You're ready for coaching when you're willing to actively engage in self-improvement and goal setting, are open to constructive feedback, and prepared to take action. It's also important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and be committed to the process.

How do I know I’m ready for coaching?

Coaching and therapy serve different purposes. Therapy often focuses on emotional healing and dealing with past issues, helping individuals understand and change their behavior by exploring the root causes of their emotional concerns. Coaching, on the other hand, is future-oriented, aiming to help individuals achieve specific personal or professional goals. It involves guidance, encouragement, and support without delving deeply into psychological issues.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

FAQ

Yes, most coaching involves homework or commitments outside of sessions. These could include exercises, reading, or practical tasks designed to help you apply what you've learned and progress towards your goals.

If you are not interested in completing tasks outside of sessions, this would not be a match for the approach I take as a parent coach. I can offer you other resources as necessary.

Is there homework or commitments outside of coaching sessions?

The duration of coaching varies depending on individual goals and needs. It can range from a few sessions to several months or longer. Typically, coaches and clients agree on the expected duration and frequency at the start of the coaching relationship.

My preference is to stick with a set number of sessions, with the upper limit at 12 sessions. Coaching is intended to “jumpstart” you and keep you on track as much as possible until goals are completed. Specifically with my approach, it is not intended to be an ongoing relationship that you rely on for emotional support. It feels more like a “check in” to see if you are completing the steps outlined for you and to troubleshoot barriers to progress.

How long does coaching last?

A coaching session is coach-driven, meaning that I will be structuring each session, leading discussions, and providing educational materials and action items. There is not much time for “chit chat,” and we use our time efficiently to review our progress and continue learning tools to support you in reaching the goals set in the coaching plan.

What is a coaching session like?

Significant life stressors, mental health issues, or a lack of time and financial resources can prevent effective participation in coaching. It's important to be in a relatively stable place in your life to get the most out of coaching.
Note: If you are currently in therapy and your therapist recommends you seek supplemental support (such as coaching), we can discuss further how it may complement your therapeutic work.

What life circumstances would prevent me from participating in coaching?

It will be much more apparent to you when coaching ends, because there are specific goals outlined at the beginning of the process.
If coaching needs to end prematurely, it is likely because you or I determined that:
There are emotional blocks that need therapeutic support
A life transition occurred that needs greater attention than the coaching process (i.e. job change, move, birth of a child)
A traumatic or difficult experience happened and coaching is no longer relevant to your life circumstances
Motivation is low and you recognize you need more time with other resources before re-engaging with coaching
 If coaching ends when we expect it to, it is likely because you and I determined that:
You completed all goals outlined in the plan.
You completed most of the goals and you feel confident in handling completion of the rest of the plan.
You feel “helped enough” meaning you can take it on independently since getting some resources and feedback.

How do I know it’s time to end coaching?

We are likely a good fit if you:
Have already completed significant therapy or currently in therapy and looking to boost your progress towards goals you have for your present/future
Are looking for specific practices to improve your relationship to parenting
Are highly motivated to make a change and would like specific feedback on what steps to take
Willing to follow instructions/coaching plan and can give respectful feedback if something does not work for you 
Can ask critical questions that open up non-judgmental dialogue about parenting
Demonstrate consistent assertiveness and confidence in interpersonal relationships
Feel excited by completing tasks outside of coaching sessions and have the time to review content thoroughly

How do I know if you are a good fit for me?