How does coaching work?

Discovery Session: Coaching begins with a 1½ hour Discovery Session. This is our space to design how we will work together and lay down the foundation for our coaching relationship. I will explain coaching tools and techniques and how you can get the most out of the process, and you will help me understand what works for you and how I can best support you. We will explore your core values and clarify where you are now and where you want to go in your life. I’ll come to understand who you are, what you wish for and what I am to hold for you as your vision. We will also identify focus areas, set clear goals and take care of logistics including scheduling and payment.

Regular Sessions: We will meet 2, 3 or 4 times each month for 40 minutes. You will bring the topic that you want to work on for each session. And, we will engage in coaching to deepen your understanding and get you moving toward what you want. I will bring coaching skills including listening, powerful questions, bottomlining and articulating what’s going on to support you in deepening your awareness and achieving fulfillment. You will commit to completing a homework assignment between sessions that will deepen your learning and forward your action. From time to time, we will assess your progress and the effectiveness of our coaching relationship and redesign our alliance to give it power. We will celebrate achievements and uncover the places where you need to grow, all the while creating a safe and courageous space for you to reach new heights.

What are your rates?

$500/month ~ 4 coaching sessions per month
$375/month ~ 3 coaching sessions per month
$250/month ~ 2 coaching sessions per month

Three Month Packages:
$1200 ~ 3 months @ 4 sessions/month ($300 savings)
$900 ~ 3 months @ 3 sessions/month ($225 savings)
$600 ~ 3 months @ 2 sessions/month ($150 savings)

Coaching includes unlimited email support between sessions.

A three month commitment is requested as change takes place over time. After this, you can opt to continue on a month-by-month basis.

A one time additional $100 fee is added to the first month for the lengthier Discovery Session. The first month’s fee may be prorated depending on the start date.

Payment is accepted by cash, check or credit/debit using Paypal and is due by the first of each month.

Is the coaching by phone or in person?

My coaching is conducted by phone, allowing me to work with clients around the world. I offer an in-person option for those few local clients who have an aversion to phone coaching. These in-person sessions are conducted at my coaching studio in San Leandro, CA.

My experience has taught me that coaching by phone has clear advantages. There’s a deep listening that is available by phone that can sometimes get diverted by visual cues. Many clients feel freer to play full out and experiment with different ways of being in the privacy of their home. Plus, it’s more convenient and saves on travel time and energy.

Who is a coaching candidate?

Anyone who is ready to change the quality of their life. They must be ready to overcome their resistance to changing the way they have been doing things. They must be willing to explore new possibilities and invest in themselves.

How does hiring a coach benefit me?

• You get clear on what you want and what’s important to you.
• You take more effective and focused actions immediately.
• You identify and move past the things that get in your way.
• You create momentum towards the life you want to be living.
• You set clear goals and achieve them.

How long does the coaching relationship last?

It’s up to the client and depends on their needs, goals and growing edge. I ask for an initial three month commitment but many relationships extend much longer. Some clients use coaching to reach a specific goal or for guidance around a particular issue and prefer to allot a specific amount of time for the coaching to support them in realizing their vision. This could be anywhere from 3 to 9 or more months with regularly scheduled assessments to ensure that we’re on track. Others choose to have coaching be a regular part of their life. These clients are committed to being on a path of growth and find value in having a coaching relationship support them along their life’s journey.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

Therapy focuses on healing past wounds and curing dysfunction, and aims to bring clients to normal functioning. Therapists ask ‘why’ and look to the past for the answers. Therapy is usually conducted in-person and rarely by phone.

Coaching, on the other hand, helps an already successful, generally well-functioning person to reach a higher level of success and satisfaction. Coaches work with their clients to clarify their goals, get past obstacles, develop better habits, and make conscious choices. Coaches ask “what now” and look to the present and future with their clients. It focuses on transforming lives from ordinary to extraordinary. Coaching is conducted by phone or in person, though many coaches only coach by phone.

Coaching and therapy do complement each other and it is not uncommon for a person to be involved in both processes. When appropriate, I refer clients to therapists.

What is the difference between coaching and consulting?

Consulting is the transfer of professional or expert advice on a specific topic. It typically involves an expert using their own skills to improve a given situation for their client. For example, a financial consultant advises a client on investments that may be appropriate for the client’s specific situation. This consultant’s advice is taken into consideration and a decision is made. The client will most likely seek out a consultant again when another such decision is required as the client most often does not become adept at investing on their own.

Coaching, on the other hand, addresses the client’s whole life and taps into the knowledge and wisdom the client already has. Coaches help to align their clients with their values and priorities. They help clients figure out what they want, set goals for getting there, and help them overcome the obstacles (like fear, lack of resources or support) that get in their way. They help clients restore life balance, find fulfillment in work and life, and reduce stress and anxiety while achieving more. It's a “work smarter not harder” philosophy. Coaches do not give advice or fix problems for their clients. Rather, they help the client uncover their own solutions. Unlike consulting, coaching develops the client’s skills and abilities. After working with a coach, clients are better prepared to achieve success, without a coach.