A Powerful Partnership
What’s the most common question that comes up when you meet someone new? “So, what do you do?”
That question can be a bit tricky for a spiritual life coach like me. While the profession is certainly more mainstream,I find many people still aren’t terribly familiar with what the work entails, and specifically, my approach.
“Oh, you’re a coach? Like a life cheerleader?”
“No, not quite.”
“Don’t you cheer people on and encourage them to keep on going; to not give up, right?”
“Well, that’s part of what I do, yes, but the relationship entails a whole lot more than that.”
“Oh, like you also tell them step-by-step what to do?”
“No. And yes.”
Then the blank stare comes, and I try to paint a picture:
“Imagine there was something you really, really wanted in life, but no matter how hard you planned, prepared, or pushed, you couldn’t seem to get yourself there. Wouldn’t it be helpful to explore and discover a new way of looking at your approach and your goal? Looking at how you might be getting in your own way? And what the benefit is of your self sabotage? How cool would it be to have an unbiased partner on your team, whose main agenda is your happiness and success? Someone who creates a safe and confidential place to help you see a fresh perspective, help you uncover your limiting beliefs, and yes, help you create a step-by-step action plan to finally move you in the direction of your dream? Someone who takes all aspects of your life into account when supporting you in living an authentically, high quality life. That’s what I do as a coach.”
By this time, people are usually intrigued, excited, nervous, eager, or all of the above, and often dive into some part of their lives that they’d like to improve.
Without question, the best way to understand coaching is to experience it, which can be done easily in an exploratory chat.
If you’re considering engaging in a coaching partnership, here are some things to consider:
- Make sure it’s the right time for you. It’s a powerful partnership that requires commitment. And be sure that it is something that you can afford. If there’s stress around the idea of payment, it will most definitely get in the way of your progress.
- Reach out to at least two or three coaches.
- Make initial contact through email or a contact form on the coach’s website. It’s helpful to have the responses to your questions in writing so you can review at your leisure.
- In your note, briefly share what area or areas of your life you’d like support with. Inquire about things such as how long they’ve been coaching, where they received their training, how they work (in person, over the phone, number of sessions per month, etc), what they charge, if they require a minimum commitment of months, and what forms of payments they accept.
- Once you’ve narrowed down the field based on your email correspondence, request a complimentary exploratory conversation to see if you feel an energetic connection with the coaches. Coaching requires a partnership, so you definitely want someone you feel safe with, inspired by, and connected to.
Coaching is a client-driven process, which is incredibly empowering for someone working with a coach. It’s my intention to help my clients honor their spirit within every aspect of their lives; to help them live authentically, and in emotional and spiritual harmony. And my goal is to help you see that the wisdom truly does lie within you, and how you can access it whenever you’d like.
For more information on what life coaching is, click here to listen to a telegathering recording of Coach and Client: A Powerful Partnership. To download, right click on link and choose “Save link as.”
Image by iwona_kellie
