Is coaching a form of counseling?
    Coaching is not a form of counseling or therapy. Coaching is a form of personal and professional development that enhances performance and ‘being’ in all areas of your life. While therapy focuses on your life and moves backwards to heal old wounds, coaching helps you to focus on you being and becoming the best you possible. In coaching, you, as the client, are the expert. With the help of a coach, you determine the best plan possible to attain your goals and maintain your life. You create the life you want that is most meaningful to you.

How does coaching work?
    Coaching sessions are usually scheduled on a weekly, or bi-weekly basis. They are usually done via the telephone, but if you live in northeast Indiana in-person sessions are available too. You and your coach will schedule appointments best suited to your schedule. You as the client chooses what you want to work on each week and how much work you want to do between sessions. Cheryl’s responsibility is to keep you on your own track. She will challenge you by asking powerful questions, by making you more aware of what you say and by holding you accountable to yourself. Cheryl helps you to stretch to reach your goals while supporting you in the process. She creates a courageous and safe space to take risks and move into new, dynamic places.

How does an individual benefit from coaching?
    The basis of coaching is the relationship between the client, you, and the coach. The focus of this relationship is on you and on what you want from your life; then on how you can achieve it. What is exceptional about the coaching relationship is that the coach is consistently exceptionally supportive and encouraging while also challenging the client to take the steps needed even in the face of fear. Coaching is especially beneficial for those making changes in their lives, whether the changes are personal or professional.

What can I expect from a coach?
    You can expect someone who will listen to you better than you have ever been listened to before.  It is a non-judgmental and supportive space where your coach will listen not only to your words, but to your thoughts, feelings and beliefs behind what you say. A coach is someone who will ‘hear’ what is not said through your voice, your energy and often through what is not said. What you say verbally and non-verbally is the basis for an on-going support system that continually reinforces your steps to becoming the person you want to be. You can expect your coach to be truly curious about you, to be committed to your success and to always tell you the truth.

    A coach does not give advice, but asks powerful and deep questions that will help you to break free of old beliefs and judgments while encouraging you to think differently, consider different perspectives. You can expect to see and experience new potentials within yourself and new opportunities surrounding you.

How do I choose a life coach?
    The relationship between a client and coach is unique. Because you work together very closely, it is important that you really connect with each other. You may want to talk with different coaches until you find one that works well with you. The best way to find out if you are suited to each other is to have a trial session before you make a commitment.

    Cheryl offers a complimentary, thirty minute session that is also free of future obligations. From that point, it is up to you whether you choose to schedule ongoing sessions. For a free coaching session, contact Cheryl now.

How long do people continue with coaching?
    Generally, three months is the minimum length while most clients continue for a year or longer. Three months allows time for you to design and build a partnership with your coach that will best serve you; to take the steps needed to make changes in your life; and to experience results from the work you are doing. After the initial three months, the length of time a client chooses to spend with a coach is an individual choice.  

What are the certification and ethical standards for coaching?
    Look for a coach who is professionally trained and certified and who operates within the ethical standards set forth by the International Coach Federation (ICF).  

    Cheryl received her training through The Coaches Training Institute. She is currently in the certification process and will become a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) fall of 2007. Cheryl is committed to and operates within ICF.  

Is coaching expensive?
    Cheryl is committed to making coaching available to those who want to be coached. Coaching packages can be created to fit individual budget constraints.

How can I get more information?
    If your questions are not answered here, email Cheryl for a prompt reply.