FAQ

Q: Who needs coaching and what is it really?

A: Do you ever find yourself thinking any of the following thoughts:

I want to make a change, but my life is just too crazy, I don't even know where to start.

I'm being pushed and pulled in too many directions. Something has got to give.

I'm good at what I do, I have what I need, but why don't I feel satisfied? I feel like I've lost myself. I don't know who I am anymore.

If you have, you may want to consider hiring a personal coach. Some people hire personal trainers to maximize their workouts. Others hire interior decorators to make their homes look beautiful. And, others hire analysts or therapists to heal their emotional histories.

Similarly, a personal coach can help you find the best way for you to make changes in your life so that it can be more satisfying. A good coach can help you discover what you really want, how you can best get what you want given your unique talents and resources, and make sure you stay on track to achieve those pursuits.

Q: How is coaching different from therapy?

A: While coaching and therapy seem very similar, they are indeed different. Both have tremendous value, but they work in different ways to improve on one's life.

Therapy is more focused on analyzing and healing one's emotional past whereas coaching only focuses on the past enough to learn from it and then take positive action in the present and future.

An example to illustrate: You're standing in front of a locked gate and need to get through. What do you do? A coach will help you figure out how to pick the lock, jump the gate, dig a tunnel underneath, or even find another gate. A therapist on the other hand would help you figure out why the gate is locked and who locked the gate in the first place. Again, both are incredibly helpful but they work in different ways.

Q: How does coaching work? Or, what does a coach do?

A: Believe it or not, within you are the answers to the life that you want. Actually, you are the only one who knows the best life for you, given your unique needs, wants, attitudes, and personality. Only you truly know what will work within your own work, home, relationship, or family situation. The problem is that in this hectic world we live in, it's easy to get distracted.

A good coach listens with care and focus, and asks provocative questions. A good coach doesn't provide advice or answers, but empowers you to unlock what's hidden within you. A good coach not only keeps you accountable to your goals, but makes sure that you have the right goals from the start.

Q: What do you, Stacy, have to offer?

A: I have long been a researcher and consultant in the arena of work and family issues. (You can read more about my research here.) I've also studied early childhood education and care. So, I am especially trained to help individuals who want to improve on navigating their work, family, and personal lives. I also have three years of experience coaching and working with hundreds of parents.

Still, I fully respect that you are the expert of your life, your career, and your family. What I bring to the table is research-based strategies that I know have worked with the many other clients I've worked with. Together we adapt those strategies into do-able action steps that are right for you.

Here's what others have to say about me.

Q: How long does it take?

A: A coaching engagement will last as long as you want it to. Most clients see improvements in their lives within the first few sessions! Most mothers find it helpful to have two sessions a month (about every other week). In order to see powerful and lasting results, I usually recommend starting out with a four-month or six-month commitment. This gives us time to get to know one another, fully uncover what the you want and/or need, and do the work needed to make a lasting positive impact given your unique life circumstances.

Q: How much do you charge?

A: To be completely honest, I don't feel comfortable publishing my rates on the Internet. Please call (917.250.8251) or email me (stacy@lifejunctions.com) to find out more. You may be surprised at how affordable coaching can be. Quite frankly, people tell me I'm not charging enough....

Q: Why do you only have a limited number of clients?

A: I practice what I preach. I LOVE my work, but I make my family, friends, and personal interests a priority. Because I am committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, and effective services, I limit the number of coaching clients I have at any given time depending on what else is on my plate. This ensures that you get the best of me to bring out the best in you.