What is coaching?

      Coaching is a relatively new profession, only ten years old.  As a coach, I help my clients move toward their goals and commitments quickly.  I help my clients determine their own best strategies and goals by keeping the focus on what is important to them based on their personality and how they best like to interact with the world.  I offer unconditional support, but I hold my clients accountable to their commitments, and to themselves.   I only accept clients who understand they are responsible for their happiness, their power, and their creativity.

How is coaching different from consulting?

      Coaching is different from consulting in that as a coach I usually don't offer expertise unless my clients specifically ask for it. Clients hire me as a sounding board or a believing mirror so they can figure out for themselves what are the best actions to take instead of being told what to do.

From therapy?

      Although past issues may come up during the coaching relationship, emotional wounds and delving into the past are not the focus of the coach.  However, as a side effect of moving forward, many clients develop new perspectives on the past, and old patterns fall away.  As a spirit based coach, I enjoy helping clients choose better ways of dealing with the world in the present, such as by the methods used in the Artist's Way.  In some instances clients also have a relationship with a therapist as they are coached.

From a best friendship?

       Most friends are at least sometimes attached to the outcome of our decisions, especially when those decisions affect them.  As a coach, I have no attachment to my client's choices, except to make sure they are staying true to themselves.  Also, the focus is never on the coach, only on the client, whereas friendship involves reciprocity.

Elaine's philosophy and style of coaching:

       I believe that each person has their own best answers, and is approaching those answers in their own best timing.  As a coach, I can remind my clients of who they are, what is truly important to them, and hold them to those core values to help them lead the life they really want.  As a spirit based coach I like to focus on the deeper issues of how the client is perceiving their world.  In other words, I like making changes happen on the inside, and then letting outside changes come after.  I have found that this approach leads to very quick transformation externally as well as internally, with a happier, more empowered client as a result.

The benefits of coaching:

      Clients move toward their goals very quickly.   Necessary changes occur gracefully and without as much turmoil or confusion.  And, during moments of confusion, as a coach I help keep the client focused on the deeper truths and the desired outcome.

On what subjects may clients focus?

      The client may bring any subject to the coaching call, both personal and professional.  I coach clients more on relationships and creativity, but what usually happens during the coaching relationship is that all parts of life are discussed.  One week we may discuss the steps needed to enter graduate school, and the next week we may discuss how to deal more effectively with the in-laws.  Any topic the client brings to the call is open for coaching.

How long does the coaching relationship last?

      The length of the coaching relationship depends entirely on the client. Some clients have hired me for coaching on a specific topic, and so have finished in a matter of a few months once that important transition in their lives was completed.  After the initial 10 session commitment, many of my clients have chosen to work on other topics for a year or longer. 

for more information about coaching, see the International Coaching Federation website.

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