The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential."

Practically speaking, this is a present-based, results-oriented process that includes:

1. Questioning models backed by neuroscience

2. Tools and exercises done either in or out of the coaching hour

3. Using the above to pull answers from you rather than give answers to you.

The result is that you leave with a plan of action to reach your desired goals at the end of each session. These plans aren't one-sized theoretical fluff. Instead, they're practical, grounded, and pragmatically based on the individual. While no two coaching processes are ever the same, studies have shown that coaching yields a 95-99% satisfaction rate, nearly 600% ROI across individuals and organizations, and continues to sustain an average growth rate of 6.7% per year.

Life coaching is based on the science of positive psychology, which puts an emphasis on deep meaning and satisfaction versus temporary feelings of happiness. Coaching looks at the client holistically rather than just focusing on one area. Through the use of strategies such as goal setting and feedback, challenges can be identified, and positive changes can be made. Life coaching also involves supporting and offering accountability to the client as they progress.

I have been coaching since 2016. In those years, I hold an ACC Credential from the International Coaching Federation and have earned multiple certifications (both ICF and non-ICF accredited) from organizations such as Certified Life Coach Institute, The Center For Executive Coaching, The Institute for Life Coach Training, and many others. Today, I serve as a life coach facilitator through Certified Life Coach Institute and have trained over 1000 coaches so far.

Therapy or counseling is a state licensed profession that directly diagnoses and helps clients navigate mental health challenges. While there are present-based therapy models, therapists are authorized to go into a client's past to help them explore their present.

Coaching, in contrast, is a present-based service that does not diagnose or treat mental illness in any way whatsoever, including major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, or anything in the DSM-5-TR. It is common for those in counseling or therapy to maintain a coaching relationship as long as the goals remain in a coaching sphere.

From a relational dynamic, consultants and mentors are subject matter experts that are hired exclusively for their advice and insights as they compare their experience with the client.

Conversely, a coach is an expert in the coaching process, while the client is the expert in their life, field of study, or career. While coaches may have subject matter expertise depending on their niche, it's their ability to reel it back and allow the client to unpack their own process that makes allows the neurological benefits of coaching to unfold-- leading to longer lasting and more sustainable changes in the client.

As a standard practice, life coaches don't give advice, and this is one of the most common misconceptions in the industry. Instead, they empower their clients to explore their own thoughts, challenge assumptions and beliefs, and ultimately formulate their own solutions to challenges.

Life coaching sessions are usually not covered by insurance because it is not a clinical service. I recommend all clients to contact their insurance company for the most definitive answer.

Not without your consent. All oral and written information the client shares with me is bound by the principles of confidentiality outlined in the ICF Code of Ethics. No information pertaining to the client will be shared without the client's written permission except as permitted under the ICF Code of Ethics.

Exceptions to confidentiality relate to circumstances including (but not limited to) intent to harm others or self, illegal activities, or any information required by law, statute, lawfully issued subpoena, or court order to disclose. The client and sponsor will be informed of what is and is not covered by confidentiality before the start of coaching, and all parties will work together to determine the appropriate parameters of privacy and transparency in the process.

Absolutely! My coaching history prior to what I do now is very diverse. Since I coach the whole person directly, I can hold space for clients in virtually any scenario. With that said, the best way to figure out if we're the right fit for one another is to sign up for a free trial and experience the full ICC experience for yourself.

In other words, click here and find out!

There are many benefits of leadership coaching, but to name the most common ones:

1. Professional Development: Leadership coaching provides professional development and growth opportunities. It helps you gain the skills and confidence needed to be successful in your role, as well as providing feedback and helping to identify areas of improvement.

2. Improved Performance: A leadership coach can help improve the performance of both the leader and their team by creating awareness around best practices for their roles.

3. Increased Self-Awareness: Leadership coaching can help you become more aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as any areas that may be hindering your performance. This can lead to better self-management.

4. Improved Relationships: A leadership coach can help improve working relationships by promoting better communication, clearer expectations, and understanding. This can create a better working environment and an enhanced team dynamic.

5. Better Decision-Making: Leadership coaching can help you become a better decision-maker by teaching you how to analyze situations, weigh options, and explore possibilities.

The ROI on leadership coaching depends on the individual situation. Generally speaking, it can vary significantly depending on the duration, content, implementation of the coaching process, and above all, the desired outcomes of the leader and sponsor. There is no blanket answer, as each leadership coaching experience can produce different outcomes. However, research suggests that investments in leadership coaching typically deliver meaningful gains in productivity, profitability, and team engagement, often with a return on investment in the range of 5-to-1 to 10-to-1.

Fundamentally, the difference between leadership coaching and leadership consulting comes down to who takes ownership of the journey.

Leadership coaching is a process of supporting a leader in gaining self-awareness, developing and refining skills, challenging beliefs and behavior, navigating transitions, and overcoming obstacles. The objective is to increase the leader’s effectiveness, enabling them to maximize their potential while achieving measurable and practical outcomes. While internal coaching may exist within different industries, coaching is typically done by a professional who is objective and free from the direct influence of the client, sponsor, or the organization.

Leadership consulting entails providing targeted advice or guidance to the leader. Consulting typically involves taking expert knowledge and insights and communicating them in a usable, actionable way to the client directly. The objective is to help the leader navigate a problem or situation based on the consultant's prior knowledge. Unlike coaching, which assumes the client owns the journey and creates the solutions, consulting focuses more on providing solutions. In short, coaching "pulls from" the client, and consulting "places on" the client.