What is coaching (life, relationship, leadership, etc.)?

 

Coaching is for anyone looking to bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be in their personal and professional lives. Coaches help functional people design the life they want, bring out their clients' own brilliance and resources so that they can achieve goals and create extraordinary lives. The coaching process combines thinking and talking with concrete actions to move you forward. Life coaches help people answer three questions: Where am I? Where do I want to go? How will I get there?

CLICK HERE to take a quick self-test to determine if coaching is right for you.

 

 

What makes a coach so valuable?

 

Coaches are valuable to the change process because they have training in facilitating change. Coaches follow a process that brings immediate improvements while building the foundation needed to more easily implement future improvements. A coach who has never met you before can give you an entirely new perspective to examine your life with. And because many of the coaches were on the receiving end of life coaching in the past themselves, they make excellent guides along the road to change.

 

 

What are some practical examples of the benefits of life coaching?

 

• Facilitates personal breakthrough

• Overcomes blocks
  

• Improves self confidence

• Creates greater self awareness

• Introduces clarity to life

• Increases motivation

• Develops communication Skills

• Improves time management

• Facilitates lifestyle and or career changes

• Improves health and wellness

• Sets meaningful goals and achieves success

 

Is this a new field? I haven't heard about it before.

 

According to Wikipedia, coaching has been around in the business world since the 1930's. As a whole, it is influenced by such fields of study as personal development, adult education, psychology (sports, clinical, developmental, organizational, social and industrial) and other organizational or leadership theories and practices. Since the mid 1990's, coaching has developed into a more independent discipline with intensive industry training standards.

 

Click here to learn about Marcel's coaching specialties.

 

 

Is coaching a form of counseling?

 

Many licensed professional counselors are moving toward "solution-focused therapy" which riesembles Life Coaching. However, counseling generally deals with trauma, addictions, emotional/behavioral problems and disruptive situations -- and seeks to bring the client to normal function and healing by focusing on his dysfunction.

Coaching deals with functional persons who want to move toward higher function in order to quickly reach goals, remove obstacles and achieve excellence in their lives.

Dialogue between a therapy client and a coaching client differs in this manner:

THERAPY CLIENT: "I just don't know what is the matter with me--I'm so depressed. I'm having troubles just getting up in the morning, and I can't stop crying."

COACHING CLIENT: "I'm not sure where to go next; I want to have more time with my family, but I'm just not sure how to make it work and keep this job."

 

 

Do you provide life coaching for the workplace?

Absolutely! Many human resources directors have come to think that an organization should be assigned coaches when good leaders are lacking motivation, departments are not communicating, or a manager is promoted and struggling with new levels of responsibility. My coaching has a strong spiritual foundation that calls leaders to authenticty and servant-leadership.

 

 

I read that you're a Christian, but I'm not. Are you going to try to convert me through coaching?

 

Absolutely not! I am trained specifically to walk alongside my clients to support only their agendas. My style is redemptive, holistic and non-judgmental. I welcome my clients "as they are," regardless of your current spiritual persuasion. My promise to my clients is to guide them to discover what they want in life, help them find their way, and support them to fulfill their potential. No strings attached.

 

I'm a Christian. How can you help me the best?

 

The best I can do as a Christian coach is to come alongside you and help you listen to the Holy Spirit for yourself. Only as you discover for yourself what God wants you to do, and act on it in faith and confidence, will you begin realizing your full potential. My job is to draw that out, then walk along with you as you figure out what the next steps are.

Who is a typical client?

 

Anyone seeking to experience lasting change and create possibilities in life. Clients come from all walks of life, includiing entrepreneurs, teachers, real estate agents, actors, musicians, stay-at-home moms, engineers, managers, college students, pastors, church members and non-profit leaders.

 

 

How does the coaching process work?

 

Simple. After we agree to work together, we will meet weekly by phone (unless you live locally). Sessions last from 45 minutes up to 60 minutes. See the packages page to choose one that works for you.

The first session will be used to assess your personal strengths, interests, values and the goals you want to achieve. This is used as a "road map" that will help you identify and clarify the future and the goals you want to achieve.

In each meeting, the client chooses the focus of conversation, while the coach listens and contributes observations and questions. This interaction creates clarity and moves the client into action. Coaching accelerates the client's progress by providing greater focus and awareness of choice. Coaching concentrates on where clients are now and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be in the future.

Results are a matter of the client's intentions, choices and actions, supported by the coach's efforts and application of the coaching process. As you and your coach dialogue together, the coach will continue to facilitate a framework to help motivate you to create new possibilities, support your ideas and overcome your obstacles.

 

 

Do you coach over the phone, or by Skype, or e-mail?

 

Yes to all three! Most life coaching sessions are done by phone unless you're local. Skype has also changed the way we now communicate.  Interest is rising for web-cam coaching with Skype or ooVoo because clients prefer the privacy and comfort of staying in their own home (or in bed!) or at the office setting during the coaching session. It's a great way to save money since Skype calls/video calls to anyone, anywhere in the world is now free. Coaching by e-mail is also available. Click here for e-mail packages and rates. Interested in a free coaching session over Skype to determine if coaching is for you? Contact me by email to set up a time or try connecting with him on Skype now!

 

 

 

What's the length of a coaching term?

 

Most clients prefer to spend 5 months in the coaching process because change takes time. Clients in long-term coaching agreements naturally experience far greater clarity, breakthroughs and achieve more results. I do have shorter "starter packages" of 2-4 sessions for individuals not wanting to commit long-term. My packages are designed to offer a good value to enable your process of change and growth to happen. Click here to see which packages best fits your needs.

 

 

What are yours qualifications to coach me?

 

I have over fifteen years experience in the areas of personal, career, leadership and organizational coaching. I have a Masters Degree in Organizational Psychology and am a graduate of the world-renowned Institute for Life Coach Training, an accredited training program recognized by the International Coach Federation. I am also a Certified PeopleMap^TM Trainer, training organizations and couples to improve their communication and relationships. I have logged hundreds of coaching hours for individuals and professionals from all walks of life, but most importantly, my passion is transforming the lives of men in finding their purpose and achieving their best in life. Click here to read my bio page.

 

 

What are your fees?

 

Fees can run anywhere from $150.00 (personal coaching) to $250.00 (coaching for business owners and corporations) for a one-time individual session. But the best "bang for the buck" are the monthly packages. These work the best for you because they are discounted heavily, sometimes up to $200.00 from the standard rate. I also offer packages for people in financial hardship. See the rates and packages page for one that best fits your needs. Since I am flexible and looks at every individual on a case-by-case basis, just call me if you're serious, and I will work with you!

 

 

I'm worried about privacy. What are your standards for confidentiality? 

 

As a certified coach trained under the strict guidelines of the International Coach Federation, I have pledged to practice, adhere to and maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality under Section 4 of the ICF Code of Ethics, entitled "Confidentiality/Privacy." Click here to read the ICF Code of Ethics

 

 

What if I decide not to finish it, can I get a refund?

 

We'll both know if you're not getting value for coaching. You'll get a full refund for any unused portion of a monthly package.

 

 

How will I know if life coaching is truly for me?

First of all, lets answer some specific questions about your current situation to determine that. Does this sound like you?

 

 

I'm still not sure life coaching is for me. Do you offer free sessions so I can try it out?

 

Absolutely! Simply sign up to receive my monthly newsletter. Then contact me to set up a complimentary 45 minute introductory phone or Skype session that will help you assess your situation and identify some steps to take. You may also want to take advantage of free assessments and coaching tips I offer in my monthly e-newsletter (I respect your privacy, and will not spam you, or sell your information to anyone!).

 

 

I'm ready to go now. How do I get started?

 

Go to the rates and packages page and choose one that's right for you. PayPal links are provided for easy and secure transaction with a credit or ATM card. This is optional, as you can also be invoiced and pay by check. Once your payment has been made, you'll receive your Welcome Packet by email,  and the coaching relationship will begin.