Seek out that particular mental attribute, which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, “This is the real me,” and when you have found that attitude, follow it.
       William James (Al Commons paraphrase of William James)                

What is Coaching?   

Coaching is an absolutely unique relationship. No other relationship, personal or professional, can be compared to it. It is an alliance specifically designed to assist you in finding the very best in yourself – your deepest values, your strengths, your dreams, your passions and even skills, abilities, and new habits you did not know you could develop. From those, you and your coach work together to create the next chapter of your life or ways of being that greatly enhance your current chapter.

Your coach is a guide who holds a picture of you at your best, even when you cannot see it. He or she skillfully helps you navigate beyond negative beliefs and outmoded behaviors and takes you very seriously when you say you wish to accomplish a certain goal. Respectfully and lovingly holding your “feet to the fire” at those points when you usually give up, your coach’s job is to be truthful, supportive, encouraging and even tough. Your coach’s agenda is your agenda. The skills of a well trained and seasoned coach are all designed to reflect and develop the best in you.

Coaching can be very specifically focused or more general. Most coaches have areas of specialization and these are quite diverse. On this site, you will find a continuum.
Isabel offers specific coaching for developing interpersonal relationships (emotional intelligence), coaching to assist people in finding renewal after having been burned out, and more general coaching for life transitions.  

Coaching is typically done in weekly one hour sessions. These can take place on the phone, in person, or some combination of the two. E-mail contact and brief phone conversations sometimes take place between sessions. A typical coaching alliance lasts from three months to a year. Often people will stay in touch with their coach well beyond that time frame, checking back occasionally for "tune-ups or for a trusted ear in a challenging situation.