Question 1

What is an Integral life coach and how is it different from a regular life coach?

Accepted Answer

An Integral Life Coach uses cutting-edge developmental models and Integral Theory - a growing school of philosophy - that "seeks to integrate all of human wisdom into a new, emergent worldview that is able to accommodate the gifts of all previous worldviews."

Integral Life Coaches are more holistic, complete, similar to the difference in looking at physicians trained only in western medicine and Integrative Physicians who are trained in additional multiple modalities such as Chinese herbs, acupuncture, diet, food as medicine, and more.

Question 2

How is coaching different from counseling or therapy

Accepted Answer

Life Coaching focuses more on the client in the here and now and conducts sessions with the future as the central point to encourage personal development and self-improvement. Counseling is a form of talk therapy associated also assessing the individual in the here and now, but working to determine past events that have contributed to their client’s current struggles. Coaches and therapists will bothj develop coping mechanisms and strategies for the client to move forward with their life.

The main difference between counseling and life coaching is that counseling and therapy can investigate the underlying causes of mental health problems. Life coaches are not (unless specified) qualified to diagnose or treat any health-related problems, although if the situation arises they may suggest you see a GP or a therapist. I am an ordained Pastoral Counselor.

Question 3

What happens in a typical session?

Accepted Answer

Integral Life Coaching sessions will typically last 50 minutes, sometimes more or less depending on your preferences. Initial assessments and sessions are conducted over the phone, face to face, over email, online via ZOOM and occasionally through instant messaging.

During the session, we’ll ask you a number of questions, such as what you want to achieve in life, what areas you're unhappy with and where you'd like to see yourself in the future. Although a life coach will work with you, it’s often up to you to challenge or reflect upon certain ideas you have to help you move forward with your life. You will never be forced to make any decisions you don't feel comfortable with and all sessions will be confidential, allowing you to explore your thoughts and feelings privately in a safe space.

Integral Life Coaching is often seen as a partnership between you and your coach, who will gently encourage you to explore how to make positive changes in your life based on your aspirations and capacities. We will also offer support and feedback to help you to stay focused on your goals and will occasionally set you tasks and objectives to work on outside of sessions.

Question 4

What do the sessions cost?

Accepted Answer

After a complimentary 30-minute exploratory session, 50-minuite single sessions are $75 for an individual and $90 for an initial 90-minute session with couples. Money-saving packages of multiple coaching sessions are avaialble. Click here (javascript:void(0))for more information.

Question 5

How do I know you’re the right coach for me?

Accepted Answer

I offer a FREE 30-minute exploratory session so you can get a feel for me, how I work, and if you think we’re a good fit. This is also a time where I can decide if I'm the right coach for you and whether or not I can help you. If I can’t I’ll try to make a recommendation for another coach who may be a better fit for you

Question 6

What can an Integral Life Coach help me with?

Accepted Answer

As an Integral Life Coach, I utilize cutting-edge Integral and developmental theory and techniques to help my clients in all aspects of life. If you've ever struggled with something - whether it be sticking to a diet, learning a language, moving out of your comfort zone, improving your confidence or self-esteem, then consulting an integral life coach could help you.

I also approach things from a hoilstic, or mind-body-spirit perspective. Through questions and exercises, I'll determine how you perceive the world. From this, I will be able to identify the most effective route for you to your goal. Some people feel intimidated by the idea of change and need to take things slowly to fulfill their goals. In this situation, I might divide big goals into smaller bite-sized pieces, as clients sometimes can get frustrated and impatient and lose interest. In this situation, I can also suggest introducing stronger reminders, incentives, and techniques to help keep clients on track.

However you approach life, an integral life coach will be able to tailor your sessions to fit your individual needs. Subjects life coaches deal with include:

Relationships
Do you wish you had the confidence to approach someone you like romantically? Do you struggle with commitment? Problems communicating? Are you struggling to cope with a divorce? An integral life coach could help you to understand your relationship and work towards improving it.

Business life or retirement
Starting and running a business is tough work. Sometimes we get so absorbed in hard work we neglect ourselves. I'm not a financial expert, but I'm really good at making sure you're tking care of you. Life coaches can help build confidence, develop leadership skills, enhance decision-making and assess your work/life balance.

Personal life
Do you feel like you're not making the most of life? There's so much to see, do and learn in this world, but often a lack of confidence, time and will-power can cause us to stay inside our comfort zones, doing nothing. Life coaches use specialist skills to motivate their clients to do the things they want to do, see and achieve, so they can finally fight the urge to procrastinate or make decisions.

Performance
Improvement is at the heart of life coaching. Whatever your skill, life coaching could help improve it. Whether you're a leader, an athlete, an artist, a writer, a performer, or a musician - adopting specialist techniques will help you to push through your limitations and exceed expectations.

Question 7

How many Integral Life Coaching sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Often, the issues we come up against are a result of years of our expereiences, and coaching is not a quick-fix. There is no magic pill. That said, you can have as many or as few life coaching sessions as you like or feel you need. Like many life coaches. I can operate over the phone or via the Internet, and the sessions can easily fit around your schedule. Some people hire a life coach once every few months, some people have a session once a week. It is entirely up to you to decide what will work best for you.

Question 8

Do Integral Life Coaches need to have qualifications?

Accepted Answer

Life coaching is currently an unregulated profession in the US, meaning anyone can essentially call themselves a life coach. Because of this, it’s wise to do your research. In addition to having a Masters in Shamanic Intuitional Practice (I'm really good at creating altered state experiences), and a Doctorate in Shamanic Pyschospiritual Studies (I'm a Transrational "shaman" and a Shamanic Priest), I am an IFC Certified Professional Coach  - CPC - and I have been teaching developmental and integral theory in my workshops since 2008. I am required to do continuing education every two years to maintain my certification.

Still, qualifications and memberships mean little if you don't get feel a connection with your life coach. Rapport is one of the most important parts of life coaching. If you feel uncomfortable with your professional, you are unlikely to gain much from the session. That’s why I offer a FREE 30-minute exploratory session before you book a session, so you can gauge how comfortable you with me.

Question 9

Can I have coaching online or by telephone?

Accepted Answer

I enjoy meeting face-to-face with clients, But since I moved to Panama in later 2020, and as a result of COVID-19, online meetings have become commoin place and part of "the New Normal." While I prefer eithr Zoom or Facebook Messaging video calls, we'll decide together what will work best for us. Even prior to Covid restrictions I had international clientele and online video and telephone coaching was my primary method of coaching.

Question 10

What if I have a problem with you or you just piss me off?

Accepted Answer

One of my jobs is to motivate my clients when needed, and while it doen't usually happen, there may be times when you might feel uncomfortable or possibly even triggered by something I do or say.

If I ever say or do anything that upsets you or doesn't feel right or maybe even safe, please bring it to my attention. Honesty and trust are critical in our coaching relationaship, and I strive to provide an open and safe place for my clients to come with complete confidence.

Question 11

Will my conversations with you be confidential?

Accepted Answer

You have the same right to confidentiality that you have with any other professional. I guarantee that everything you share with me will remain in compllete confidence. I do reserve the right to act if i feel that your safety or the safety of those around you is in jeopardy... anf that's never happened to me.

Question 12

Are there any Liability issues with coaching?

Accepted Answer

Our coaching agreement is an "at will" alliance and we both reserve the right to terminate any agreements we may have at any time. All actions and decisions are yours and you alone are responsible for the results of  your choices. As your coach. I will encourage, motivate, guide and help you achieve your success. The real work is yours. How far you go and how fast you get there is up to you.
 
"I am not a therapist or a psychologist. I am a Certified Professional Coach (CPC). I help people learn how to use coaching skills in their lives in areas they choose to address. I work with my clients in a holistic fashion to help each of them to incorporate their values and positive beliefs more deeply into their everyday lives and the specific goals thay set for themselves." --- Gary Stamper, CPC, MSIS, DSPS

Question 13

What's the next step?

Accepted Answer

If you want to get atarted, but haven't already made an appointment for your Complimentary 30-minuite Coaching Session, let's get an intake form filled out and get it scheduled. You can request an appointment at the bottom of any page on my website, including this one.

If you decide to hire me as a coach, we'll discuss what that would look like and continue from there. Whether it's one session or a package of sessions, full or partial (upon agreement) payment is expected before we begin and can be made through PayPal or by check. Please note that there is an additonal $25 charge in the case of NSF funds on checks.

If you decide to buy a package of sessions (Click here for more information), I require a completed "Coaching Agreement" to reflect your full commitment to the coaching process for the agreed-upon period of time and number of sessions. Most clients are coached for 2-4 months, Coached now, coach yourself in the future.

You can download the "Intake Document" at the bottom of this page in either Word or as a PDF.

To begin your coaching, download the "Coaching Agreement" at the bottom of this page, complete it, and either send it to me by mail or email it to me. Also complete the payment amount using either PayPalm or check by snail mail.

Question 14

Changes and Cancellations

Accepted Answer

If our appointment is by phone, please call me at 206-779-5870 at your scheduled time. If it's online with ZOOM, please be logged on at the appointed time
 
If you need to change or cancel a session, please call and text me to let me know as early as possible. You have reserved this time for yourself. If I have not received a call from you and am unable to reach you by 10 minutes past the specified time, the session will be forfeited and a refund will not be available, This is in consideration of my time and yours and of clients who may be scheduled immediately after your session. 
 
If you would like to reshedule or cancel a session, please give me 24 hours notice. I will extend the same courtesy to you if I need to reschedule. If I am unable to give 24 hours advance nolice of a change, I will compensate you with a free session.

I understand we all have busy lives and every effort will be made to accomodate changes when necessary.

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