When do people hire life coaches?
What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
What is a coaching session like?
What is the length of a coaching commitment?
How much does coaching cost?
What is a sample session?

Q. When do people hire life coaches?
A. When they are ready to move on to more of life. We all go through seasons of life including changes in the immediate family, job transitions, community involvement, health issues, etc. Each of these transitions, large or small, can result in a need to reassess, change directions, or move on from a “stuck place”.

My specialty in coaching is to work with moms of teens who are launching their kids. This is a critical time to send your child off with much love and blessing as well as learn new ways of relating. It is also a time for Mom to redefine herself and set goals for this new season of life. Since the family dynamic changes, it can be an opportunity for marriage renewal as well.

Sometimes a life-long dream comes bubbling to the surface. Conversely, life can also close in and choices need to be made about what really is essential. Life coaching works with your agenda, goals, and dreams to design a fulfilling, satisfied life.

Q. What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
A. Therapy frequently addresses emotional symptoms or relationship distress and gets deeper into personal history. Coaching centers on the present and the future and focuses on what can happen. Life coaching clients have worked through and accepted their pasts, and are ready to move forward—and on from functional to exceptional! Life coaching is, however, not a substitute for therapy. If a client is unable to move on or in emotional distress, therapy is recommended to replace or supplement coaching.

Q. What is a coaching session like?
A. The client sets the agenda for each phone session and usually lets me know the day before through e-mail where she would like to start. We are usually working on the same issue but, as we all know, life can throw some curve balls so sometimes the theme changes. The coach and client will usually look at what's working well, what isn't, and what changes can be implemented. Options for action are brainstormed and assignments given. The coach's responsibility is to ask powerful questions, listen, focus, clarify, and motivate. The client's responsibility is to bring the agenda, be honest, take responsibility, and do the work. Confidentiality is assured during the entire coaching process.

Assignments are usually given at the end of the session for action plans. A few days before the next session I will email you a few questions to follow up and ask you about the assignments and where you want to start next time. You email me back with your responses and we’re ready jump in again for the next session.

Q. What is the length of a coaching commitment?
A. A typical plan is three phone calls or face to face sessions per month but there is flexibility with that. I ask for a three session commitment at the start but it is common to work together for 3-6 months. At the end of each segment,the client chooses to continue or to stop. Successful coaching is enhanced by the connection between coach and client, which deepens over time.

Q. How much does coaching cost?
A. Phone coaching is from any location and starts at $50 per 30 minute session with a recommended 3 sessions per month. 45 minute ($75) or 60 minute ($100) phone sessions can also be scheduled. Face to face coaching in Evanston is 60 minute sessions only/ $300 for 3 sessions. Coaching fees are pre-paid by check or credit card. All fees includes phone and email access to me for in-between questions or clarification.

I also offer email coaching for $100 per month for 2 e-mails per week which does not include any phone sessions.

Q. What is a sample session?
A. It's an opportunity for you to try out coaching for a reduced rate ($25) to see if you like it in either a phone or face to face session. You bring any issue you would like to work on and we’ll talk about it for about 30 minutes and develop a next step for you to take. At the end, I’ll answer any questions about the coaching process. If you choose to continue, I’ll send you an information packet to get started.

To schedule your sample session, contact me.