Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Coaching?

There are many different coaching philosophies and styles. Coaches work with clients, generally one-on-one, to explore dreams, needs, motivations, desires, skills and/or thought processes. The coaching relationship assists clients in making real, lasting change and achieving goals. [ more ]

What Is Your Approach To Coaching?

I work with clients to identify strategies for action in achieving identified goals. I specialize in cultural- and assets-based coaching for diverse nonprofit leaders, activists and others. I prioritize clients’ values, culture and history so clients may gain new insights into their strengths and talents. Together the client and I design a coaching partnership where s/he can discuss any concern, challenge or issue, large or small, from her/his professional or personal life. [ more ]

What Training Have You Had As A Coach?

Since 2004 I have coached over 50 clients, primarily nonprofit and community leaders.

I have been interviewed and selected to work with three teams of coaches/consultants to provide coaching to nonprofit leaders.

I also am a member of Prism, a consortium of multicultural coaches who provide culturally-aware coaching.

For six years I was a staff member for a grassroots leadership program providing support and mentoring to many of the over 300 graduates of the program.

I am a graduate of the Coaches Training Institute including CTI's core coaching courses and coaching certification program. I also passed CTI's coaching certification exam. CTI is accredited by the International Coaches Federation and licensed by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. CTI's programs provided me with a structured methodology and various tools, strengthening my natural skills, instincts and passion for coaching people.

Are Coaching Sessions Face-To-Face Contacts, By Phone Or E-mail Or All The Above?

Most coaching sessions occur via the phone.

My clients — even those locally — have found coaching via the phone can be more effective than in-person coaching for a variety of reasons. It can be:

• Easier not to be distracted by our physical actions or surroundings
• More efficient with the session beginning right away without extended social graces we might feel the need to practice in-person
• Less inhibiting, and therefore easier to create trust and safety
• Simpler to schedule sessions without commuting

I will schedule coaching sessions in-person if requested and as possible. The coaching relationship includes 2-3 scheduled hours a month and voice mail/e-mail support (within reason) between coaching sessions.

How Much Does A Session Cost? Do I Pay By The Session Or Do I Have To Contract For A Period Of Time?

Especially for nonprofit and community leaders, my rates are economical in comparison to the general market rate of most coaches. I will negotiable fees on an individual basis with all potential clients. Twenty-five percent of my coaching slots are sliding scale; potential clients can ask if any of these slots are open and if they are eligible. I ask clients make a minimum four-month initial commitment to coaching. After that time my client and I can re-negotiate our commitment as needed or desired. I ask that a check be mailed (or payment can occur through PayPal) by the 28th of the month for the following month’s coaching sessions.

In What Areas Do You Provide Coaching?

I provide coaching in all areas of a client's life in which s/he wants support and/or change: career, family, relationships, health and spirituality. The ultimate focus of coaching, as I see it, is to support clients in identifying personal and professional goals so they may manifest their potential and live richer, more fulfilled and meaningful lives.

What's The Difference Between Coaching And Therapy?

Psychotherapy generally deals with problems, bad experiences or feelings with the goal of having the client become emotionally healthy by focusing on the dysfunction. The primary focus is healing.

Coaching’s focus, generally, is identifying and enhancing a person’s individual capabilities; looking at "what now?" and not "why" as in most therapeutic relationships.

Coaching deals with people who feel stuck or have a desire to be more effective or productive and live life more fully. The primary focus of coaching is evolving and manifesting potential. Healing is often a side affect.

Also, in coaching the coach and client are in partnership with the client always in charge and the coaching agenda focused on achieving the results the client wants.

How Can I Find Out If Coaching Is For Me? How Can I Decide If You Are The Right Coach For Me?

• Read what you can about coaching
• Get as clear as possible as to what you would like to get from coaching and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want
• Talk to trusted friends and colleagues who have worked with coaches
• Interview a few coaches
• Contact me with any questions you may have. Also,
• Consider setting up a free sample coaching session with me -- it's a great way to get a feel for coaching
• Ask me for referrals – current and former clients who can talk with you about coaching and my way of working

How Long Does An Average Coaching Relationship Last?

I ask clients for an initial commitment of four months. At four months we evaluate and re-negotiate the relationship: the client may decide to extend the relationship for some additional piece of time, to terminate the relationship or to set up occasional sessions as needed. According to an International Coach Federation survey, the duration of a coaching relationship is on average almost nine months.