WHAT IS COACHING?
Coaching is a professional relationship in which the coach supports the client in creating specific strategies for success.
We identify roadblocks and develop plans to overcome them. Coaches do not tell clients what to do. Instead, we support the client in identifying personal motivators and obstacles and we implement strategies designed to help clients achieve their goals. We do this by asking questions, listening and offering tools that help provide insight. Coaches help their clients figure out a vision for their life and then support the client in setting goals that will allow them to achieve that vision. The coach is part of the client’s support network for goal attainment, acting as a sounding board for positive change and reflection. These new practices become part of the client’s routine and form the foundation for enduring success.
COACHING vs. THERAPY
Coaching focuses on the client’s present and future. A coach is NOT a therapist, psychologist, counselor or someone who specializes in mental illness. A coach does not analyze or interpret a client’s session. A coach focuses on the “who in the present" whereas a therapist focuses on the ”what, who and why” in the “past, present and future.” It is important to note that because a coach is not a therapist or doctor, a client who suffers from a mental illness must be stable and working with other professionals for the duration of the coaching relationship.
COACHING CATEGORIES FOR TEENS
ACADEMIC CHALLENGES
We support students as they pave their own way to success. Whether it is general academic stress, poor time management, executive functioning limitations, distractibility or social pressures that detract from focus, our proven process provides a foundation for balance and success. The student will set goals and create a vision to master academic structure, productivity and organization. These skills will be an invaluable asset throughout the student’s academic career.
SOCIAL & GENERAL ANXIETY
Adolescents and teens struggle with the balancing act of life. Generalized anxiety can be crippling. Real time socializing coupled with navigating social media and maintaining an on-screen persona can be tough to manage. During our sessions, the client will identify the difference between needs vs. wants and stress vs. anxiety. We will create a vision & set goals to advance that vision. Using our proven techniques, we will identify choices that impede goals and create strategies to avoid impediments. With our coaching support, our clients gain agency, manage anxiety and gain confidence.
COLLEGE RE-ENTRY
The pressures of college life can be challenging for many students. Whether it is underdeveloped study skills, mismanaged time, poor college fit, depression, irresponsible choices, disordered eating or substance abuse, taking a detour may be necessary. We view such a break from college as an opportunity to reassess and move forward. With our coach’s help, your student will identify the root cause of their struggle, set goals for the future and implement strategies to avoid falling back into bad habits. Our coach-family-student team will build a personalized roadmap that uses the challenges of the past to inform the successes of the future – whether that be returning to their former university, attending a new one, or choosing a different path altogether.
COLLEGE APPLICATION PREP & ESSAY PERFECTING
In order to ensure you child stands out among the other applicants, they MUST submit an application package that outshines the competition. From the beginning through application submission, we support students and their families so that the joy of the process is not outweighed by the stress. We work with applicants to complete the Common App in a strategic way while collaborating to build an essay, infused with unique topics and creative story telling. Our job is to make sure none of our kids fall into the “bore the admissions counselor” category! Each application season, our “application team” comes together to review EACH of our suggested essay topics. This ensures that none of our applicants’ packages mimic popular themes for that application cycle. While some themes/topics may have been unique years prior, we crowd source the ideas to ensure that our essays never blend with the rest. Finally, before you “hit send”, we will have our brilliant grammarian review you essay to ensure perfection.
BULLYING RECOVERY
Victims of bullying suffer long term effects. They have complex and challenging trauma responses, including difficulty making and maintaining friendships, isolation, shutting down in conflict, general mistrust and a lack of self confidence. Our coaches work with victims to identify triggers and how to cope when triggered. A bullying victim oftens has trouble asking for help or telling a trusted resource when help is needed. With our coach, your child will draft a “help plan” and identify trusted responders. We will implement strategies to improve social skills and build a realistic plan to learn how to make and maintain friendships. We will create plans to identify positive social choices and how to avoid potential risks. Until we can put a stop to bullying, let's empower our kids to respond and recover.
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