Coaching is a powerful experience in which clients are constantly kept focused and moving forward. It is a collaborative effort of brain storming, reframing, perspective shifting and planning -- it is also empowering and energizing.

People seek out Coaching when they are not satisfied with the "status quo" and they want to make changes or improvements in their professional or personal lives. Fortune 500 executives have known the value of coaching for decades. Famous people such as Oprah Winfrey, Lee Iacocca and even Eleanor Roosevelt have touted coaching. We've all read about celebrity coaching. Coaching is no longer just for the elite. Now qualified, professionally trained coaches, like myself, are available to everyone.

A Coach will . . .

• Help clarify realistic and achievable goals.
• Help recognize and overcome barriers to progress. Most obstacles are really assumptions that have never been tested.
• Assist in generating manageable and practical strategies to achieve your goals.
• Motivate you to create small, manageable steps each session that will keep you on track.
• Jointly develop a timetable for the tasks you decide to complete.
• Provide accountability for achieving each task. I usually e-mail clients between sessions to share thoughts and see how clients are moving toward their goals.
• Help you learn to trust your intuition and hear your inner-voice.

3) What makes a good coach?

First, a good coach should have graduated from an accredited coaching school. The ICF (International Coaching Federation) accredits only those schools following a rigorous program with mandatory graduation requirements.

I graduated from IPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching) -- one of the most rigorous programs in the industry.

Also, a good coach is diligent about keeping up on the latest and greatest research in coaching and their areas of specialty.

To this end, I am an active member if ICF (International Coaching Federation); a Coaching Community member of IPEC; a professional member of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder); and a subscriber to just about every applicable newsletter and magazine available.

In addition, a good coach helps you to discover multitudes of possibilities; honors your values, listens intently, is positive in his/her approach, asks empowering questions, is non-judgmental, and celebrates your successes.

This is my commitment to you. I work diligently with clients to make sure they stay on task and true to their values and goals.

Last, it is helpful for a coach to have life experiences that allow them to relate to what clients are working to accomplish.

In my 28 year working history I have worked for major corporations and have owned several successful businesses. I graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing. I am also the mother of 3 children (ages 12, 18 & 20) who will attest to the advantages of having a coach for a parent.

4) How do I get started? What can I expect?

Call me. The initial phone call is when clients usually ask their "coaching" questions. It is also when they express why they are seeking a coach and discuss some of the things that have been getting in the way of setting or achieving goals. During this phone call I try not to coach (sometimes I can't help myself), but I do ask many questions and give clients an idea of what I can do for them.

By the time we sit down for our first session, we are ready to get right to the issue(s) at hand. Together, we assess where you are and where you want to go. See question #1 for more details.

Two or three days after a session, I often e-mail clients to provide an overview of what was discussed; reminders of the tasks they committed to achieving that week; and thoughts I've had since we met. Clients like getting the e-mails because it helps them to reflect on the work they accomplished in a session; reminds them of their commitment toward their goals; and lets them know that I am there for them.

I usually meet with clients once a week for 4 - 8 weeks and then every other week until their goal(s) are accomplished. Coaching can stop and start again at any point the client needs.

Therapists mainly work with patients seeking help for mental or emotional issues that require healing. Session time is often focused on understanding past events and recovery. Someone who wants to achieve a particular goal or a parent who has a child with disabilities does not necessarily need therapy.

Coaches work with clients who want to be held accountable for achieving specific goals. A coach enables clients to move forward in their lives in healthy and productive ways.

Coaching is a flexible arrangement. Sessions can take place in person or over the telephone to meet clients' specific needs and availability.

6) Can life coaching help me in my career or business?

IBM sends their human resource personnel to accredited coaching schools. JP Morgan hires coaches for their top executives. So, the answer is a resounding YES!

Whether your goal is to build sales, change jobs, or start a new career or business, I can help you get it done.

In my 28 year working history, I have worked for major corporations and have owned several successful businesses. I have the experience and the coaching expertise to help you develop realistic and achievable goals.

Please refer to questions 1 - 4 for more details on how coaching works.

Balance is very important in life. Most clients I work with want to work toward personal goals at some point in our coaching relationship. Coaching works for all areas of your life.

Please see question #2 for more details on how coaching works.

In addition to everything mentioned above . . .

• I will teach you how to become your child's coach. It will be like a mini-coaching school, one-on-one, just for you.
• Together, we will develop problem solving strategies that will work specifically for your family.
• We will discuss strategies on how to live YOUR values in your home.
• You will grow to feel empowered and confident in your parenting and decision making skills.
• You will develop the perspective you need to have the happy and loving home you desire.

In addition to all of the above . . .

• I will help you to become confident in navagating the IEP and 504 processes.
• We will work on how to establish productive relationships with your children's teachers, tutors, doctors and/or therapists.
• We will develop strategies that will work for your unique circumstances.
• You will develop the perspective you need to lead a healthy, productive and joyful life that embraces the challenges you face.

CHADD, an association for children and adults with ADD, recommends coaching for adults with ADD. Dr. Edward Hallowell, Harvard Professor and author of Driven to Distraction and CrazyBusy, recognizes coaching as an essential tool for adults with ADD.

As you read the answers to questions 1 -3 above, I am sure you will see how someone who is easily distracted could benefit from what a coach has to offer. When coaching clients with Adult ADD, I make an added effort to e-mail between sessions to keep them motivated and on track.

Like you, I have many interests and life experiences. No one is just a parent; just an employee; just a professional; or just a spouse. A good coach can help you move forward in any area of your choosing.

I graduted from IPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching), a rigorous ICF accredited school. Prior to coaching, I worked in major corporations, owned several successful businesses and earned a BS from the University of Maryland in marketing. I am also a mother of 3 wonderful children (ages 12, 18 & 20) who will be the first to tell you the benefits of having a mother who is also a coach.

I am diligent about keeping up on the latest and greatest research in coaching and my areas of specialty. To this end, I am a professional member of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder); an active member if ICF (International Coaching Federation); a Coaching Community member of IPEC; and a subscriber to just about every applicable newsletter and magazine available.

I work diligently with every client to make sure they stay on task and true to their values and goals.

No matter where you decide to be coached, you have my full attention and the best I have to offer during our session. Also, once you are a client, you are free to e-mail me as frequently as needed between sessions. I cannot give you a coaching session via e-mail, but I can answer quick questions, hear you vent and/or provide encouragement if you get stuck.