What is coaching?
Coaching
is a type of consulting in which you select a coach as a partner to
help you review where you are in your life with an eye to setting new
goals--and making plans to make progress toward those goals. The focus
can be virtually any area of your life: home, relationships, career--
or the balance of all these parts of your life.
At New Leaf
Coaching, we often begin with an assessment of how things are going for
you in different areas of life: social support, spirituality, intimacy,
work, finances, fun and leisure, home, etc. What's most important about
coaching is that you set the agenda! This is about what you want to change or accomplish in your life.
How exactly does it work?
Coaching
can take place on the phone or in person. We provide all our services
by phone. We would set up a regular schedule of telephone calls--
usually weekly for 45 minutes-- to discuss your hopes, dreams, plans
--and solutions to obstacles getting in your way. Depending on your
needs and budget, frequency and length of calls can vary. You would
call the coach and be responsible for any telephone charges.You
determine the agenda and priorities.
Why can't I do that by myself?
Maybe
you can. Most people, however, find that there is at least one area of
their life where they don't seem to be getting where they want to be.
They seem to find themselves stalled by time constraints, lack of
confidence, lack of hope, or procrastination. Often, they've
accomplished a great deal, but have reached a plateau and want to get
moving again. Or, they've been very successful in one area of life, and
now want to turn their attention to other areas.
Why is coaching different?
Simply because it's harder to maintain momentum and always be problem-solving alone.
Coaching can provide support and accountability. Most of us do best
when we make our intentions "public" in some way (even if it's just to
one other person) and a coach helps keep you on track. A coach is more
than a cheerleader; s/he is a sounding board, a partner in
brainstorming and problem-solving, an objective observer (unlike family
members and friends), and someone who can gently hold you to the
promises you made to yourself.
Is coaching done individually or in a group?
Coaching
can be either one-on-one, or in a group. Today's technology allows
amazing possibilities: group sessions or sometimes "teleclasses" can
bring together people from all over the country or even the world. Each
participant calls into a "bridge line" that ends up like an
old-fashioned "party line:" a shared phone line. Coaching rates are
different for group coaching. The technology provides for a variety of
configurations: sometimes three or more people who already know and
trust each other form a "group" as a way to manage costs and put more
heads together-- or you might join a group formed by the coach.
Who can benefit from coaching?
Anyone
who has aspirations for a better life and wants more clarity about what
that looks like, and how to get it. Is that too general an answer?
Well, yes...and no. What we are saying is that we believe that people
are smart, resourceful and spiritually inclined to seek improvement in
life. Yet, the exact destination is not always in clear view, or the
path leading there is obscured. Our clients are accomplished,
interesting and interested people. Some, however, don't give themselves
enough credit for their accomplishments -- or their potential. See "Coaching or therapy?" for an explanation of the difference between them.
Where is New Leaf Coaching?
We
are based in Boston, Mass., but since all sessions are conducted by
phone—a standard coaching method—geography is another limitation we can
eliminate. We can “meet” while you enjoy the comfort of your home, or
call from wherever you wish. To reach us to schedule a sample session,
please e-mail or call us. Your only cost is your (possible
long-distance) telephone charge.
What does it cost to be coached?
Coaching
fees vary depending on length of session and frequency-- and whether
the sessions are private (individual) or in a "group" of three or more.
