Life Coach or Counselor? A New Paradigm for Serving the Gifted. Dr. Merla Hammack Educator of Gifted and Life Coach

Not everyone needs a counselor... but everyone needs a coach.

The Question Which one is the better "fit" for the gifted individual-- children, adolescents, adults? The Answer It depends on personal goals, desired outcomes, and motivation.

The Purpose for Life Coaching the Gifted (to use a coaching term) To assist them from continually “circling Dallas” — i.e. get stuck.

Coaching can be defined as: A process providing an individual with feedback, insight and guidance on achieving their full potential and exceptional gifts inherent within themselves.

Coaching can be defined as: A strategy used to help gifted individuals understand their unique characteristics. Giftedness is its own normal.

Coaching can be defined as: A set of practical skills and a style of relating that develop the potential of both the individual being coached and the coach.

Coaching can be defined as: A professional relationship in which you work together with your coach to clarify your options, set goals and develop action plans to achieve these goals.

What are Life Coaches? Life coaches are guides who give clients the confidence to get unstuck– every day, normal people who realize the value of having somebody to help them think outside the box. Life coaches work with the worried well. Peterson, K.S. (2002, April 8). Life coaches all the rage. USA Today.

What a Life Coach Does Not Do… Life coaches do not deal with past hurts. A life coach is not a psychologist, professional counselor, or a therapist. Life coaches do not treat clients with mental health issues. Peterson, K.S. (2002, April 8). Life coaches all the rage. USA Today.

What a Life Coach Does … A life coach does mentor and guide. A life coach does support, encourage, and train a client. A life coaches does help a client clarify what the client wants to achieve and does help them achieve it by providing encouragement and resources. Peterson, K.S. (2002, April 8). Life coaches all the rage. USA Today.

The Benefits of Coaching The International Coach Federation describes the benefits of coaching as, “providing an ongoing partnership designed to help clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives. Coaches help people improve their performances and enhance the quality of their lives.”

Working with a Gifted “Explorer”  Initial 15-minute phone consultation  Appointment(s) Scheduled - –selection from fees listing  Completion of MBTI ® - Form M  Session(s) begin: Goal Setting Discussion Research Support

 Life Coaching clients usually choose to hire a coach of their own personal choice.  Life Coaching can be a quick fix.  Life Coaching takes a “wholistic” approach and looks at the person without any preconceptions.  Life Coaching helps people from their starting point.  Life Coaching is solution and goal driven with the desire to help move the client as quickly as possible to where they want to be.

Statistics from the International Coach Federation Results found with Life Coaching o A higher level of self-awareness: 67.6% o Smarter goal-setting: 62.4% o A more balanced life: 60.5% o Lower stress levels: 57.1% o Self-discovery: 52.9% o More self-confidence: 52.4% o Improvement in quality of life: 43.3%

Statistics from International Coach Federation Results found with Life Coaching -- continued o Enhanced communication skills: 39.5% o Project completion: 35.7% o Health or fitness improvement: 33.8% o Better relationships with boss or co-workers: 33.3% o Better family relationships: 33.3% o Increased energy: 31.9%

Statistics from International Coach Federation Results found with Life Coaching -- continued o More fun: 31.9% o More income: 25.7% o Stopped a bad habit: 25.7% o Change in career: 24.3% o More free time: 22.9% o Increased profitability of business: 17.1% o Started new business: 12.9% o Empowered employees: 11.0%

The ICF Standards of Ethical Conduct Preamble: ICF Professional Coaches aspire to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively upon the coaching profession; are respectful of different approaches to coaching; and recognize that they are also bound by applicable laws and regulations. 1) I will not knowingly make any public statement that is untrue or misleading about what I offer as a coach, or make false claims in any written documents relating to the coaching profession or my credentials or the ICF.

2) I will accurately identify my coaching qualifications, expertise, experience, certifications and ICF Credentials. 3) I will recognize and honor the efforts and contributions of others and not misrepresent them as my own. I understand that violating this standard may leave me subject to legal remedy by a third party.

4) I will, at all times, strive to recognize personal issues that may impair, conflict, or interfere with my coaching performance or my professional coaching relationships. Whenever the facts and circumstances necessitate, I will promptly seek professional assistance and determine the action to be taken, including whether it is appropriate to suspend or terminate my coaching relationship(s). 5) I will conduct myself in accordance with the ICF Code of Ethics in all coach training, coach mentoring, and coach supervisory activities.

6) I will conduct and report research with competence, honesty, and within recognized scientific standards and applicable subject guidelines. My research will be carried out with the necessary consent and approval of those involved, and with an approach that will protect participants from any potential harm. All research efforts will be performed in a manner that complies with all the applicable laws of the country in which the research is conducted.

7) I will maintain, store, and dispose of any records created during my coaching business in a manner that promotes confidentiality, security, and privacy, and complies with any applicable laws and agreements 8) I will use ICF member contact information ( addresses, telephone numbers, etc.) only in the manner and to the extent authorized by the ICF.

My Personal Mission: “To provide what you need to make positive, productive change.”

Questions?

400 East Hillcrest Dr., Suite 240, DeKalb, IL Ph: (01) Fx: (01)