FAQs

What is a life coach?

A life coach is someone who helps you get clarity about the direction of your life. Unlike counseling or therapy, a life coach is interested in where you are and where you want to be. If you want to maximize your potential and raise your standards above mediocrity, then a life coach is for you. A life coach does for the rest of your life what a personal trainer does for your health and fitness. A certified life coach is someone qualified to challenge, motivate, encourage and support you in achieving your goals. They will help you discover your inner values and beliefs to motivate action in moving you towards your purpose. With a life coach you will discover your strengths and hidden abilities to fast-track your goals and ultimately live a happier life.

How does life coaching work?

Life coaching works because it focuses on exactly what you want to achieve and helps you get there faster. Using the tools and techniques life coaching teaches you will help you become more outcome and focus driven in your goal achievement. A life coach is able to keep you focused, and on track by identifying available options that you may not have considered.

How is life coaching different from therapy or counseling?

Although both coaches and counselors offer a support system to help you gain strength and clarity to move forward; coaching deals with where you are now and helping you progress toward where you want to be. Counselors and therapists are often interested in helping you deal with past trauma and address behaviors that interfere with full functioning. Life coaching is action-orentated while counselors and therapists are more coping- and healing-oriented. Coaching is not therapy. It's product development, with you as the product. Life coaches help you set goals and milestones. Counseling helps you recognize and solve your problems in life. A coach is focused on developing your potential while a counselor/therapist helps you be at peace with yourself and your life.

How long are coaching sessions?

Life coaching sessions are approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Coaching sessions can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly—whatever you feel comfortable with. I recommend weekly or fortnightly. This allows for any actions steps to be completed easily before the next session.

How much does it cost?

Most people I see believe that coaching is self-investment. The cost of having a life coach is a very small price to pay for the life-changing experience you’ll have. Schedule a Complimentary Connection Call today to see if coaching is right for you.

What are the benefits of life coaching?

First and foremost, all coaching is self-investment. Having a coach is having someone who has your best interests at heart. A life coach will guide you in a non-judgmental, supportive, and encouraging way. Coaches help keep you focused on where you want to be, as well as motivate you in moving forward.

Do you take insurance?

Coaching is not covered by medical insurance while therapy and counseling may be covered by medical / health insurance etc.

How do you know if life coaching is right for you, right now?

The simple answer is all types of people can use a life coach at some time in their life. However, there are two common characteristics of people who truly benefit from a life coach: a deep desire for change and a need for direction and focus in achieving their dreams. Research has shown that people who have a life coach remain more focused and gain quicker results with the support and guidance of a coach. I welcome the opportunity to work with diverse clients (including LGBTQ+, all races, backgrounds, ages, etc.).

What happens in a coaching session?

Each of the sessions is built upon the previous coaching session ensuring a clear and definite path to the outcomes decided upon. During each session, we’ll review the actions and achievements from the last session as well as look at general progress made. We’ll look at your present position in relation to your goal as well as any obstacles that may need overcoming. Exploring what actions and behaviors worked and what didn’t, will be important for formulating new action steps. Lastly, we will want to look at what actions you want to set for yourself for the next session’s goal.

Where does coaching take place?

My coaching takes place via online video conferencing as I coach people from around the world. Online coaching has been one of the most effective and convenient ways for individuals to take time out from their busy schedules.

What about privacy?

This coaching relationship, as well as all information (documented or verbal) that you share with me as part of this relationship (collectively, “Confidential Information”) is bound by the principles of confidentiality set forth in the ICF Code of Ethics. However, please be aware that the Coach-Client relationship is not considered a legally confidential relationship (like the medical and legal professions) and, therefore, communications are not subject to the protection of any legally recognized privilege. Your Coach agrees not to disclose any information pertaining to you without your written consent. Your Coach will not disclose your name as a reference without your consent. Confidential Information does not include information that: (a) was in Marci Dowdy Life Coach, LLC possession prior to its being furnished by you; (b) is generally known to the public; (c) is obtained by Marci Dowdy Life Coach, LLC from a third party, without breach of any obligation owed to you; (d) is independently developed by Marci Dowdy Life Coach, LLC without use of or reference to your Confidential Information; (e) your Coach or Marci Dowdy Life Coach, LLC is required by statute, lawfully issued subpoena, or by court order to disclose; (f) is disclosed to your Coach or Marci Dowdy Life Coach, LLC and as a result of such disclosure Marci Dowdy Life Coach, LLC reasonably believes there to be an imminent or likely risk of danger or harm to you or others; or (g) involves illegal activity. You should also be aware that telephone, email and video conference are not encrypted methods of communication, and some confidentiality risk exists with their use. You must raise any confidentiality questions or concerns with your Coach in a timely manner.

Where are the ICF Code of Ethics found?

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics can be found online @ICF Code of Ethics - International Coaching Federation (coachfederation.org)