What is Integral Coaching® all about?
Integral Coaching® is a style of coaching that embraces everything; literally every understanding of life, every aspect of human individuality and culture can be held within an Integral Approach. In order to be an Integral Coach® one has to have an embodied understanding of the Integral Approach and be living an Integral lifestyle. The Integral Approach allows me to look at all areas of your life and understand how they all are connected and influence each other. In other words, Integral provides a means to take all aspects of you into account. No part of you is left out, even paradoxes and conflicting aspects of your self are essential within this work. The great benefit to this is, since no aspect of your life is neglected, when you start working towards your goals, your entirety is taken into account, and all of you sustainably moves in the direction of your desires.
How is Integral Coaching® different than other types of coaching styles?
There are a few differences. One – While most coaching styles use a specific framework or model, the Integral Approach utilizes the largest framework currently known to us. In fact, because of its design, Integral can synthesize all other coaching models and methods (behavioral, psychological, relational, cultural, systems dynamics, etc). This allows me to utilize any approach that would benefit a client. I’m not limited by the confines of a limited model. Two – Integral Coaching® honours and takes all of you into account. This means every aspect of who you are is invited to come forward and show how it is influencing your life. Your entirety is continually involved and evolved in the process. Third – Integral Coaching® demands that, as your coach I am embodying an Integral way of living. This style of coaching is powerful because you will see what’s happening, as well as, understand and feel it.
How is a life coach different than a business coach?
As I see it: a life coach works with you to accomplish goals within areas of your life, which may also involve or affect your professional life and business endeavors. Whereas, a business coach helps you to become better at the actual dynamics of the business you are involved in.
What is the difference between a coach and a counselor (therapist)?
How I define this: A coach helps you gain clarity about your goals or desires, and works with you to plan and achieve them. A counselor/therapist helps you understand and deal with a problem or difficulty you are having. Counselors tend to use therapeutic modalities. Coaches utilize more program-style modalities. Sometimes there can be a grey area between the two, and during some coaching sessions there can be a bit of counseling. Depending on his/her training and skills, a coach may be able to incorporate therapeutics within a coaching session, if you both believe it will assist in the coaching work.
What happens if I need a counselor (therapist)?
When working with you, I stay tuned to the broad range of possibilities that may support you achieving your goals. If an issue arises that appears to require more specific therapeutic techniques, then I will suggest that you also see a counselor/therapist. As there are many types of counselors, we can discuss what style would be best for you. I may be able to make recommendations.
Why is coaching more expensive than counseling?
A well designed Integral Coaching® program requires a significant amount of on-going skill and embodiment from the coach in order to fully meet the client and their desires for change. A thorough coaching program also requires a substantial amount of time and energy to create and then maintain. Separate from the actual sessions, each client’s initial program development is about a 3-5h process. Each subsequent session demands around an hour plus of prep and follow-up time. A good Integral Coaching® relationship requires a very substantial commitment from both the coach and the client. The value of this depth of work is what guides the cost of Integral Coaching® programs.
I’ve heard you give homework, what does that entail?
The practices (homework) that I give you are designed to do two things. One, to show you the patterns you are cycling within, how they are preventing you from moving onwards, and how pervasive these patterns are within your entirety. And two, build the new insights and abilities you will require to move from where you currently are, to where you wish to be. Each client requires different practices or techniques for his/her unique situation. This might entail doing something distinct before we meet again. It may mean a daily practice for a while. It could mean setting some time aside to reflect on something and make notes. It might also entail going somewhere or seeing somebody to experience something of benefit. Each practice is specifically designed for you, based on where you currently are, and what you are working towards.
Is there always homework/practices?
There usually will always be something to take away with you; practices are an essential element of every coaching program I create. Each session will provide us with the raw material we are working with, and will inform me of the course you are on. The goal of the practices is not to overwhelm you or take up your precious time. I will request your continual feedback about how the practices are fitting into your life, and make adjustments to meet your reality. The purpose of homework is to start shifting and stretching who you are, shaping new ways of seeing and moving. Practices provide you with the concrete means and the methods you require to move along your own path, to achieve your desires. It’s practice, not ideas, that will shape your life.
What happens if I don’t do my homework?
You get a slap on the wrist. I’m kidding. If you don’t do the homework, you won’t gain the benefits of that particular practice. We’ll explore why you didn’t do it, look at what that means with regards to what is going on in your life, and how it relates to your progress. Practices are continually modulated to meet you where you presently are. I often suggest that if you are having difficulty with a practice, contact me, and we’ll take a look at what’s going on.
Can you phone coach?
Yes, certainly. We set up a time, and you call me.
Can you coach over the internet?
Yes. I use Skype or GooglePlus to work face-to-face video with clients.
Can you coach couples, groups?
Definitely. Depending on the situation, a change in length of session time, place and cost may need to be discussed and arranged.
Are coaching sessions very formal?
No, they are usually quite informal. Come relaxed. Dress comfortably. Bring a beverage.
Pricing
Three Part Integral Coaching ® Conversation
If you find yourself pressed for time or aren’t quite sure about hiring a coach you might consider a three part conversation which includes the following:
Intake: We meet for 1 hour and I come to understand what your coaching topic looks like today and what it will look and feel like once it is attained. I get to learn about who you are, how you make sense of your topic and much more.
Offer: Two-three weeks after the Intake, we meet for 1 hour and I offer to you your coaching program. This includes insight into your current way of approaching your topic, a new way of moving forward in your topic and then some necessary steps to take in service of taking action on your topic. I will offer you integral exercises and practices that will support you making progress in your topic.
Follow up: One month after the Offer, we meet for 1 hour to review and debrief your practices and exercises. We also look at and discuss possible adjustments and a few next steps. At this point you can go forward and see what unfolds for you, or you may want to continue to a longer, more in-depth coaching program.
Cost for Three Part Integral Coaching® Conversation: $600 + HST (total package) *
Cancellation: If you cancel a session with less than 24 hours notice there will be a full charge of services for the scheduled time.
Integral Coaching ® Program
Intake: We meet for 1 hour and I come to understand what your coaching topic looks like today and what it will look and feel like once it is attained. I get to learn about who you are, how you make sense of your topic and much more.
Offer: We meet for 1 hour and I offer to you your coaching program including insight into your current way of approaching your topic, a new way of moving forward in your topic and then some necessary steps to take in service of taking action on your topic.
Cycles of Development: We meet for 1 hour every two to three weeks. The purpose of these meetings is to facilitate and support you through the stretches (the highs and the lows) of your development as you build new muscles that will expand how you are able to be in your topic in a way that supports fulfillment of your topic.
Between meetings you engage with exercises and practices designed specifically to assist you in making progress in your coaching topic.
Completion: We meet for 1 hour to recognize and acknowledge the journey we’ve been on, the progress you have made and what is now possible beyond the coaching program.
Coaching programs usually last from 4-8 months, depending on the scope of your topic.
Cost for Integral Coaching® Program: $225+HST per hour of time in-session.* The fee includes all development work done behind the “scenes” focused and designed specifically for you.
Cancellation: If you cancel a session with less than 24 hours notice there will be a full charge of services for the scheduled time.
* I provide the highest quality Integral Coaching™ to any person who is dedicated to the work of their personal development. It is from this place that I wish to ensure those who have a minimal income can also afford the highest quality of coaching available. During our initial conversation we will discuss the session rate we both feel is reasonable for you to pay and for me to receive, in order to maintain mutual value and program dedication. Do not let the discomfort of discussing money discourage you from going for what you want to achieve.