People often ask me how coaching is different from therapy.

Here's my short answer: Therapy focuses on issues from the past that keep people stuck in the present. Coaching helps people achieve what they want in the future by exploring needs and taking intentional action in the present.

A more detailed answer: There are many different forms of therapy, and some therapy modalities overlap to a degree with coaching modalities (i.e. strengths-based therapies; positive psychology; solution-focused therapy).

In general, however, therapy focuses on addressing issues from the past that keep people stuck in the present, whereas coaching focuses on helping people achieve what they want in the future by exploring needs and desires and taking intentional action in the present.

The coaching relationship is based on the premise that people are already creative, resourceful, and whole. Coaching is intended to serve people who have achieved an optimal level of mental health; it is not a form of mental health treatment nor is it meant to treat physical or psychological symptoms. Coaching may touch on deep emotion, but its emphasis is on spring-boarding from that emotion into making choices and steps towards transformational change.

My clients often report feeling energized and ready to take action at the end of a coaching session. Through our coaching conversations, they let go of limiting beliefs and fears of their inner critic and walk away with powerful new perspectives that better serve them in getting what they want in life.

Interested in learning more? Contact me to schedule a complimentary coaching consultation.

If you have questions or comments, I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below!

Photo credit: Kevin Dern

New Year's Day is a great time to create your vision for the coming year. Whether you've done a vision board before or are trying it for the first time, it's a powerful way to set intentions for how you want to live your life and what is most important to you.

I love how you can create your vision board the old-fashioned way - with scissors, glue, and magazine cut-outs- or electronically on Pinterest or your favorite graphic design program. (And the nice thing is that you can even make one in your pajamas if you're taking it easy today!)

Check out this article by Martha Beck on "What The Heck's A Vision Board—and How Can It Change Your Life?"
http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Make-a-Vision-Board-Find-Your-Life-Ambition-Martha-Beck

For some fun twists, check out:

How to Create a Vision Board for Business Ideas on Pinterest:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/blog/224006

5 Tips for Creating Vision Boards with Kids:
http://www.mamamaryshow.com/2013/01/5-tips-for-creating-vision-boards-with-kids/

Happy crafting, and a very Happy New Year!
~Kristi