Frequently asked Questions and Answers:

What is Life Coaching?

Life coaching assists you to be the person you want to be, to create a life that works

"The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving". -- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


Life Coaching is a profession dedicated to advance human development. It begins where therapy and the DSM ends. From a Gestalt coaching perspective, life’s trials and tribulations are real and may prove challenging, however, you possess:

  1. Powerful resources to meet life’s demands.
  2. You have inherent strengths, perhaps unacknowledged, that make you resilient, resourceful, creative, and competent.
  3. Good enough is obsolete.  
  4. Playing with possibilities, exploring ways to transition, embracing the NEW while honoring the OLD, will move you toward your potential.
  5. You will create a meaningful life with purposeful intention.
  6. YOU live your life, life doesn’t live you.

Sounds good, but how does it work?

Glad you are curious. If you choose me as your coach, we will form a relationship that is equally honest and straightforward. While there are huge variations between individuals, generally the following hold true.

  1. I will listen fully to your wants, needs, confusion, stuck points, aspirations, or impending transitions.
  2. We will have conversations – you have the power
  3. Concerns may be personal or professional, financial, parental, relationship, retirement or issues of sexual identity or Recovery.
  4. I will provide honest feedback with your permission and provide you with skills if necessary.
  5. You/we design a vision embracing your values and dreams, and a mission to accomplish your life goal.
  6. I promise to accompany you on your journey regardless of the paths you may choose.

How much does coaching cost?

An initial coaching session up to 45 minutes is free of change. If you decide to become my client, I charge $150.—  for one 55-minute coaching session either in-person at my office or via telephone. This will amount to $450.—to $600.—depending if you contract for 3 or 4 sessions per month. You may pay by check, VISA, MC or cash. I generally contract for three to six months. Fees are payable one month in advance.  I will provide you with a contract that spells out what your and my responsibilities are.
Group coaching via telephone is $40.—per session. I hold these periodically and they are topic-specific.

Why should I choose you rather than another coach?
Excellent question! I can tell you:

  1. I am recognized for my passion about my work
  2. I love people and am credited for bridging differences across ethnic divides
  3. I have dedicated my life to making this world a better place – a little at a time - internationally
  4. I have been able to transcend life’s hardships and learn
  5. My experiences made me wise, successful and very human
  6. I also value laughter, because really, we take ourselves very seriously in the most comical of circumstances.

Personality and values aside:

  1. I have been a successful practitioner of Gestalt Therapy for over 25 years prior to becoming a coach about 6 years ago.
  2. I have trained clinicians internationally through my Gestalt Institute and am now also training coaches
  3. My coaching philosophy is Gestalt, awareness matters as does the how and what of experience in the ongoing present
  4. My theory? Change happens when you become who you really are not when you live out others’ values and dictates.

What is holding you back?

Call me for an introductory free session and judge for yourself. I can be reached at 401-270-3636 or email Helga@PurposefulIntention.com