How would you best describe what to expect from coaching?
When you were a child, remember what it was like to dream of flying? Coaching is like that every day. It's a simple, practical process that creates the magic that allows you to follow your heart wherever it leads.

Expect that you will do the work—not the coach.
Being coached is work and with the right coach, fun, challenging, and rewarding. Imagine you're learning to ride a bike. Your coach can run along side of you, help you balance if necessary, give you encouragement, but ultimately it's your responsibility to learn to ride the bike. Another way to look at coaching is that your coach is there "to shine the light on the path." It's up to you whether you walk it or not.

Expect the best.
Your coach will help you to be your best whether you're facing a challenge, pursuing a dream, or meeting a goal. Whether you need encouragement, organization, to be challenged, or a kick in the pants, your coach is dedicated to helping you be the very best you can be.

Expect that it will take time before you see results.
Clients often do not realize the benefits of coaching until they are well in to the coaching process. Because coaching works in small, incremental steps over time the changes are often subtle. Nevertheless, six months to a year later, most clients are astounded at how much their lives have improved.

Expect to work on both short-term as well as long-term projects.
Coaching is an excellent resource when you need help with a pressing issue. You coach can help you to take the necessary steps to cope with the situation now. A long-term coaching relationship, however, can yield even more dramatic results by helping you minimize the occurrence of difficult situations or even prevent them in the first place. Also, it often takes several months for important issues to surface.

Expect to dig a lot deeper.
What works well in your life? What doesn't work? Your coach will help you to discover the best strategies for your success. More importantly, over the process of several months, your coach can help you uncover hidden patterns of beliefs and behaviors blocking you from having a great life.

Expect honesty.
You can expect your coach to be direct and honest. Sometimes looking at the truth can be painful. Your coach will clearly communicate about problems or dissatisfactions. In turn, you will need to be equally honest and forthcoming with any problems or dissatisfactions you may have.

Expect peaks and valleys.
Like life, coaching has peaks and valleys. Sometimes you'll work on important issues. Other times, your coaching sessions will be about ordinary, everyday life events. Sometimes you'll have an off day-call your coach. They're there to help.

Don't expect therapy.
Many therapists have transitioned to coaching because they have found coaching produces more dramatic results. If, however, you have a substance use disorder, are struggling with difficult family issues, or are experiencing a clinical disorder such as severe depression, please seek the appropriate clinical help. Also, if you're looking for someone to lean on, a coach isn't it. A coach is your partner in helping you create success, not a crutch upon which to depend. In general, coaching is NOT effective until the clinical problems are treated. Seek appropriate help if you need it.