FAQs About Life Coaching

HOW CAN PERSONAL CHANGE COACHING HELP ME?

• A key component of personal change counseling is the ability to talk about what’s on your mind and what you want to be different, in a trusting relationship with a professional who will truly listen. 
• Most people report that this process reduces their stress and helps them clarify what’s most important.
• The trusting relationship offers you empathy and a collaborative process to creatively work through your concerns and desires. 
• You’ll expand your insight about your thoughts and feelings, see new possibilities, and gain clarity about your goals and making decisions.
• Personal change coaching empowers you to implement the change that you want in your life, so that you can experience a greater sense of well-being.
• Coaches
• Coaches help people deal with challenges/problems and make the changes they want in their lives. They provide warmth and empathy, and employ a variety of approaches to help clients move forward to improve their lives and sense of well-being.
• Coaches use a variety of methodologies to help people cope with problem situations and facilitate personal change and growth.
• A coach helps clients clarify and reach either personal or professional goals, depending upon their area of expertise. Many coaches work with clients over the phone, while some meet in-person with clients.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN CHOOSING A PROFESSIONAL?

• As you would explore the background of any professional from whom you’re seeking assistance, you would want to consider education and background, as well as, credentials that are required by law.  
• If you have specialized needs, it’s important to ensure the professional has training and experience in the specific area.
• A phone conversation can help identify a comfort level and sense of fit.

I’M VERY PRIVATE…I’VE NEVER GONE OUTSIDE OF MY FRIENDS OR FAMILY WITH MY PROBLEMS.  

• Many people find that family or friends are actually the source of their difficulty, or at the least, can aggravate anxiety about a problem situation.  Although usually well-meaning, family and friends can give unsolicited advice and criticism, which can increase your stress and decrease your confidence.
• Professionally trained practitioners listen attentively to gain your perspective and understand your feelings, thoughts, and situation.  They listen non-judgmentally and provide techniques to help reduce your stress, cope with challenges and clarify what you want to be different.
• Professional practitioners help you creatively generate possibilities for solutions and facilitate decision-making for changes that you want, to improve your life.  
• Many of us regularly seek professional expertise in challenging situations, to help us reach goals, reduce pain or stay healthy.  For example, we use accountants, attorneys, tutors, fitness trainers, business coaches, chiropractors, nutritionists, massage therapists and medical doctors for treatment, guidance and advice.
• Alleviating emotional pain, achieving meaningful life goals, and enjoying positive relationships are as critical to our well-being as dealing with any other type of pain, problem or goal we might have.  Don’t these vital areas of our lives deserve equal attention and professional expertise?

WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?

• The relationship between a professional practitioner and a client is confidential (with specified legal exceptions).  Clients receive an Informed Consent statement, which explains the confidentiality policy and other relevant policies/procedures.
  

HOW LONG DOES COACHING TAKE?

• This depends upon the specific situation, needs, and goals of each individual.  The process can range from a few months to six-months, a year, or in some situations, longer.  Many clients see a professional more frequently at the start, and then taper off to less frequent visits.  Studies indicate that regular visits can enhance prospects for successful change.
  

HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?

Contact Marilyn Fettner at (847) 831-0079 or Marilyn@FettnerLifeCoaching.com

Please note:  This information is not intended as advice, legal, therapeutic, or otherwise.  It is recommended that consumers gather sufficient information, in order to make a fully informed decision for professional services, with relation to their specific circumstances.