Frequently Asked Questions

What inspires people to seek out a coach?

How do the logistics of coaching work?

What should I consider in choosing a coach?

How is coaching different from therapy?

What does a coach provide that I couldn’t accomplish on my own by reading books or talking with colleagues, friends or family?

What inspires people to seek out a coach?

People come to coaching for many reasons, including support for:

• Making a career transition or going for a promotion
• Developing and enhancing leadership skills
• Living a more balanced life
• Improving relationships
• Re-entering the workforce
• Launching the next phase of life or work
• Living a more authentic life which reflects one’s deepest values and purpose
• Achieving one’s goals and dreams

How do the logistics of coaching work?

• Where:  Coaching is available in person and over the phone depending on your location.
• Frequency:  Most clients prefer to meet twice a month, and for those individuals who want to move faster on their path we can meet three times a month.  In addition, you’ll also have access to me via email and for quick phone calls between sessions.
• Duration: Because coaching is a sequential process of clarifying your intentions, designing goals, and taking authentic action, I ask for a three-month minimum commitment.  Most coaching engagements last between three and nine months.  Over time we can transition to a monthly check-in, or we can meet as needed so that you continue to have support your journey.

What should I consider in choosing a coach?

1. First, reflect on what you would like to achieve with the support of a coach.
2. Next, determine your criteria for what you want in a coach. For example:
   1. Do you want your coach to have had certain professional or life experiences?
   2. Are you looking for a particular specialty?  Depending on your needs, you may want to work with someone who has expertise in career transition, leadership development, strategic planning, team development, parenting, gen x, gen y, etc.
   3. Are you looking to meet with your coach in person, or are you open to coaching over the phone?
3. Get referrals.  Talk to trusted friends, family and colleagues to see if they can provide a recommendation.  You can also find certified coaches through the International Coach Federation and its local chapters.
4. Talk to a few coaches and learn about their approach, their expertise and education.
5. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, ensure you have a good connection with your coach.  You want to find someone you can communicate with easily, someone you feel comfortable opening up to.  You may want to talk with more than one coach before making a decision.

How is coaching different from therapy?

Recognizing that there are many different approaches to both coaching and therapy, coaching generally focuses on supporting you in achieving your goals and dreams, so you can make the contribution you are here to make.  Therapy generally focuses on gaining understanding and insight into your patterns and in healing any wounds of the past.  Coaching is not a substitute for therapy, and the two practices may be used in a complementary fashion.

What does a coach provide that I couldn’t accomplish on my own by reading books or talking with colleagues, friends or family?

First, a coach has no agenda for you.  A coach is committed to helping you identify and pursue your personal and professional dreams, not his/her idea of what your dreams should be.  This cannot always be said about family, colleagues and friends, although these people can be incredible sources of support along your journey.

Second, a coach aims to support you in producing extraordinary results, going beyond what is ordinary or usual for you.  If you’ve been reading various books, and talking with people close to you about your dreams, yet are not taking action, working with a coach could support you in moving beyond any barriers you are experiencing to achieving your goals.  Finally, a coach can draw upon their expertise and experience to put together a program that is uniquely tailored to meet your needs.

Have more questions?  Contact me at nancy@crescent-coaching.com or 650-462-1990 and we can discuss them.