A personal coach offers support and guidance as you achieve personal and professional goals for your life…leading you to the peace and joy you deserve. Coaching helps bridge the gap from where you are to where you want to be, in your professional or personal life. This coaching partnership will provide motivation to overcome roadblocks through powerful dialogue and accountability. People from all walks of life are experiencing the benefits of coaching: professionals, entrepreneurs, community volunteers, stay-at-home moms, retirees…and you!

A coach will assist you in identifying obstacles that keep you from achieving the success you desire and deserve. Your coach will encourage you to set specific goals that will move you forward. Many professionals use coaches as a thought partner. Having another confidential, objective person to bounce ideas off of can be extremely beneficial to professionals in many fields.

A typical coaching partnership will include weekly or bi-weekly 45-minute coaching sessions, including email support. The majority of coaching is done by phone. Just think…you can work on issues that will transform your life from the comfort of your own office or home! This method is highly effective and saves valuable time.

Coaches work with emotionally healthy people to move them forward toward professional or personal goals. Coaching is about the present and the future, while therapy often focuses on issues of the past. Unlike therapy, coaching does not delve into past emotional concerns.

It is critical that you feel a high level of trust, confidence and comfort with your coach. Consider the following when making your selection: coach training/certification, coaching experience, educational background, and professional experience. If all of these meet your personal requirements, request a complimentary coaching session to help determine your comfort level. Inquire about the coaching process to make sure it is consistent with your expectations. All coaches have their own personal style; select someone who makes you feel comfortable and challenged. Additionally, look for a coach who has been trained by an organization that is accredited by the International Coach Federation. This means the certifying program will have met certain industry standards.

Coach training programs vary from a few hours to extensive training that includes client contact hours. Donna Lawrence received her Certification in Personal Coaching through the College of Executive Coaching, the leading coaching school worldwide that requires its students have Masters Degrees. This training program is accredited by the International Coach Federation.

A coach will help you ‘get from point A to point B.’ Coaches who specialize in working with specific populations may use a descriptive word such as life, performance, or business coach. Others may advertise as executive or personal coaches. When looking for a coach the title is not nearly as important as your comfort level and understanding of the coaching method. Find a coach that has the training and experience to deal with your issues.