If you’re interested in
finding out more about the coaching process and if I’m the right
coach for you, then you’re in the right place.
How
Coaching Works:
Coaching is a partnership of
trust and confidentiality established between coach and client
to improve and enhance the quality of life through thoughtful
exploration of a client’s core values, attitudes, talents,
interests and goals. Ranging from a minimum of three months to
a year or more, coach and client meet via phone or Skype for
pre-scheduled 50-minute sessions 2 to 4 times every month.
Clients complete a preparation form ahead of each scheduled
session to allow the coach to use their time together to the
best interest of the client.
What
Coaching Is Not:
Coaching is not consulting,
counseling or therapy. Consultants advise clients on how to
solve their problems; coaches guide clients to their own
solutions. Consultants are focused on results; coaches are
focused on people - supporting a client in reaching his or her
goal(s). Counselors are required to keep their personal
feelings and thoughts removed; coaches use personal disclosure
to catalyze and challenge a client. Therapists provide
professional help to bring about healing, recovery and/or issue
resolution through treatment of diagnosable conditions; coaches
see a client’s brilliance, strengths and areas in need of
development and support a client in achieving certain desired
outcomes.
Are
you coachable? If so, I offer a complimentary 20-minute coaching session:
Am I the
right coach for you?
To see if we have the
makings of a good partnership and to give you a feel for who I
am, here are those parts of my life's 56-year personal journey
that might be of interest:
Lifelong Learner - I have
actively participated in years of personal growth and
development, starting with Context Associated's Excellence Series in the
early 1990’s, a three-part series of interactive
exploratory workshops from an
organization committed to “lifelong learning and
strengthening the fabric of goodwill in the world by
empowering individuals to live their fullest potential.”
For the past 20 years, I have participated in workshops on
variations of leadership (mastering --, natural --,
embodied --); and completed my own intensive coaching
process to recognize and honor my passion and purpose -
speaking for the Earth. For the past decade, I have
participated in every program or workshop I could find on
sustainability – defined best by an African delegate to
the Johannesburg summit in 2002: "Enough – for all –
forever!"
Parent / Single Parent / Grandparent - One of the greatest
joys of my life was parenting my daughter, Michelle,
now in her 30’s, happily married and the mother of my
adorable grandson, Gavin. From the
moment Michelle was born, she was a beautiful
person,
inside and out, exuding joy and happiness. I was only 23 years old
when I gave birth so in a lot of ways we ‘grew up
together.’ The teen years brought their challenges, but with
support and wise guidance from people we
trusted and respected,
we both got through them and today we share a deep and
caring relationship. I don't know who was more proud
and excited when she graduated from high school, then
college and even graduate school, Michelle or me!
Following eleven
years of marriage from a young 21 to age 31, I was a
single-mom for seven years. Coming from a large Catholic
family, divorce was something I never thought I would
experience, but it became a time of deep personal growth and
self-introspection. Through counseling, I was forced to
learn a lot about my boundaries, my interpersonal skills and
who I really am. I truly believe that had I not taken some
time to become my own best friend during those years, I
would not have attracted a kind and loving husband, Patrick,
into my life and thus was finally able to model for my
daughter a loving and respectful partnership.
Homebuilder - In 1997, Patrick
and I embarked on a project to self-construct our home in
Vancouver, WA. At the time I was working Monday through
Thursday in downtown Portland at a mid-level executive
position for the local utility. I took the commuter bus
into town every morning, worked my eight hours, bussed back
to Vancouver, walked a mile to the house we were renting,
made sandwiches for dinner, worked on the house until 9 or
10, then drove home and fell into bed to start all over
again
the next day. Friday and Saturday were full days of
construction, then Sunday was a day for rest. The closest
thing to a date with my husband for that year and a half was
Saturday dinner out before heading to the plumbing or
hardware store for more materials or exotic items, like
toilets and water tanks. It was a truly rewarding
experience, however, one of deep fulfillment and true
partnership. We agreed at the onset that we would be the
exception to the rule and make it a positive experience, and
within minutes of arriving at the job site we'd fall into a
comfortable and easy work pattern, taking turns choosing the
music for the day and finding time to be silly on occasion!
Community Builder - I am an
extrovert and cheerleader by nature, bringing people
together around social issues and hosting celebrations
whenever possible. I'm the person in the room who
doesn't hesitate to introduce myself to others or to
introduce two friends or colleagues to each other. I
enjoy music and games, and the opportunity to share and
discuss films and books. And I love to garden, sew,
weave and dance!
So,
are you ready for a richer, fuller life?
We all experience ups and
downs in our daily lives, but there is no substitute for the joy
we find in true self-discovery. If you want to take that next
step in discovering what a deeply satisfying life feels like, I
would be honored to assist you on the journey.
For a complimentary
20-minute coaching session, email me at
coach.jill@sustain-nw.com with your contact information or
give me a call at 360-571-5404.
