Life Coaching 101

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Transition Coaching & Event Planning, LLC Newsletter
Life Coaching 101
mid-January 2005
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in this issue
-- Article: Life Coaching 101

"You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do in order to have what you want." ~ Margaret Young

Article 1: "So, what is it you do exactly?"
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"So, what is it you do exactly?" has, hands down, been the most common question I've received about Life Coaching. As a relatively new industry (started in 1988), and one that is slowly but surely creeping its way from the west coast to the east coast, and around the globe, I hope the following summary proves helpful. But first, my disclaimer: writing an information-based newsletter is a deviation from my norm in that, I typically strive to write on topics that inspire and invite self-exploration, rather than educate.

So, as a noted exception, my intent is to lay a foundation of mutual understanding about what Life Coaching is, as well as to share my personal coaching style. This way, we can build great monuments of inspiration and self-exploration on our shared foundation! So, having said that...

Hiring a Life Coach is a means to unblocking or dissolving barriers in your life in order to create the life you want (a.k.a. "getting unstuck"). By engaging whole-heartedly in the coaching process, you will discover ways in which you have created your own blocks, and, in turn, make new habits that consciously redirect your energy towards an action-based plan for living your best life.

Stages of this may include: 1. Making an honest assessment of your life as it is right now, 2. Clearly identifying how you want your life to be based on what you value most, and 3. Enacting strategies that will bridge the gap between the two.

How does coaching differ from therapy? Coaching differs from therapy in many ways, including, of course, the distinct training and certification requirements for the two professions. Who should hire a coach? Someone, for example, who views their past as an "issue" may be better suited for therapy. Someone who views their past as a "fact" and has clear future goals may be better suited for coaching.

While the line between the two professions is delicate at times, they are none-the-less distinct. A good coach does not hesitate to refer a client to therapy instead of, or as a supplement to, coaching if it seems a client would benefit from such treatment. Therapy falls outside the scope of coaching.

When selecting a coach, it is very important to find one who has a style you can identify with. There are many coaching specialties and approaches, and it pays to be selective. Most coaches (myself included) offer a free introductory session. Taking advantage of this opportunity for a free initial session is a great way to experience coaching first-hand before making a commitment. Each coaching relationship is unique and will, therefore, reap unique benefits. The more clarity you bring to what you would like to get out of coaching, the more likely you are to achieve it!

Please note: More information can be found on the Life Coaching page of our web site, including examples of Press Articles that the Coaching industry has received, and a copy of the Coaching Agreements clients sign at our first session.

Article 2: My Style
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Here are some specifics regarding my particular coaching style and the client-types I most enjoy working with:

My clients are: 1. Motivated for change, 2. Want to live their best life, and 3. Are willing to engage fully in honest, loving self-assessment.

My specialties include: 1. Successful transitions, 2. Personal foundations, and 3. The small business owners' goal actualization.

Special features of my coaching style are: 1. Creative problem solving, 2. A focus on accessing one's inherent wisdom, and 3. Incorporating humor into self-assessment.

Specific benefits of my coaching include: 1. Gaining greater clarity on the values your goals are built on, 2. Designing a creative plan of action to bridge the gap between the life you have and the life you want, and 3. A focus on the joy of self-care.

A basic message of my coaching: "If you can visualize it, you can create it."

What makes my coaching so valuable: 1. My commitment to being an advocate for you raising the bar on living your best life, 2. My ability to hear what you're not saying as well as what you are saying, and 3. My commitment to making the process enjoyable.

Three services I offer that many coaches do not: 1. Unlimited email correspondence for all of my clients, 2. The 6th month free with a 6-month contract, and 3. My free bi-monthly newsletter with tips and topics regarding making successful transitions.

I hope this overview has helped bring some clarity to what coaching is, and "what I do exactly." Please feel free to contact me with any further questions. If I cannot be of assistance, I will do my best to refer you to someone who will better suit you and your unique needs.



Reply: Share your Wisdom with Others
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Questions for you:

1. What one topic regarding successful life transitions would you be most interested in exploring?

2. What bit of wisdom has your experience taught you that you'd be willing to share for the benefit of others?


Copyright © Transition Coaching & Event Planning, LLC, 2005.


Contact Information
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email: tara@transitioncoachinginc.com
phone: 401.569.7017
web: http://www.transitioncoachinginc.com
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