Coaching FAQs

Chris answers the most commenly asked questions about Transformative Coaching. 

Is this coaching all about identifying my strengths?

No. It simply means that we will work from a strengths perspective and that knowing and living from your strengths will be central to the process. Your primary or driving purpose may be to gain support and guidance with regard to your personal life, relationships or professional/work life. You may be on a personal development and/or spiritual journey, struggling with your personal identity or exploring who you are and want to be, making important life decisions, or walking through a transition and figuring out what to do next. Your desire for support may be general or specific to certain issues, people or situations. Or you may just want to grow in all these areas and develop a strengths-focused way of seeing the world.

What does coaching with you look like?

One of the beauties of SIF "coaching" or support is that you are always in charge. With my help, you will determine the balance of structure vs organic process that works for you. You may: set ambitious goals or rely on teachable moments, set a clear agenda for each session or deal with what is current for you, ask me for "assignments" or create your own. Before we begin, I will send you some materials to help you name what you want and identify what style will work best for you. I will listen, reflect, guide, suggest resources or ways to practice new skills, whatever it takes to help you move toward your goals. In most cases, we will conduct our sessions over the phone, with email communication between sessions.

What does it cost?

I had previously created a unique payment philosophy that allowed you to determine the amount you pay, based on the value you ascribe to our work together and your financial capacity. While I still work from this philosophy, it has been easier for folks to understand this as a "sliding scale." in our initial conversation, we will chat about the right fee structure for you and make a plan that works. You may pay before or after each session or you may pay, in advance, for several sessions at a time. Payment may be made via credit card, PayPal or check.

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to call me at (207) 767-2024 or via email.  

Why do you do this (have a flexible sliding scale or "pay what you value" philosophy)?

Now there's a big question…

• because it's the right thing to do...
• because these are unusual times that require unusual measures...
• because when you are ready to move forward in your life, you ought to be able to have the support to do it well - and now...
• because I think if I am generous and living into my strengths, the rest will take care of itself...
• becasue I want to walk my talk...
• because this is a fun way to be alive.

Good enough?

I am part of a group that would like to work with you together. Is that possible?

Certainly. Your "group" may be 1) a formal staff that works together; 2) a group of colleagues seeking professional support together; or 3) a group of friends who wish to work with me together. Think of this as the conference phone version of having me come to work with your group in person. This group process can take the form of free-form discussions, mini-trainings, problem-solving, case studies, and many other ways of helping your group reach its goals. It can be highly structured or more process oriented. Once we have established the basic framework and objectives for our time together, we will set dates/times for our meetings. If your staff/group meets in a single geographic location, you will need access to a room with a conference phone speaker. If your staff/group members are not in the same location, each member can log onto a conference call from their own phone. This can happen through your conferencing systems or via freeconference.com.  

I would like to talk to you before deciding. is there a cost for that?

Of course not! I would be glad to spend a few minutes with you on the phone to chat about your needs and identify what your best plan of action might be. Just contact me at (207) 767-2024 or via email.