Coaching
Often times people ask me how working with a coach is different from working with a counselor. Having experienced both, I would say that it is similar to the subtle difference between working with a medical doctor to lose weight and a personal trainer.
Both of these experiences can (and should) result in you achieving your goal. My personal opinion is that when you work with a personal trainer, you tend to be more engaged in the process which results in deeper investment of self and sustained impact. The doctor can share information and prescribe appropriate diet and medication. But the doctor does not engage with you in the process of applying the prescribed regimen.
But working with a personal trainer requires that you share not only your goal, but equally important what your choices have been to reach that goal. In other words, what has worked and what has not. The trainer listens to your story, shares insight and techniques, and then is engaged with you as you apply this knowledge.
Likewise when working with a psychological counselor rather than a personal coach, there are subtle differences. The counselor works with the client to find a path to relieve the negative impact caused by stress from various sources. When working with me as your personal coach, my goal is to help you understand how your authentic personality has motivated your life choices – both positive and negative. The next step will bring you to understanding why often times repeated barriers have affected your ability to achieve your life goals. From that base (which is enhanced emotional intelligence), we will work together to apply your new understanding to create opportunities rather than barriers, to be able to live authentically as who you want to be to develop and sustain meaningful relationships.
When you choose to work with me as your personal coach, I will ask you about both the rewards and challenges of your journey. Using the wisdom of the Enneagram Personality Theory, a universally recognized leadership personality tool, along with my skills as a certified coach, our work will begin. Together we will help you take steps via conversation, questioning, action and reflection on how to both understand and apply your new knowledge and skills to building bridges to healthier relationships – with yourself and others.
What Is the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is a powerful and dynamic personality system that describes nine distinct and fundamentally different patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting. Each of the nine patterns is based on an explicit perceptual filter. This filter determines what you pay attention to and how you direct your energy. Underneath each of the nine patterns is a basic proposition, or belief, about what you need in life for survival and satisfaction.
Each one of us developed one of the nine patterns to protect a specific aspect of our self that felt threatened as our personality was developing. As you discover your Enneagram personality type, you will discover more about your original whole self. You will also understand more about the unconscious motivation from which you operate. Discovering your Enneagram personality type can help you learn how to bring positive change into your life. It can help change the way you relate to yourself and others as well as give you greater understanding of the circumstances and issues facing you.
Life Coaching Format:
- Complimentary 30-minute coaching consultation
- Initial 60-minute Enneagram personality assessment to identify areas of strength and challenges in achieveing life potential
- Scheduled 90-minute session (by phone or on-site) as per agreement
- Weekly e-mail support through terms of agreement
- Occasional check-in call as determined by terms of agreement