Frequently Asked Questions

What is Life Coaching?

Coaching is a unique service (done in-person or over the phone) designed to help you achieve your goals and dreams as quickly and effectively as possible.  

Life coaches offer assistance to individuals who appreciate the value of having the support of an objective listener to help make their lives more manageable and enjoyable.  Quality coaches challenge clients to reach their goals and perform at their best.  Excellent coaches drive excellent results.

The coaching relationship provides a unique structure for offering support and encouragement. Unlike traditional psychotherapy, coaching is usually a much less time-consuming process with defined timeframes. Coaching focuses on your strengths and helps you define your current goals.

The job of a life coach is to act as a catalyst for change. A coach helps to draw forth a client’s belief system and goals to see where he or she may be stuck. The coach helps the client to create a plan for action. The client always remains responsible for creating change in his or her life, with the coach serving as an integral part of his or her support system.

Why is it so hard for me to change?

Change can be very difficult or very easy. It is often feared and, therefore, very difficult. I believe fear of the unknown and the lack of a strong support system hinder change. Change can be long-lasting, especially if it is something we have worked hard to achieve. Flexibility is vital in the process of change. Often, we will set out on a path toward change and find we need to adjust our plans as we move toward the goal. This just enhances the learning experience!

People create change by altering their thoughts, actions, beliefs, and behaviors. Sometimes, change is borne out of necessity. Other times, people have been “stuck” and uncomfortable with some aspect of their lives and finally decide to make lasting changes.

Often, simply using your coach as a sounding board proves to be invaluable. The accountability, support, and encouragement offered by the coaching relationship are often strong motivators. The results are extraordinary!

What aspects of my life can we work on?

Coach Jenna Nocera, MA, MFT, CLSC, CPFT offers coaching for many aspects of life. Some of the many issues that you may decide to work on follow.

  • Life transitions
  • Emotional Eating
  • Weight loss/weight management
  • Caregiver Support
  • Fitness as a lifestyle
  • Career change
  • Returning to school
  • Confidence level
  • Stress reduction

 

  • Relationships
  • Focus & Motivation
  • Self-esteem
  • Work/School & Life Balance
  • Self-disciplline & lifestyle habits
  • Goal-setting
  • Clarifying your life mission & core values
  • Time Management
  • Modifying negative habits & beliefs

How do I get started?

Schedule an Initial Interview with Coach Jenna by clicking here.

What is the difference between Counseling & Coaching?

Although there are similarities between counseling and coaching, there are a few important distinctions.  Counseling is considered a healing profession and is, generally, covered (to some extent) by health insurance.  As such, a clinical diagnosis is required in order to receive counseling services.  Frequently, counseling focuses on the client’s past and works to “cure” problem areas.  Coaching, on the other hand, is considered a profession focused on fulfillment.  Coaches do not provide clinical diagnoses nor do they spend a great deal of session time unearthing ancient history.  Coaches may discuss the past with clients but only to the extent the past is impacting present-day behaviors and results.  In general, coaching lasts for a shorter duration than counseling.  In addition, coaching is strengths-based, goal-oriented, and solution-focused.

How long are the sessions?

Coaching sessions last for 50 minutes.  The coach is available in between sessions for occasional, brief (under 10 minutes) phone calls and emails in order to provide support if you are stuck or should something urgent occur.  Calls over 10 minutes in length will be billed accordingly. 

What if I am unable to keep an appointment?

If you are unable to keep a scheduled coaching appointment, you will be offered the option to reschedule provided that you have given your coach 48 business hours’ notice of the cancellation.  No refunds will be provided. 

Everyone is using videoconferencing (e.g., Zoom) these days.  Why are you offering traditional phone calls?

Great question!  Besides the very real phenomenon of “Zoom fatigue”, evidence suggests that phone calls can be more effective than video when conducting coaching or counseling.  Removing the video component of our calls removes visual distractions and any personal concerns about appearance or location, allowing us to focus on the content and work of the sessions.  In addition, phone calls minimize the possibility of any technology-related issues (e.g., bad or non-existent internet connection, lack of accessibility, security breaches) during sessions.