If you are new to the idea of life coaching or have some questions about how it works, here are answers to some frequently asked questions that you might find helpful. If you want to find out more, just click HERE to contact me.
What is coaching?
Coaching is working with a trained professional in a thought-provoking, creative process to help you achieve the goals that you desire. Coaching is strengths-based, forward-moving, and action-oriented. It is about you. You are the expert on your life. You bring the issue you would like to work on while I listen, ask questions, encourage, challenge a bit, and remain supportive. You will learn about yourself, discover insights, and set goals while I support you as you change and grow. You lead with your agenda, while I facilitate the process.
What is expected of the coachee?
You will be expected to evaluate, reason, imagine, decide, and implement the ideas we discuss. Each session I will help you set small goals that will facilitate you achieving your desired results. There may be short homework assignments that are tailored to your learning style between each session.
What if I need a little more guidance or direction?
Adoptive parents can receive training in the areas of attachment, trauma, connecting with your child, talking to your child about adoption, specialized parenting, grief, loss, self-care, sensory issues, guilt, and shame. If you want to make changes but are not sure where to start, I offer several tools that can guide our time together, including life mapping, leadership models, change equations, training in communication skills and healthy thought processing, strength-based assessments, and much more.
What ages do you coach?
Coaching is best suited to those who can set goals and are motivated to grow and change. I typically coach adults and teens. However, coaching sessions may include a child with a parent or parents or a family.
What does a typical session look like?
We will typically meet for one hour at a private location in east Louisville or Lagrange, Kentucky. At times you may choose to update me over the phone or by Skype or to extend the session if we meet with multiple family members. We will spend time looking back to see what progress you have made on your goals, looking up to see how the Lord has worked in your life, and looking forward to see what goals you would like to set for the future. I am very creative and want to tailor the session to best suit your needs. I am open to using art, games, drama, or other forms of experiential learning in our time together.
What results should you expect?
Ultimately, the coaching relationship is expected to produce insights, greater personal awareness, changed behaviors, actions, and results that satisfy you, the client.
Is coaching counseling or therapy?
No, although many of the communication techniques like listening, reflecting, and questioning are the same, therapy focuses on the past to bring healing and unblock a person to move ahead. Coaching is future and action-oriented.
What if I am not a Christian?
That is not a problem. My faith impacts my worldview but I will follow your lead in areas of faith.
What are some reasons people come to you for coaching?
- Adoptive parents who want a deeper connection with their children but feel blocked in their ability to connect with their child.
- Adoptive parents who are frustrated with their child's behavior and lack the resources or abilities to handle temper tantrums, lying, disrespect, anger, and control battles.
- Adoptive parents who are struggling with regulation, both parent and child regulation.
- Families who want to 'do a reset' and evaluate why God has brought them together as a family unit and how they can work together to be a blessing to others.
- Teens who are trying to develop a better understanding of who they are and how they can use their gifts and talents as they progress into adulthood.
- Adoptive parents who feel overwhelmed with the task or are struggling with guilt and self-doubt.
- Women who are wanting to grow in their relationship with the Lord but are struggling to move forward.