What expertise does a life coach have?

 

Through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC), I am trained in a wide spectrum of coaching skills. Here are just a few of them:

 

Focused questioning

At IPEC, we are trained in the art of asking “just the right question” to expand awareness and perspective. How does this questioning work? I may ask you a key question and give you all the time you need to answer. I may then ask another question to help you think more deeply about your answer. I may ask about the meaning of your words or the logic of your reasoning. This questioning promotes self-examination, self-awareness, and critical thinking.

 

Careful listening

I have learned and practiced keen listening skills that allow me to quickly grasp the meaning of what you say (objective listening) — also what you don’t say (intuitive listening). This information helps me decide what questions to ask.

 

Informed observing

I am trained to notice patterns of behavior and action, and to share those observations with clients. Once you recognize the pattern, you can decide whether or not it is serving you. You can choose whether to continue it or change it.

 

Providing qppropriate feedback

I can provide helpful, timely feedback to increase your self-awareness.

 

Connecting work and life purpose

Many people seek life purpose coaching to align their work with their true mission in life. In fact, "life purpose coaching" is involved in almost every life coaching area. I can help you explore your options for more meaningful work — when you feel trapped in a meaningless occupation.

 

Promoting productivity

If your work is aligned with your values and true purpose, you should be less likely to procrastinate, i.e., to escape, avoid, forget or postpone your tasks. As your own purpose pulls you forward, your work can feel more like a personal choice and a form of self-expression.

 

Translating inspiration into goals, and goals into action

Coaching is not all about thinking! I will help you create an action plan when you are ready to do so. This plan will not be a simple "to do" list. It will be an outline of your true intentions, broken into manageable steps. Those steps form a self-course leading to your ideal self and your ideal life. Together we will carefully consider each step to make sure that it is specific, achievable, and reasonable, with measurable progress according to a timeline.

 

Providing accountability

Most clients benefit from accountability. You will be encouraged to be accountable for your progress from one session to the next. Due to competing demands for time and attention, you may sometimes forget your goals and wander off track. I can provide accountability if you ask me to do so.

 

Effective use of coaching tools

I have a great collection of coaching tools! Some are tools for tracking progress, others are designed to provide insight or clarification. I will provide the most appropriate tools, at the most appropriate times, to enhance the value of coaching.

 

Understanding and trusting the process

The meaning of Sia is See. Intend. Achieve. I believe in your potential, and I trust the coaching process. I know that you will inspire yourself.

 

 

Is life coaching psychotherapy?

 

Life coaching is sometimes confused with psychotherapy because both promote mental health and a higher level of functioning. While therapists treat mental and emotional dysfunction, coaches help clients to function at their personal best.  Therapists help people move from "dysfunctional" to "functional."  Coaches help people move from "functional" to "optimal."

 

As a life coach, I don't diagnose or treat disorders of any kind. Nor do I dwell on the past.  Life coaching is focused on the road from present to future — from mental health to greatness — starting now.

 

In some cases, a coach and psychotherapist can work together to help the same client heal the past and progress into the future,  I am happy to work with a therapist in this way. I can also coach caregivers and relatives to set boundaries, avoid burnout, and work toward goals of their own.

 

 

How does life coaching  unique?  How does it differ from sports coaching, mentoring, consulting, and counseling?

 

How does life coaching differ from sports coaching, mentoring, consulting and counseling? Generally, life coaches don't give advice.  We are not authorities on your life or how you should live it. Instead, we help you to uncover and apply the knowledge you have. Then we help you to act on it and live your best.

 

 

        Do life coaches have perfect lives?

 

No, life coaches don't have perfect lives! Who does? In fact, difficult life experiences can help a coach understand your challenges. However, the quality of coaching depends on the coach's skills, not the coach's life. Coaching is always focused on your  life.