Coaching
A welcome letter from Shana
Welcome to the balcony, where we stand side-by-side, observing the scene below. You are both an observer and a participant in your own story. Through coaching, I will help you develop the ability to step back and see yourself more objectively. Personal growth requires zooming out to view the system as a whole and understanding your role within it. With this expanded perspective, you will discover more possibilities and new solutions.
I will learn about you by listening to your stories and help you grow by challenging the narratives and long-held beliefs that can sometimes keep us stuck. Ultimately, stories are our perceptions of cause and effect. Through coaching, you will have the opportunity to rewrite old stories and create a new vision for your life’s narrative.
We can co-create that vision through the coaching relationship, guided by the G.R.A.C.E. model. By assuming positive intent, we create a space that welcomes our authentic selves. Authenticity deepens connection, and connection empowers the coach to support the client while challenging assumptions. It is through this relationship that you will begin to experience results.
When I say “cocreate,” I want to be clear: we are not coauthors. You are the author, and I will serve as the editor, asking insightful questions about the elements of your story—the language you use, how you describe your environment, the roles of each character, and how you want to be remembered when the story ends.
I look forward to joining you on the balcony!
coaching agreement
Coach's Responsibilities
- The coach will partner with the client to establish a vision for the overarching coaching engagement and will clarify the purpose of individual coaching sessions to maximize the impact of the time together.
- The coach will provide a safe space for the client to identify obstacles that get in the way of pursuing any identified goals.
- The coach will provide continuous reinforcement and encouragement of the client.
- Conversations between the coach and client are confidential unless information is shared about illegal or potentially harmful activity.
- By signing (or otherwise acknowledging) this agreement, you agree to allow the hours and your contact details to be provided to meet coaching certification requirements.
- Coaching cases, stripped of personally identifiable information, may be discussed as part of coaching supervision and peer mentoring as part of professional development.
- Coaching results are not guaranteed.
- It is the responsibility of the coach to manage conflicts of interest - which may involve disclosures, pausing coaching, or identifying other trained coaches to work with clients.
- Clients may request that the coach conducts a 360 review to gather additional information about how the client is perceived. These reviews are billed separately. Any comments shared with the coach by others in support of the client’s growth (through 360 assessments or interviews requests by the client) will remain confidential. This means comments will not be attributed to the speaker and comments about the client will not be shared outside of the coaching relationship.
- The coach will work with the client to create a predetermined schedule for coaching sessions so that meeting times are predictable and protected.
Client Responsibilities
- The client is responsible for actively participating in coaching sessions, including identifying mindsets, behaviors, and skills for improvement; designing experiments related to the goals, practicing new behaviors or approaches; and reflecting on progress throughout the coaching engagement.
- The client is responsible for their own growth, learning and participating in the coaching process by preparing for sessions.
- The client will give feedback to the coach to refine the coaching dynamic so the coaching can best support the client.
- The client is responsible for sharing any previous assessments or performance evaluations that may be helpful to coaching.
- Coaches do not provide advice, and coaches are not responsible for decisions made or actions taken based on coaching conversations. Coaches do not make recommendations. It is the client’s responsibility to vet options and other professionals.
- The client is responsible for recognizing when other services or processes might be more beneficial. The client understands that coaching is not a substitute for counseling, legal services, or business consulting. It is the responsibility of the client to seek such professionals as the client deems necessary.
- The client has the right to terminate coaching at any time, for any reason, and will be reimbursed on a pro-rated schedule for any pre-paid sessions upon request (less used appointments, missed appointments, and the administrative fee.)
- The client will notify the coach of sessions that need to be rescheduled with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Confluescent reserves the right to charge for late-notice cancelations.