Are we there yet? Where do babies come from? Why are you over budget? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?

Kids aren’t the only ones who ask a million questions, so here are the answers to just some of the ones you may be pondering.

Many people have questions about what exactly coaching is and whether it's right for them. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, just ask me!

What is coaching?
Coaching is a focused and powerful process of communication and problem solving. It’s a relationship that empowers the client to reach the conclusion to their own questions by assisting in clarifying what they want and focusing on a plan to get there. Coaching gives the client tools, support, and structure to accomplish more in all areas of their life. Because we are so busy, it can become challenging to see clearly what’s working and not working and how to make both the large and small changes to create a life that feels really good. Coaching provides clarity, solutions and accountability to achieve all one wants.

Who hires a coach?
All kinds of people! Anyone with the intention to go further in their life or business than where they are right now. Hiring a coach is an investment in you, your life and your future. If you want more in your life – more personal and professional growth and you want it sooner rather than later, as a Coach, I can help you get all three – quicker than trying to do it in on your own.

Why is coaching so popular?
Coaching is popular for several reasons. With everything going on in the world these days, more and more people realize that life is precious and limited and that there must be more than what they have. Many people are tired of doing what they "should" do and are ready to do something special and meaningful for the rest of their lives. The problem is, many don’t see what that something is, or if they do, they don’t see a way to redirect their life to it. A coach can help with both.

A coach is a not a miracle worker, but a coach does have a large tool kit to help the Big Dream become a Reality. People are becoming more aware and connected with themselves and others. Whether you call it ”spirituality” or ”Emotional Intelligence“ or something else, people have a better understanding of the importance of tapping into their own intuition and emotions to help guide them in their lives and relationships. As a Coach, I listen and respond to what has heart and meaning and then help my clients become more skilled in doing the same.

How is coaching different than therapy or counseling?
Coaching is not therapy or counseling. Whereas therapy tends to focus on the past (How did I get here?), coaching tends to focus on the future (How do I get from where I am to where I want to go?).

What is discussed during coaching sessions?
The client decides what we talk about; I don't. Coaching is all about the client; I merely serve as the co-captain to help them navigate from where they are now, to where they want to go. Even if a client doesn’t know specifically what they want to focus on, but they do know that they want something to be different or better in their life, that's okay too. We can start wherever they are. The important thing is that the client is committed to talking, listening, questioning and challenging themselves, their ideas and their actions (or inactions) and growing through the process.

Is coaching done face-to-face or by phone?
Coaching sessions are done by phone unless group coaching with multiple employees in an organization has been arranged. This means no commute for you and the coaching sessions can be done in your office during lunch or home from the couch in your robe while the baby sleeps.

Who pays for the long-distance phone charges?
My clients call me at their scheduled time and incur any long-distance phone charges that may occur.

What if I have some friends or colleagues who want to be coached as well?
You can either refer them for individual coaching sessions or you may want to consider a group coaching structure. (FYI – any completed coaching session with a person you referred results in one free 30 minute coaching session for you!) The benefits of group coaching are that it typically costs less per person and you have a built-in support system from other group members. If you would like to discuss this option, please or call me at (510) 814-0891.

What makes you qualified as a coach?
Besides being certified through the Coach Training Alliance and Dream Coach University™, I have years and years of personal and professional experience which contributes to the value I bring my clients. Even before I officially started my coaching business I was always the listening ear and sounding board for family, friends and business colleagues. My ability to stay neutral, ask the right questions, dig deeper and help brainstorm landed me in various human resource, employee relations and leadership positions. I also have training in the areas of HR, interpersonal communication, mediation and conflict resolution, and public speaking. But beyond all of that, coaching is just who I am. I use my insights and intuition to help people stake claim to the life they deserve and take action that allows them to live happier and more fulfilling lives.

What about your personal life?
On top of my very rewarding and successful professional life as a coach and speaker, I have an even more fulfilling personal life. I live in Alameda, California, with my husband, our young daughter and dog. I also have a step-daughter who is with us every other weekend. I enjoy spending time with family, traveling to see family and friends, playing on the beach, riding my cruiser bike around town and dancing in my living room.

What is your personal coaching philosophy?
My view is that attraction plus inspired action equals life-changing results. I believe in the Law of Attraction and I always coach from the place of "you get what you ask for so you might as well ask for what you want." I help clients get clear about what they want and support them in asking for it. For the things or areas of their lives that aren't just as they'd like, we uncover what thoughts, words and actions are attributing to them not having the life they want. As you change your beliefs, your words and your actions, you change your life!