You are encouraged to think about these questions. If you can answer “yes” to 7 out of 10 of the questions, you are ready for the commitment it takes for a successful coaching experience.
1. I am willing to make an investment in myself.
2. I am ready to do the work necessary to get me where I want to be, and I will let the Coach do the coaching. I am open and ready to be coached.
3. I am willing to change any self-defeating behaviors that are creating a barrier to my success.
4. I accept responsibility for my actions and will not expect the Coach to “fix” me or tell me what to do, because I know I’m the only one who can make it happen.
5. I view coaching as a worthwhile investment in me, not an expense, and I will not allow finances to be a barrier to coaching.
6. I am willing and able to be completely truthful with my Coach, and I’m ready to hear the truth from my Coach even if it’s uncomfortable at first.
7. Coaching is the appropriate process for the changes I want to make.
8. I am able to commit the time needed to make and keep scheduled coaching appointments, to do the field work that my Coach asks of me and record my successes.
9. I’m open to trying new things when my Coach asks me. Even if they aren’t completely comfortable or I’m not convinced they will make a difference.
10. I am willing to be responsible enough to speak up anytime when I am not experiencing safety or feel that I am not being heard.
Next steps: ?Congratulations if you said “yes” to 7 out of 10. You are ready to commit and invest in yourself. Give me a call at 613-888-3600 or email Dawning Hearts Info to set up your free coaching consultation!
How does Coaching differ from Therapy?
Therapy is an integral part of the healing process, expecially when there’s been trauma. Therapists traditionally help their clients fix problems, overcome issues, and manage mental illness. They provide therapeutic interventions specific to trauma or abuse. As such, they are often a critical part of the healing team, along side coaches. Where identified, the coach will refer to a therapist, but the coach can continue to work with the client in her quest to move forward and make healthy changes in her life.
Coaches do not work with mental illness or spend much time on client issues or problems. Coaches view our life’s trials as opportunities to grow while they focus on solutions. They do not dwell on the client’s past nor try to analyze behaviour. Clients may come to the realization that the past is directly affecting the present situation, but this information usually comes from the client themselves. The past is only the focus of coaching as a learning/growing tool, and if part of the present situation. Coaches do not start in the past, nor stay there, but release the energy the past has on the client so they can move forward.
In summary, the therapist usually helps the client figure out the “why”, while the the coach helps the client focus on the “how”.
How does a Coach differ from a Sponsor?
Sponsors are not paid professionals or specifically trained. They benefit personally from the service they give their sponsee in order to stay clean and sober or abstinent themselves. A sponsor’s job is to help their sponsee stay clean, abstinent, or sober by working through the 12-steps and using the program and fellowship effectively to stop the addictive or unhealthy behavior. Sponsors have a singleness of purpose that they stick with the steps and traditions. Often the focus is on cleaning up the past.
A coach’s role is to support the client in creating and living a great life. A coach isn’t limited to using the steps and traditions and can work with you on your dreams and plans and help you effectively find solutions to problems.
What happens in a Life Coaching Session?
Coachng puts the focus on the client–not the spouse. Each session is tailored to the client and will vary based on individual needs. In the beginning, we will discuss what you are committed to accomplishing through our work together and we will begin to create a plan to achieve your goals. Periodically, I will give you assignments to help direct your progress. We will work together to acknowledge obstacles, explore alternate perspectives and celebrate successes. With the conclusion of each session, we will revisit your goals and evaluate the next steps that are needed to achieve these results. Typically, we explore topics such as
- Authenticity
- Establishing healthy boundaries
- Understanding intimacy anorexia
- Control
- Self Care
- Forgiveness
- Goal setting
- Understanding Sexual addiction
- Identifying patterns in relationships
- Understanding interdependency
- Addressing Anger
- Relational trauma
- Disclosure
What is a Professional Life Coach?
A Professional Life Coach is a trusted mentor who can help you identify and uncover what keeps you from reaching your fullest potential in life, particularily as a spouse who has been betrayed. It is a one-on-one relationship that provides a supportive and non-judgmental space to help you create what you want for yourself, your family and your marriage. Life Coaches help you strategize and acquire the tools you need to achieve your goals by helping you identify and reframe your thoughts and attitudes. It can also help you break negative habits, show your true, authentic self, and take action to achieve your maximum potential!
What types of people have Life Coaches?
People from all walks of life work with Life Coaches to help attain their goals. Life Coaches work with people in all areas of their life including relationships, career, finance, health and more. Working with a Coach is not limited to any type of person, but is best for those who want to take initiative in their own life. People who get a Life Coach are committed to a more fulfilled life and are willing to do the work needed to get there.
How will Life Coaching help?
The results will vary depending on what brings you to a Life Coach. You may not be clear about what would make you happier but you feel ‘stuck,’ or you may have very concrete ideas to reach specific goals. What you do know is that you haven’t been able to move forward on your own and you want to. You can find a life coach to help you improve your relationships, resolve ongoing negative behaviors, improve your overall health, and grow spiritualty. With life coaching you can live a more balanced and enhanced life, and make your dreams come true!
Why do I need a life coach? Why can’t I do this myself?
Life coaching can take you above and beyond your own personal limitations. More often than not, people try to achieve their greatest potential, but don’t even realize what stands in their way, especially when we’re feeling traumatized, hurt or betrayed. A Personal Coach can offer an unbiased and objective perspective, and can help you realize your patterns and habits. Most people experience that they are more efficient when working with a Professional Life Coach and that this provides the opportunity for them to better realize their potential. Life coaching can make your dreams attainable and will give you support and encouragement along the way.