What is Life Coaching?

Life Coaching is for those individuals who simply want more out of life.  It is about getting clear on what’s holding you back, where you are stuck, and what you need to do to create the change you desire.  It is about brainstorming, forward thinking, action, planning, setting boundaries, and staying motivated.  It is a co-active collaboration in identifying and overcoming self limitation.  Like I wrote a few pages back, it is about uncovering and replacing disempowering beliefs, thought patterns, and sabotaging behaviors such as procrastination, black and white thinking, fear of what change will bring, anxiety, worry, and disorganization.

What is the difference between therapy and coaching?

Therapy focuses on understanding the past and how it influences the individual in his or her life; it is about healing emotional wounds.  Coaching focuses on taking action in the present, and keeping clients moving forward towards their goals.  Coaching is about achieving meaningful results and living a fulfilling life.

What makes you different from other Life Coaches?

The main difference is my use of Guided Imagery.  Coaching deals with the conscious mind:  our logical thinking, planning and analyzing.  Some clients get clear on what they need to do, but find there are some very old beliefs or patterns that keep getting in the way of their succeeding.  When I use Guided Imagery, which deals with the subconscious mind where our habits, memories, and beliefs are stored, clients are able to release old patterns and replace them with new ones that create optimal results.

What is Therapeutic Imagery?

It is no more complicated than a person closing his/her eyes and listening to a Hypnotherapist's vivid story.  This creates a state of relaxation to tap into the subconscious mind where habits are stored.  It is also the part of the brain that can’t distinguish between visualized and real events.  Studies have shown that people are able to attain goals more quickly and easily by imagining success beforehand.  An example would be a baseball player who visualizes a homerun prior to actually hitting one.  Guided Imagery is very helpful in areas like:  weight loss, creativity, self-confidence, public speaking, and learning.

Do you always combine your Life Coaching with Guided Imagery?

No; I use the tools that we agree upon and that work best for each individual.  Some clients only want to brainstorm.  Others love to use their imagination to explore new possibilities.  No session or client is the same.  I don’t use a cookie cutter approach in my work.

What kind of therapy or coaching have you done?

In 1981, at 17 years old, I changed the direction of my life by deciding to live sober.  Shortly after that, I committed to working with an exceptional therapist, Barbara Barron, for several years.  The depth of our work together transformed my life.  It connected me to my inner voice, and gave me the courage to follow it.  Since 2003, I have been working with Carolyn McCormick on my career goals.  She has guided and inspired me through my transition into a Life Coach.

Do any of your clients work with therapists in conjunction with coaching?

Yes; I have several clients who work with psychiatrists and psychotherapists at the same time.  In some cases, we work together as a team to provide the clients with the support and direction they need.

What is the benefit of listening to your audio programs?

Listening to the CD’s gives clients daily support in staying focused and motivated.  The work we do in our sessions is reinforced easily and efficiently.  My gifted composer, Jonathan Beaudette, has created music that takes clients on a mystical journey in "Unwind."  I wanted the music to be part of the experience.  The combination of guided imagery, original music, and brainwave frequency technology with which my CD’s have been layered with makes them the ideal tool for maintaining momentum and sustaining results in clients’ lives.  Our HypnoAffirmation programs help to reprogram negative self-talk with powerful,life enhancing suggestions.

How do we work together?

I work with clients in my office, on the phone, or outside for a walk-and-talk session.  If the appointment is by phone, the client calls me.

How long are your sessions?

The first session is 1½ to 2 hours during which I take a comprehensive overview to determine the client’s concerns, challenges, and what our focus will be.  Following sessions may be half an hour, one hour or longer depending on what the client’s individual needs and wishes are.  Most clients have a weekly appointment, some come every other week, and a few once a month.  Additionally, I have clients who only come in for three power sessions for issues such as taking tests, making a decision, fear of public speaking, etc.

How do we start?

You e-mail or call first and we see if we're a good fit.  It has to be mutual or it won’t work.  I don’t offer the free coaching session that some do.  Trust me, you and I will know if we want to work together after 15 minutes of talking.

What kind of clients do you usually work with?

Most of my clients are post-therapy, which means they know most of the reasons why they are the way they are, have taken responsibility for the quality of their lives, and are asking themselves, “Now what?”  I have the privilege of working with creative personalities from all income levels:  actors, writers, artists, producers, therapists, the self-employed, and the sober bunch.

What do you love most about your career?

I enjoy how personal, real, and fun it is.  No matter what we are dealing with, my clients know I am right there with them.  There’s no Big Me/Little You in my sessions.  I often share parts of my life story to let them know I understand.  I love the tools I can share because they are the ones that have changed and sustained my life.  My career allows me to live in alignment with my purpose, which is to share humor, comfort and inspiration with others, both personally and professionally.

What would you say to someone who still isn’t sure coaching is for them?

I completely understand.  So, go for a walk, come back, read the testimonials and see if you relate to any of the stories.  You may or may not. If you do relate, give me a call and I'll take it from there.

Until we connect, I leave you with this Chinese Proverb:  “Enjoy yourself; it’s later than you think.”