and a client with the aim of helping the client obtain a
fulfilling life. This is achieved by helping the client establish what is important to them and by
clarifying their values. With the client‟s input the coach co-creates value based goals and a plan to
achieve them. Through collaboration, the coach supports the client to achieve these goals. A
coach offers many things to the client during the coaching process such as:
1. Support to discover the answers within him or her self
2. Clarification of values
3. Co-creation of a plan for how to achieve what the client really wants
4. A sounding board for new ideas
5. Support in making life changing decisions
6. Challenge to expand their views beyond their perceived limitations
7. Direction
8. Acknowledgement
9. Encouragement
10. Resource of information
Copyright 2002 International Coach Academy Pty. Ltd.
Use is governed by the Terms and Conditions at http://www.icoachacademy.com
Why do people hire a coach?
People hire coaches to assist them to gain better clarity and perspective, improve aspects of their lives, work through difficult situations, discover their authentic self, loose weight, change careers, become a better leader, a better team member, the list goes on.
The easiest way to understand life coaching is to compare it to hiring a personal trainer for personal fitness. A personal trainer works with you to identify your personal fitness and wellness goals. They then support you to acheive those goals. This involves developing routines, motivating and keeping you motivated until you reach your goals, identifying obsticles that are holding you back, evaluating progress, and celebrating successes with you.
Life coaches, like personal trainers, are your personal key to success. The aim of your coach is to work in your best interest to assist you to succeed. They are not family, friends, work colleagues or other people in your life who have various vested interests in your life. Your life coach will be honest and upfront with you, accepts your values and beliefs unconditionally, and is able to see your life as an outside observer.
What credentials do coaches have?
Coaching is a relatively new profession, which until recently had no formal governing body or way to regulate coaches. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the globally recognised official body for coaches.
Coaches who are certified through ICF, have a proven level of competency, have completed practice requirements that are set at high standards, abide by a code of ethics, code of conduct, and must demonstrate core competencies.
To ensure that you are getting the best coach for your needs, ask them for their credentials, associations, ICF accreditation and testimonials from past clients.
Where do the coach and client first focus their efforts?
Initially the focus of the coaching relationship will be on building trust and connection. The first coaching session is an opportunity for the coach and client to find out about each other. It is about seeing if there is a good fit, and if the coaching approach resonates with the client. In this session the coach will cover logistics, such as cost, length of sessions, and expected time commitments.
By the end of the first session the coach will have asked questions that assist the client to identify what they would like to get from coaching. The first session, while only introductory, will set the tone for what the client can expect from the coaching relationship.
How soon can the client expect to see results?
Most clients start to see results after the first session, depending on what they would like to achieve. Coaching is first and foremost about creating "aha", moments of clarity or learning moments for the client. It is about providing new insights and different ways of viewing their life. The typical coaching cycle is 12 sessions, normally spread over 12 weeks. This time frame ensures that the client creates lasting change in their life. The actual lenghth of the coaching relationship will depend on what the client is looking to achieve.
What goes on during a coaching session?
A typical coaching session contains three phases
1) initial discovery or identification of what the client wants to discuss
2) exploration, clarification and gaining deeper awareness of the area being explored
3) creative brainstorming, identification of strategies, and formulating actions that the client feels comfortable and confident to action.
The key to success is the co-creation of strategies and actions that are generated through dialogue between coach and client, with the process being driven by the client rather than the coach. The actions that the client settles on need to fit within his/her existing success formula. The success formula is identified through exploration of past successes, with particular emphasis placed on the proven factors that create success in the client's life.
How much does it cost?
Coaching is one of the most affordable options available for people looking to make lasting changes in their lives. The usual coaching commitment is sessions. The cost to the client best seen as a total amount divided by 12. The 12 sessions include email support between sessions.
Phone coaching is now the preferred method of coaching as it allows the most flexibility for the client. This allows the client to choose where and when the coaching session occurs. It is also the most cost effective as it removes travel costs.
In order to honor my values and background working in the not-for profit sector, I have made a decision to make coaching accessible to everybody who sees value in working with me. In terms of pricing, I leave it with clients to determine
A) how valuable my services are to you, and
B) how much you can afford.
A formula I like to work off is, a dollar for every thousand dollars you earn. So if you earn $65,000, my charge would be $65 per session. As mentioned the goal is to make coaching, and all the benefits associated with it, accessible to all regardless of financial situation.
At our first session, we will set a fee that honors both of us.
How is coaching different from consulting, therapy, sports coaching, or a best friend?
The aim of your coach is to work in your best interest to assist you to succeed. They are not family, friends, work colleagues or other people in your life who have various vested interests in your life. Your life coach will be honest and upfront with you, accepts your values and beliefs unconditionally, and is able to see your life as an outside observer.
Can coaching hurt someone?
Coaching is a safe process, that is driven by the client. The client chooses how much and how deep they choose to go. ICF certified coaches adhere to a code of ethics and core competencies that ensure the wellbeing of the client. If during the coaching relationship, the coach feels that you maybe better served with counselling, he or she will usually make recommendations of suitable counsellors.
Can I hire a coach just for a short-term, special project?
The form and length that coaching takes is agreed between client and coach. It is not unusual for people to need more intensive, short term coaching, for things such as preparing for applying for a promotion, taking on new responsibilities, or specific changes that you are looking to make in your life to name a few.
How long must I commit if I start working with a coach?
The majority of coaching being done these days is via phone. For busy people this affords the most flexibility to fit in with their busy lives. The wonderful thing about coaching is that it can occur anywhere; in the transit lounge of an airport, between meetings, and even while out of town for work. Gino offers a number of times, during the day and evening to allow for the greatest flexibility.
Coaching is a comparably new profession. It blends the best concepts from business, psychology,
philosophy, sports and spirituality. Although coaching combines skills from other disciplines, it is a distinct
process of supporting others to create an ideal life. Coaches work with clients on a variety of topics: from
business and professional issues to personal and spiritual concerns. A coach is an advocate, a sounding
board, a cheerleader, an accountability partner, a truth teller and a supporter
Coaching involves dialogue between a coach and a client with the aim of helping the client obtain a
fulfilling life. This is achieved by helping the client establish what is important to them and by
clarifying their values. With the client‟s input the coach co-creates value based goals and a plan to
achieve them. Through collaboration, the coach supports the client to achieve these goals. A
coach offers many things to the client during the coaching process such as:
1. Support to discover the answers within him or her self
2. Clarification of values
3. Co-creation of a plan for how to achieve what the client really wants
4. A sounding board for new ideas
5. Support in making life changing decisions
6. Challenge to expand their views beyond their perceived limitations
7. Direction
8. Acknowledgement
9. Encouragement
10. Resource of information
Copyright 2002 International Coach Academy Pty. Ltd.
Use is governed by the Terms and Conditions at http://www.icoachacademy.com
Why do people hire a coach?
People hire coaches to assist them to gain better clarity and perspective, improve aspects of their lives, work through difficult situations, discover their authentic self, loose weight, change careers, become a better leader, a better team member, the list goes on.
The easiest way to understand life coaching is to compare it to hiring a personal trainer for personal fitness. A personal trainer works with you to identify your personal fitness and wellness goals. They then support you to acheive those goals. This involves developing routines, motivating and keeping you motivated until you reach your goals, identifying obsticles that are holding you back, evaluating progress, and celebrating successes with you.
Life coaches, like personal trainers, are your personal key to success. The aim of your coach is to work in your best interest to assist you to succeed. They are not family, friends, work colleagues or other people in your life who have various vested interests in your life. Your life coach will be honest and upfront with you, accepts your values and beliefs unconditionally, and is able to see your life as an outside observer.
What credentials do coaches have?
Coaching is a relatively new profession, which until recently had no formal governing body or way to regulate coaches. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the globally recognised official body for coaches.
Coaches who are certified through ICF, have a proven level of competency, have completed practice requirements that are set at high standards, abide by a code of ethics, code of conduct, and must demonstrate core competencies.
To ensure that you are getting the best coach for your needs, ask them for their credentials, associations, ICF accreditation and testimonials from past clients.
Where do the coach and client first focus their efforts?
Initially the focus of the coaching relationship will be on building trust and connection. The first coaching session is an opportunity for the coach and client to find out about each other. It is about seeing if there is a good fit, and if the coaching approach resonates with the client. In this session the coach will cover logistics, such as cost, length of sessions, and expected time commitments.
By the end of the first session the coach will have asked questions that assist the client to identify what they would like to get from coaching. The first session, while only introductory, will set the tone for what the client can expect from the coaching relationship.
How soon can the client expect to see results?
Most clients start to see results after the first session, depending on what they would like to achieve. Coaching is first and foremost about creating "aha", moments of clarity or learning moments for the client. It is about providing new insights and different ways of viewing their life. The typical coaching cycle is 12 sessions, normally spread over 12 weeks. This time frame ensures that the client creates lasting change in their life. The actual lenghth of the coaching relationship will depend on what the client is looking to achieve.
What goes on during a coaching session?
A typical coaching session contains three phases
1) initial discovery or identification of what the client wants to discuss
2) exploration, clarification and gaining deeper awareness of the area being explored
3) creative brainstorming, identification of strategies, and formulating actions that the client feels comfortable and confident to action.
The key to success is the co-creation of strategies and actions that are generated through dialogue between coach and client, with the process being driven by the client rather than the coach. The actions that the client settles on need to fit within his/her existing success formula. The success formula is identified through exploration of past successes, with particular emphasis placed on the proven factors that create success in the client's life.
How much does it cost?
Coaching is one of the most affordable options available for people looking to make lasting changes in their lives. The usual coaching commitment is sessions. The cost to the client best seen as a total amount divided by 12. The 12 sessions include email support between sessions.
Phone coaching is now the preferred method of coaching as it allows the most flexibility for the client. This allows the client to choose where and when the coaching session occurs. It is also the most cost effective as it removes travel costs.
In order to honor my values and background working in the not-for profit sector, I have made a decision to make coaching accessible to everybody who sees value in working with me. In terms of pricing, I leave it with clients to determine
A) how valuable my services are to you, and
B) how much you can afford.
A formula I like to work off is, a dollar for every thousand dollars you earn. So if you earn $65,000, my charge would be $65 per session. As mentioned the goal is to make coaching, and all the benefits associated with it, accessible to all regardless of financial situation.
At our first session, we will set a fee that honors both of us.
How is coaching different from consulting, therapy, sports coaching, or a best friend?
The aim of your coach is to work in your best interest to assist you to succeed. They are not family, friends, work colleagues or other people in your life who have various vested interests in your life. Your life coach will be honest and upfront with you, accepts your values and beliefs unconditionally, and is able to see your life as an outside observer.
Can coaching hurt someone?
Coaching is a safe process, that is driven by the client. The client chooses how much and how deep they choose to go. ICF certified coaches adhere to a code of ethics and core competencies that ensure the wellbeing of the client. If during the coaching relationship, the coach feels that you maybe better served with counselling, he or she will usually make recommendations of suitable counsellors.
Can I hire a coach just for a short-term, special project?
The form and length that coaching takes is agreed between client and coach. It is not unusual for people to need more intensive, short term coaching, for things such as preparing for applying for a promotion, taking on new responsibilities, or specific changes that you are looking to make in your life to name a few.
How long must I commit if I start working with a coach?
The majority of coaching being done these days is via phone. For busy people this affords the most flexibility to fit in with their busy lives. The wonderful thing about coaching is that it can occur anywhere; in the transit lounge of an airport, between meetings, and even while out of town for work. Gino offers a number of times, during the day and evening to allow for the greatest flexibility.
