FAQs

philosophy | biography | faqs

This section is designed to answer some common questions regarding coaching.

Why coaching?
How does coaching work?
How does coaching differ from therapy?
How does coaching differ from consulting or mentoring?
How long do most people work with a coach?
What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)?
What is MBTI used for?

Why coaching?

As a coach, I believe that the answers you are seeking already live inside of you. My job is to create a safe, objective space in which you can find your own answers. It's difficult for us to be objective about ourselves. A coach holds up a mirror for you and asks questions like "Who are you?" "What do you really want?" "What choices are you making and how do they serve you?"

The only agenda a coach holds is yours. My job is to keep the focus on the big picture of your life - your goals, dreams and what makes you feel alive.

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How does coaching work?

Because each client is different, each coaching relationship is designed to meet the individual needs of that client. As we begin to work together, we spend time designing a relationship that works for both of us. That way, we can focus on what is most important to you. Coaching sessions generally take place by telephone for 30 minutes each week. Face to face sessions can be arranged as desired.

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How does coaching differ from therapy?

In coaching, we focus on the present and the future. The coach and client work in partnership; the client is viewed as being the expert on his or her own life. Coaching facilitates the client's movement from where they are in the present to where they would like to be in the future. A coach helps a clients connect new awareness to action.

Therapy often focuses more on healing the past as it relates to the present. The therapist, like a consultant, is hired for his or her specific expertise. Coaching is designed to help people move to a higher level of satisfaction and performance; it is not designed as a tool for treating depression, anxiety, addiction or other mental health issues.

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How does coaching differ from consulting or mentoring?

Consultants and mentors are hired for their expertise in a specific area. A coach works with a client in partnership; the client is the expert on his or her own life.

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How long do most people work with a coach?

It depends - I have coached clients for 3 months, 18 months and anywhere in between. Each client's goals are different, and the relationship evolves over time as needs change. The client decides when the coaching relationship is complete.

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What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)?

"The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a self-report questionnaire designed to make Jung's theory of psychological type understandable and useful in everyday life. MBTI results identify valuable differences between normal, healthy people, differences that can be the source of much misunderstanding and miscommunication." (from Introduction to Type, sixth edition)

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What is MBTI used for?

After over 50 years of research and development, the MBTI currently the most widely used instrument for understanding normal personality differences. The MBTI is used for a variety of purposes:

• Better understanding of self and others
• Career exploration
• Team building
• Leadership and management development and training
• Relationship counseling
• Education and curriculum development
• Problem solving
• Diversity training

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