Coaching focuses on where you are now in the present and where you are going in the future, it also comes from the place that the client is naturally creative resourceful and whole and does not need to be fixed. The coach has the questions, the client has the answers. Therapy is more focused on the past and resolving issues that one needs to resolve in order to move on with his/her life. (More info)

Absolutely. If a coach feels that the issues at hand are more therapy related, he/she will refer the client to a therapist. Some therapists have found that their clients didn’t actually need a diagnosis, but rather some guidance and coaching on moving forward in their lives. The American Psychological Association recognizes coaching as a valid profession. There are many therapists who are being trained in coaching skills. We do refer back and forth to each other.

Yes. In these cases it is common for the client to work with their therapist on the issues needing therapy, while they work with the coach on the other areas of their lives.

Yes I have. It is ACI’s policy not to coach out of our abilities or to coach people that we can not get behind 110%. It’s also important that there is a real chemistry and comfort between the coach and client. If I know that a potential client could be a better match with a colleague of mine, or if there is a question of therapy being the next route for this person, I will give him/her a couple of names. It’s important to know - I only want for people to be served well - whatever that means for them.

Why does coaching work?

Coaching unleashes potential. It helps people become true leaders and managers of themselves. As people manage their lives and careers more effectively, they experience greater personal and professional fulfillment. Along with this comes a significant increase in the ability to manage and lead one's team and peers. 

How does coaching work?

Coaching is a process. Active Choices, Inc. works with men and women in the corporate environment to ensure fulfillment and balance before crisis or burnout occurs.

How is coaching different from other corporate development programs?

Is this scenario familiar? Companies provide training programs; employees learn, then leave excited about the opportunities, ready to move forward. However, without follow up, the training is forgotten within weeks. There is nothing to keep it alive.

Coaching is different. It is an ongoing program tailored to fit your organization’s needs. The format offers on-going learning and a commitment to action that makes it unique. Coaching locks in learning and has an impact.

Answer these questions: Do you connect with the coach? Has the coach had official training with an accredited training program (there are 13 in the world)? Are they certified or working on their credential? Is the coach a member of the ICF? Do you feel comfortable with them? Do they have a coach? Are they committed to their own self-improvement and development? Do they continuously raise the bar on their coaching? Generally speaking, you will know, if this is the coach for you.

Absolutely! I offer a no obligation, confidential consultation to anyone who is interested in exploring coaching as an opportunity. If you are interested, have been referred to me, or are just plain curious, give me a call and we’ll set it up.

The Foundation Session takes place at the beginning of the coaching relationship and is a great opportunity to lay the foundation for the coaching. Beforehand, you receive all sorts of tools for self-assessment and to evaluate where you’re at and what you want and to really dream. It’s a springboard for the coaching, to set the big agendas and desired outcomes. The Discovery session takes about 2 hours and it’s something that you will walk away from invigorated and ready to grow! 

Yes. Generally the fee is comparable to cost of monthly coaching. So your initial investment is the largest one you will make in coaching because you will have the foundation fee and the first month of coaching fee. From there it goes to a monthly coaching fee.

This will vary based on the individual. Some individuals do come to coaching for a set period of time, or to focus on a specific issues - it varies. The average coaching relationship lasts anywhere from 12 months to as long as 5 years. WOW! You may be thinking - and here is what happens - as the client continues to grow and achieve goals he/she is constantly saying "Wow! I’m so thrilled I did that - what’s next for me?" So this is where the coaching can continue.   You will be amazed at what you can accomplish and then you will want to accomplish even more!

Yes. It is very standard in the coaching industry to ask clients for a 3-6 month commitment to coaching. There are many reasons for this - the most important that coaching is a process and takes time. While individuals may see immediate changes in some areas of their lives, the benefits are even greater and better sustained over time. Coaching is not a quick fix - it does take time and commitment to "lock it in".

This also varies from coach to coach and is based on the client’s individual needs. Some clients like to meet once a week for 30 minutes, others prefer an hour a week, some even 2 hours - it just depends. Generally speaking coaching fees range from $300-$1,000/month. Please contact ACI for more information about our rates and how we can individualize coaching for you.

Absolutely! For me it’s part of my commitment to my own personal growth and to my clients as well. I walk the talk and they benefit as I benefit. I’m also a firm believer in experiencing what I ask my clients to experience - so I will always have a coach, I will always be raising my bar, and I will always be pushing myself to go further. The growth and learning that I’ve had about myself and coaching is part of what keeps me so enthusiastic and such a believer in the value of coaching.

CTI is one of the top 3 coach training organizations in the world. They are accredited by ICF (International Coach Federation) which is the governing body of the coaching world. Only 13 accredited training programs in the world and this was very important to me. I am also a member of ICF so I follow a standard of professional ethics that have been set by them. CTI is incredibly experiential program with a rigorous training and certification schedule. The leaders and supervisors that train and oversee the students are phenomenal. There is a lot of coaching and supervision and feedback and the coaches that go through the program are top notch (I can say this by their reputation and from my own experience with them). CTI is well recognized in the coaching world, and in the business world as well, for having incredibly high standards and producing thoroughly committed coaches. This was all very important to me.

Basically, after your Intake Session, and depending upon our agreements, we get together once a week, by phone (although other arrangements can be made), and focus on your life. The greatest thing about having meetings by phone is that geography is not an issue and the convenience of just picking up your phone and committing the next 30 minutes or so of your time is unbeatable and very effective.

If you and I chat and decide that a coaching relationship is something we want to pursue - meaning we are a good fit and there is good chemistry, there are a number of reasons that I will be a good coach for you. #1, If I work with you , you can count on me being totally committed. I will come from my heart. I have a true reason for being in this profession and it is not just to do a job - Coaching works.  As your coach, I will hold you in the place of expecting nothing but the best for you and truly supporting you in your growth. I will go into areas with you that may be uncomfortable and I will ask you to step up - period. If you want change and you want growth - trust me.