WHAT WILL A SESSION BE LIKE?

If you have never heard of Life Coaching, Spiritual Counseling, or Spiritual Direction you certainly do not know what to expect if you decide you want some help! Those that are familiar know that once you have tried it, it is not as scary as it first seemed. Many of you feel about opening up to a stranger about the fluffy, emotional, intangible, stuff of recollections, regrets and wounds, about the same way as you feel about opening your mouth to the dentist, or doing your taxes! I get it. But you are here reading this anyway so let’s keep going in case you decide you are that desperate for help and have found the courage to do just that.

Many of you feel about opening up to a stranger about the same way as you feel about opening your mouth to the dentist, or doing your taxes!

There are probably as many different styles of coaching and counseling as there are people practicing it. There are generally two schools of thought and practice, each at the opposite end of the spectrum. At one end you have people who are fairly wordy and happy to instruct and direct. They will be in the minority. On the other more prominent end you have those reluctant to say too much. They prefer to ask directing questions that help you come to your own conclusions under God’s guidance. We fall somewhere between them. Exactly where we fall depends on the particulars of each setting – the two in the room, how well they know each other, how much you know about God and the Bible, and the subject at hand.

A Relaxed Beginning

We usually meet with people in an office setting but sometimes people prefer to meet publicly over coffee or a meal, which is also fine. The key consideration there is if the one being coached feels they can talk freely in public without getting emotional. Or just how comfortable they feel talking to anyone about their life and struggles. You will be given a chance to share what brought you in, what drove you to make the appointment, and to tell your story as fully as you feel comfortable. The dress and atmosphere is casual and the conversation is tactful and respectful, yet clear, direct and appropriately frank. We try to mix truth with kindness in as balanced and palatable way as possible without compromising the truth or failing to saying what we feel you need to hear. Timing of course is everything.

As for as the work required to move toward wellness… you do a lot of it yourself… even homework!

Yep, Homework!

As far as the work required to move toward wellness, I will admit, you do a lot of the work. Most on your own between sessions. We give “homework” based on the conversation. The more you share the more targeted the assignment can be. You are in complete control of how fast you work (assuming there is no waiting list) determined by how quickly you do the homework or when you made your next appointment. You can make another appointment for the next week, month, or next year! You are in control, no pressure. What you bring back will be the basis for the discussion in the second and following sessions.

When it comes to believing that God is neither hiding himself or his knowledge of what we need to know to be free and well, I refer you to…

Jeremiah 29:11–14 ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² In those days when you pray, I will listen. ¹³ If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes…” ^(NLT)

That was originally spoken to a specific nationality but it applies to all. God has a plan for our life and it is a great one, full and overflowing with possibility and hope (John 10:10)! And he will gladly guide us into it if we ask with all our heart. He is not hiding. We will find him, and with him, the truth and help we need. He will set you free, restore what you have lost (not specifically but the equivalent or better), and bring you home! The homework helps you make the ask and listen for the answer. The follow up session helps you decide what it all means as we help you decide what to do with what he revealed.

He is not hiding from us. You will find him, and with him, the truth and help you need.

Unavoidably Uncomfortable!

All that said, honestly, the whole thing will probably be a little unsettling. Ain’t gonna lie! Awkward is to be expected. There is no way to get around it unless settings like I have described are really your thing! There is no way to get around it unless awkward is your thing! If you are an introvert like me, making first contact with us will be more difficult than it is for others. But the best way to learn more and get past the initial difficulty is to step up and take the plunge! We would be honored to hear from you. Your adventure awaits!