What can I expect from using a life coach?
A life coach can help you clarify where you want to go and how to get there.  There may be times in our lives when we are looking at making a change, whether voluntarily or not, where we may not be clear as to what we want to do, or if we know what, we may struggle with how to get there.  We may lack clarity or we may have something that is getting in our way.  As a life coach, I will partner with you to help you move forward towards where you want to be.

How is coaching different from therapy?
Coaching primarily focuses on the present, and helps the client discover, learn, and design a future that the client wants to get to.  The coach and client work together side-by-side to help the client discover and determine where s/he wants to go.  The coach helps the client identify challenges, and then partners with the client to identify how to turn those into victories, holding the client accountable to reach desired goals. Coaching does not do a deep dive into the past or how a person got to where they currently are.   In certain cases, if therapy is merited, the coach may refer the client to pursue that direction.

What is the overall coaching process?
The coaching process will vary depending on where the client starts and where they want to go.  The process will begin with the client completing a few brief intake forms and a then having an initial discussion that will set the tone to begin the process.  Unless the client has a specific goal in mind to work on, the process often involves discovering what areas the client is trying to change or focus on to improve in his/her life.  From there, the journey continues down a path to identify specific goals, develop action plans, and define time frames for completion.  As the client proceeds towards achieving his/her goals, obstacles that may impede progress can be identified and addressed to help ensure that goals are achieved.

Who is responsible for the results?
The coach is the partner in assisting the client to determine what or where he/she wants to do or go and the steps to take to get there.  The coach will continue to help identify any obstacles and ways to overcome them, and will help hold the client accountable for taking steps towards achieving goals, but it is ultimately the client that will drive his/her final results.

How can coaching impact my life?
Coaching can help you discover your interests, your passions, paths to move forward, techniques to overcome obstacles, and to find ways to build bridges to a more satisfying future.  Just like an athlete can use a coach to enhance his/her game, a personal coach facilitates your enhancing your “life game.”

What are some examples of “transitions” that you specialize in?
Life is a journey, and during the story that unfolds, each of us goes through many transitional periods, some of which are planned and others that are presented to us  Some of the more common transitions I focus on are major life transitions such as going away to college or retiring, and career transitions such as (re)entering the work force or changing careers.

While I specialize in transitions, I also provide early career coaching to maximize your professional impact,  management coaching to help you hone and enhance your management skills; and general coaching for other general life challenges, including just being "stuck."

How long will it take?
The short answer is “it depends.”  The duration of the coaching relationship depends on what you, the client, is trying to achieve.  Coaching can address one specific area or many.  We may agree to meet weekly or less frequently, and the frequency of meetings may change over time.  The objective is to help facilitate the client’s achieving his/her goals.

How can I get more information?
You can e-mail me at dianebaron@building-bridges.com or call me at 818/419-9664 to request more information or to set up an informational call/consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creating Bridges Life Coaching