A: Good question.   It's about enabling you to become better at being you!   It is a process where the coach is a facilitator rather than 'the expert' in helping you come to an awareness of where you are, where you want to go, devising the steps to accomplish your goals, and being there every step of the way to assist and support you. You are the real expert at knowing yourself.  We help you stay accountable to your own goals and dreams.



Q: What makes you different from other coaches out there?

A: My focus is to be there for you on your journey:

• through the process of figuring out your unique body-mind interactions that directly relate to your motivation for whatever you want to do including weight loss. 
  
• because I understand and relate to you.   I've been there and I want to help you too. 
  
• to help you become empowered to be free of the burden of weight (whether that weight is stress, life complications or body fat) and be able to lighten up mentally, physically and spiritually. 
  
• to come up with a viable working plan together that will see you accomplish and achieve your dream. 
  

Q: Why do I hire a coach?

A: There are as many reasons as there are people.  Frequently cited reasons are:

• to regain control
• to experience ALL that life has
• to make personal change happen with support
  
• to have help with overcoming  unconscious limiting beliefs
• to have a sounding board
• to have a partner who is non-judgmental
• to have someone who believes in you

There are potential side-effects of reaching your goals:

• Lighten your countenance.
• Brighten your life.
• Lift your burdens.
• Remove excess baggage.
• Become the person you've always wanted to be.

How does coaching work?
We talk about what you want for your life and together explore how to best get you there.  We "meet" together, usually over the phone, either once or twice a week to put your goals into action.  Together, we will face fears, overcome obstacles, keep a positive outlook, be on a discovery adventure regarding YOU, and focus on solutions.  Having someone in your corner can put you over the hurdles and on to the weight loss success you are seeking.  It's kind of like having a professional best friend!

Are there credentials for coaches?
Absolutely!  I am certified as a Professional Coach through an accredited program (International Coach Academy) recognized by The International Coach Federation (ICF).  Hours of coaching and competency evaluations determine basic and more advanced accreditation levels.  There is also a Code of Ethics standard on the ICF website that I adhere to as a coach.

How is coaching different from consulting, counseling or other forms of therapy?
I heard a great analogy that explains this perfectly.  You have a bicycle and want to learn to ride it.  The consultant is the expert on riding and comes over and gives you the book about riding and watches you try it out the first time, giving you pointers.  You're on your own after that.  A counselor or therapist will discuss with you why you haven't yet ridden a bicycle and why this has been a problem for you.  They can handle deep seated emotional issues about the bicycle or about riding or about your childhood.  A coach believes that you are the expert of your own life, and holds onto the seat while you ride until you determine that you are ready to go it alone.

What is the difference between coaching in person or over the telephone?
There is often greater openness and honesty over the phone that happens because the client feels safer and is not influenced by the physical surroundings of a formal setting or even the coach's physical presence.  When coaching in person, there is definitely a personal experience, but it may take longer to generate the same results.  Additionally, phone coaching saves both parties the travel expense and it can be added to an already busy schedule much easier.  A benefit is that you can find someone that you feel you can relate to, no matter where you live, as long as you can match schedules.

What is "The Process"?
The desire is there.  The motivation is there to begin.  The determination is there.  So, why do many people try so hard and still don't quite get where they want to go? Coaching is an amazing process! There are many steps involved in making permanent change work for you.  You can view my coaching model to get a better picture of how this works. Coaching Model

• The client begins with the heart to do it (whatever IT is)!
• They may need help and clarification to get the results they want, so they come to a coach.
• The coach learns about the client and brings her integrity to build trust in the relationship.  Trust is essential.
  
• The client finds more honesty and openness in sharing and the trust becomes a catalyst for discovery.
• Questions are asked, answers sought after and the synergies bring about increased clarity and movement for the client.  In other words, "You're getting there!"
  
• This process continues until the client is satisfied with the results of her own more engaged, meaningful and joyful life.

What else can I expect?

• During your preliminary sessions we will work together to examine your life and priorities, and once we become more acquainted, work on setting goals that will really work for you.

• I will be objective, non-judgmental, and supportive.

• I will be your partner in this journey so you never have to be alone and we can sustain your motivation.

• I will focus all my attention on you during our sessions.

• I will assist you to improve and grow as a person in order to achieve your goals.

• I will be your sounding board for any and all ideas.

• I will work with you to discover more of yourself and help you become the you of your dreams. 
  

• I will be praying for you.

The International Coach Academy is the program I have been involved in for my training.  icoachacademy.com

The International Coach Federation has high standards for ethics and acccreditation.  You can check them out at:
coachfederation.org.

My son, Jeremy, is a personal trainer and has lots of great content on his site to help with getting in shape and losing weight.
Tall Trainer.com

I have been a member of the TOPS organization for thirteen years and holding.  It's the best kept secret in the U.S. in terms of weight loss.  They've been around over 60 years and have reasonably priced support groups in nearly every community.
Tops Club, Inc.

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