COACHING: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS COACHING?
Coaching is a conscious, reciprocal relationship that supports you in aligning your life with your hopes, dreams and values. Drawing primarily from the Coaching for Transformation approach, we start from the notion that you are already whole, and together we are stepping deeper into your whole self. You already have all the resources and wisdom you need to make your life and your leadership what you want them to be. My role is to help you tap into that.
WHAT IS COACHING FOR TRANSFORMATION?
In transformational coaching, we tap into your essence as a way of revealing paths forward on whatever goals or challenges you are facing. For example, if you’re feeling unsure what career path to pursue, we might spend time clarifying your needs and values. One way we do this is through a Peak Experience Exercise -- give this one a try! Other “pathways” we might use include envisioning a future built around your personal magic, engaging with critical parts of yourself that unconsciously drive decisionmaking, or trying on new ways of thinking about sticky, thorny problems.
HOW DO YOU UPHOLD SOCIAL JUSTICE VALUES IN YOUR COACHING PRACTICE?
It is vital to me that my practice reflects my commitment to social justice. My practice is organized around the inherent self-sovereignty of the client, something systems of oppression seek to take away. I honor my clients’ right to define their own relationships to political narratives and the expectations of both mainstream society and movement spaces. I commit to receiving any feedback my clients give me around power, privilege, and the impact of my actions or manner of being. I commit to doing my own emotional labor. I offer a “give-what-feels-right” rate (which can be totally pro-bono) to grassroots activists. And finally, I participate and in some cases help organize multiracial and primarily-white groups of antiracists, including a small practice group of white anti-racist coaches.
HOW DO COACHING ENGAGEMENTS LOOK AND WHAT DO THEY COST?
I coach in three-month, six-session engagements for a total of $900 per engagement ($150/session). Concessionary, give-what-feels-right or pro-bono rates are available for grassroots activists.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT COACHING IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Listen to your intuition. You’re probably already at least 50 percent sure one way or the other. If you’re feeling discomfort, it might mean there are truths waiting to come out that a coach can help draw forth. Whether it’s coaching or another modality, I want you to invest in your dreams! You always have options to pursue what you really want, even when it feels like you don’t.