"The Integral approach that James uses to coach people is truly magnificent. I feel like I can let anything out of the bag and he works with it. He pulls the pieces together with skill and passion. I would recommend him as a coach to anyone."
G.B. - Physician
What is Integral coaching all about?
How is it different than other types of coaching styles?
How is a Life coach different than a Business coach?
What is the difference between a coach and a counsellor?
What happens if I need a counsellor?
Can you coach anybody?
Do I have to learn to be Integral or learn Integral concepts?
Have you ever had a client you couldn't coach?
Are some clients hard to work with?
How long does somebody usually see you?
I've heard you give homework, what does that entail?
Is there always homework?
What happens if I don't do my homework?
What is an Integral Life Practice (ILP or ITP)?
What is you personal philosophy of life?
What guides your coaching work?
I heard you can be a hard-ass, is this true?
Can you phone coach?
Can you coach couples, groups?
What if I want help with very specific things and I don't want to change my whole life?
Are coaching sessions very formal?
How much do your sessions cost?
What is Integral coaching all about?
Integral coaching is a style of coaching that uses a framework called Integral. This framework was created by a brilliant man named Ken Wilber. Essentially, the Integral framework allows me to look at all areas of your life and understand how they all are connected and influence each other. Integral provides a means to take all aspects of a person into account. The great benefit then, is that when we look at what you want to accomplish, we have access to your whole life's picture to aid in mapping out the steps towards your goals.
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How is it different than other types of coaching styles?
Many other coaching styles also use specific frameworks or models, the main difference is that the Integral framework is a very big framework. In fact, because of its design Integral embraces other coaching methods, which I can then use if it would be appropriate for a certain client. This is one reason I love working with Integral. It gives me the freedom to figure out the best method to work with a client without being confined by a more narrow coaching style.
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How is a Life coach different than a Business coach?
I am sure there are many definitions, however, as I see it: a Life coach works with you to accomplish goals within personal areas of your life, whereas, a Business coach works with you to become better at the actual dynamics of the business you are involved in.
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What is the difference between a coach and a counsellor?
Once again, there are probably a few definitions out there, how I will define it is: A coach is somebody who helps you be clear about your goals or desires and works with you to plan and achieve them. A counsellor is somebody who will help you understand and deal with a problem or difficulty you are having. Counsellors have various methods to look at these situations and help open them up to your understanding. Sometimes there is a grey area between the two, and during some coaching sessions there can be a bit of counselling, it's just part of the territory.
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What happens if I need a counsellor?
When working with you I stay tuned to a broad range of possibilities that may help you achieve your goals. If a specific item arises that appears to require more specific counselling techniques then I will suggest that you also see a counsellor. There are many types of counsellors, and based on what we think your needs are I can suggest a couple.
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Can you coach anybody?
In theory, everybody can be coached to some degree. I've chosen to be a bit more particular. As a coach I work hard to help you map out, make sense of and move towards your goals. I request a similar type of commitment from my clients. I can help you find the door, yet you have to walk through. If over time, a person is not willing to really step into his/her own change process then I would decline working with him or her.
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Do I have to learn to be Integral or learn Integral concepts?
Not at all. If it appears a specific Integral concept may be useful to help you understand something better, then I'll introduce it to you. Yet, overall, the Integral map is something that is operating in the background.
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Have you ever had a client you couldn't coach?
While I have not had any clients that I could not coach, I have had clients that wanted something from me that I could not provide. At that point, I had to suggest they seek somebody else.
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Are some clients hard to work with?
My work is to help you become better at what you wish to do. If a client is not willing to do the work that is required to make change or initiate growth, then it can be difficult to work with this person. If a client is not willing to look at his/her resistance, then this too can make it difficult to help this person out.
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How long does somebody usually see you?
This really depends on what the coaching topic is for the client, and how the client progresses in relationship to that topic. Lasting change requires consistent stretching and building of a new way of being. At the beginning of a coaching program, I offer an estimated length of how long the program will be. This is an individualized calibration based on who you are, where you are, and what you wish to accomplish. I see most clients every 2-3 weeks, and as we move through the program we periodically check-in to see how close we are to achieving the goals designed for that client's program.
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I've heard you give homework, what does that entail?
The homework that I offer a client is designed to help her/him move forward on the path towards achieving her/his goals. Each client will require 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.
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Is there always homework?
There usually will always be something to take away with you. 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 homework is not to overwhelm you, take up your precious time or try to re-shape who you are. The purpose of homework is to provide the methods and tools for you to move along your own path, to achieve your desires. If it appears some type of practice may help you do so, I'll offer it to you.
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What happens if I don't do my homework?
You get a slap on the wrist. ~laughs~ 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.
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What is an Integral Life Practice (ILP or ITP)?
ITP stands for Integral Transformative Practice, also known as ILP, Integral Life Practice. This is a program that is designed to help a person train and practice for his/her life. The main premise is that if a person wants to continually evolve, grow and mature there are practices that have been researched and demonstrated to consistently provide transformative development. While many of these practices have been around for a long time (some of them for thousands of years), the structure of the ITP/ILP has only become formalized within the last few years. Pioneers of human transformation research, including Mike Murphy, George Leonard and Ken Wilber, have created programs that allow consistent growth in an integral (holistic plus) format. This is something that I am able to set up for a client and aid in their progress if they so desire. The ILP is a powerful program that people who are very serious about their personal development may wish to consider. Feel free to ask me for more details.
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What is you personal philosophy of life?
Now that's a big question. Put simply, I believe we are here to realize who we truly are. In that work, much will manifest and evolve. Yet, the truth of who I am, who you are, is always right here. The rest, is pure adventure.
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What guides your coaching work?
Love, compassion and wisdom. I truly enjoy helping people become who they want to be. In order to do this as fully as I am capable, my work is guided by my internal compass, my intuition. My insights and knowledge are informed by constant study and training within various fields. As well, my work is informed by the love, compassion and wisdom that is always unfolding as who we are.
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I heard you can be a hard-ass, is this true?
~Laughs~ Who told you that? It's true, I can be, yet only when needed. Everybody requires something different when they are being coached. As coaching is not counselling, it requires an approach that will empower an individual, inspiring their own motivation to move towards their goals. For most people, honesty, encouragement and positive insight is all it takes. However, sometimes, the hard line is necessary for someone to really understand what is going on and to get them going.
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Can you phone coach?
Yes, certainly. Email and instant messenger coaching can also be arranged.
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Can you coach couples, groups?
Definitely. Depending on the situation, a change in time, place and cost may need to be arranged.
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What if I want help with very specific things and I don't want to change my whole life?
Most people want help only with specific things, and that's great. It's in these areas where they feel stuck or lost and they want a coach to help them out. While I will look at most aspects of your life, this does not mean that I am going to ask you to change your whole life. In fact, that usually is not too healthy or successful. The task is to understand what aspects of your life are influencing your present state of being, and then, work with the particulars that will help create new openings towards your success.
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Are coaching sessions very formal?
No, they are usually quite informal. Come relaxed, dress comfortably, bring a beverage.
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How much do your sessions cost?
The cost of a coaching session is based on our mutual valuation of your program. Collaboratively we decide what is reasonable for you to pay based on your income and the value of the work you wish to participate in. The standard market price for a Certified Integral Coach is $250 per session. The leading edge of Integral Coaches charge roughly $500 per session. 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.
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