FAQs
Coaching
What is coaching?
At its core, coaching is about partnership and empowerment. On paper, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) states that coaching is “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
OK, cool. But what does that actually mean?
Think of it like having a skilled thinking partner who helps you explore your own landscape. You're the expert on your life and goals—a coach asks the questions that help you see new paths, notice patterns you might miss, and stay focused on what matters most. Through coaching conversations, you'll uncover insights and solutions that were already there, just waiting to be discovered.
And once you get there, you don't have to go it alone. If you want, you can have support to help activate what you've discovered and see it through to completion. Because insights without action don't create change.
What is your coaching approach?
My coaching is for people with something stirring—an idea, a goal, a shift they know they need to make—but who feel stuck in the space between knowing and doing.
Maybe you have too many ideas and aren’t sure where to start. Maybe you’re rethinking your direction altogether. Or maybe you know exactly what you want but haven’t been able to get there on your own. Whether it’s clarity, structure, or encouragement you’re missing, I help you move forward with more intention and less overwhelm.
I bring thoughtful questions, strategic thinking, and steady support to help you figure out what matters, map out next steps, and keep momentum going—so you’re not just dreaming about change, but living it.
What kinds of goals or challenges do people bring to coaching?
People come to coaching with all kinds of goals—professional, personal, creative and everything in between. Some are navigating a big change or decision. Others want to build confidence, shift a habit, or move an idea into action. Some want to get unstuck in their career, or their personal life, and want to clarify what’s next. Others are juggling a lot and need support in finding structure, focus or a better balance.
There’s no “right” kind of coaching goal. What matters most is that you’re ready to engage and open to explore. And, you want to take steps toward something that matters to you.
Do you need to know what you want to work on before we start?
Nope! Not at all. Some people come to coaching with a specific goal or challenge already in mind. Others just know that something needs to shift—even if they can’t fully name it yet. Both are completely valid starting points.
Part of my job as your coach is to help you clarify what’s on your mind, what’s most important, and what path forward feels right for you. We’ll figure it out together—step by step, at your pace.
What does a coaching session look like?
There’s no single map or format for a coaching session—because no two clients, goals or days are the same. That said, most sessions follow a rhythm that helps us stay focused and moving forward.
We’ll typically have a 45-minute session and we’ll usually start by checking in: What’s happened since we last met? What’s come up? Then we’ll identify what is bubbling up to focus on today and dig in from there—sometimes with structured tools, sometimes with open conversation.
We’ll leave a few minutes at the end to “land the plane,” reflecting on what surfaced and identifying any next steps, action items or accountability points you want to carry forward.
Our first session—often referred to as a “discovery” session—will be longer and a little deeper. Typically 60 to 75 minutes. We’ll explore who you are, what you’re bringing to the table, and what you’re hoping to shift or grow. Together, we’ll outline your focus areas and agree on where you’d like to be by the end of our coaching series.
It’s important for me to clearly say—coaching sessions are co-created and somewhat organic. Both of us participate. And if there is something in particular you want to do or explore, or something in particular you don’t want to do or explore, voice it!
How long do you “do” coaching for?
It depends on what you want to achieve.
I typically suggest a minimum commitment of six or eight sessions. Scientifically speaking it takes more than two months (66 days on average) before a new behavior becomes automatic. Identifying and then doing the work to create lasting habits is a cornerstone to making lasting change.
All that being said, we can agree to a total number of sessions in advance or have a more open-ended arrangement. And honestly, I’m here. If we get to a destination and another one pops up a few months later, we jump back in and tackle that one.
Coaching is a process. Both the journey and the destination are important and have inherent value. Ultimately, this is about what you want to invest in yourself.
Where did you train?
While you do not need formal training to coach in the same way that you do to provide therapy or counseling, I am a strong believer in formal education/training and and advocate for accreditation for coaches. I am actively pursuing a robust training program and my CPCC certification through the Co-Active Training Institute, and have completed 80+ hours of coach training education to date. I am also working through the (rather lengthy) credentialing process for the International Coaching Federation to attain my ACC credentials.
How is coaching different from therapy or counseling?
Think of it this way: therapy often explores your past to help you understand and heal your present, while coaching starts with where you are now to help you create the future you want. Both are valuable, but they serve different purposes.
Coaching is more action-focused. We're looking at your goals, what's in your way, and how to move forward. Therapy tends to focus more on processing and understanding patterns. While therapy might be an ongoing part of your mental health journey, coaching is usually more project-based—though you can absolutely come back when new challenges arise.
Emotions definitely show up in coaching (so normal!), but we use them as information to help you move forward rather than as the primary focus of what we discuss.
If I sense that therapy would be more helpful for what you're dealing with—or could complement our coaching work—I'll be straightforward about that. Sometimes the best thing I can do is help you find the right kind of support.
What is the difference between coaching and consulting?
Coaching and consulting are both about partnership and forward momentum—but they differ in focus, method, and the kind of expertise I bring to the table.
Consulting is centered on a challenge, opportunity or goal. As a consultant, I bring my subject-matter expertise, strategic thinking and hands-on experience to help organizations, teams and leaders move important work forward. I offer insight, direction and leadership—often stepping in to guide, structure and execute alongside you.
Coaching, on the other hand, is centered on you—your growth, your clarity, your agency. As a coach, I don’t bring solutions—I bring presence, deep listening and the tools of the coaching discipline to help you access your own insights and make aligned choices. I leave my personal experience at the door so that the space stays fully yours.
In short:
In consulting, I bring expertise about the problem.
In coaching, I bring expertise in the process to help you discover what’s next.
Do you offer one-time sessions or only ongoing engagements?
I offer both. Most of my coaching clients work with me over a series of sessions, but I also offer one-time sessions when you want help getting clear on a specific question or decision. It’s a great option if you’re feeling stuck, circling a big choice, or just need a space to think things through.
Do you work remotely or in-person?
Coaching sessions are held remotely—typically via video and sometimes by phone—so I can work with clients wherever they are in the world. This makes it easier to fit into your life while still creating a focused, grounded space for reflection and forward movement.
If you are local to Essex County, NJ, I am open to meeting in person for consulting. We can discuss!
How do we get started?
Book a call or send me an email. We’ll talk about what’s on your mind, what kind of support you’re looking for, and whether coaching is the right fit. From there, we’ll map out a starting point—whether that’s a Discovery Session, a short series, or just one conversation to begin with.
Are our conversations confidential?
Yes. I will not disclose that you are my client or anything about our sessions unless I feel there is a risk to someone’s safety or you are breaking the law.