Do I have to be Christian? Is this therapy? What if I’m already in counseling? What does this cost?

Frequently Asked Questions about
How to Find a Life Coach and about the Services of Sofia Besondy

What is the process?

We start with a free 30 minute consultation. At this point, we’ll know if life coaching is the right solution and if we can work together. This is followed by signing an agreement that clearly spells out the parameters for our working together.

Through a series of one-hour phone or video conferences I help you to identify what is most important to you in your life. We look at the gaps between where you are and where you want to be. Under my guidance you’ll create a plan for achieving your goals. Along the way we’ll use tools and prayer to unlock the chains that are holding you back.

What does this cost?

A package of 12 one-hour sessions is $900. Typically the 12 sessions are scheduled one per week over a three month period. Payment is made at or before the first session. Credit cards are accepted.

How long does it take?

Each session is 60 minutes. Most coaching partnerships last about 3-6 months. We get in, work on specific agenda items, get you ready to go and then you go live it!

What is a “relationship life coach”?

This is a life coach who specializes in helping clients build or rebuild relationships with others. Most often it involves love relationships and family relationships, but can include relationships at work or within the community.

Furthermore, a relationship coach is effective to help people have healthy, effective relationships with their work, money, health, etc.

What about confidentiality?

The agreement we both sign clearly spells out the conditions of confidentiality. Trust, vulnerability and honesty are crucial to personal growth.

What can I achieve from life coaching?

Just about anything is possible. In the initial orientation session you express what you want to accomplish and I’ll advise on the feasibility of my coaching services to assist you in attaining that goal. If not I’ll be candid. If so, I’ll explain the process we’ll take to get you there.

Can you make me rich?

No, however I can help you look at what is stopping you from earning your value. This in turn results in an increase in income.

What types of life coaching exist?

Life coaches usually specialize. Although working with a generalist can produce the results you’re looking for it’s better to select a specialist. There are relationship coaches, business coaches, executive coaches, spiritual coaches, Christian coaches, men coaches, women coaches, health coaches, etc.

The specialties can be even more granular. For example, I’m a relationship life coach and my special area of expertise is working with divorced parents of children under the age of 13.

In what languages is coaching available?

I am fluent in English and Spanish.

Do I have to live in Austin to receive your services?

No. I conduct most, if not all, of my sessions on the phone or on Skype for video conferences or international calls. If you happen to live in the Austin, Texas area we will likely choose to have one or more of our sessions in person.

What if I’m already in counseling?

You need to let your counseling know that you want to also have a Life Coach. The agreement we sign is very clear on this point.

Is this “therapy”?

Absolutely not. Only a licensed counselor, therapist or doctor can legally administer therapy. A life coach does not treat clinical issues.

What are your credentials?

I have earned a Life Coach certification and before that received eight years of extensive training in personal growth and leadership, which included coaching.

What is a faith-based life coach?

This is a person who applies life coaching practices anchored by in in accordance to a faith in God. For me, everything I do is to honor the Lord and to follow His Word.

Do I have to be a Christian?

No.

If you are Christian, you can be comforted that when we work together the Lord will be present, guiding both of us. Each session will begin with prayer.

If you are not Christian we can still work together effectively if you believe in God as the Creator. You can be comforted knowing that I will not preach to you or involve prayer in our sessions if that makes you uncomfortable. To be clear, however, if you are an atheist, or choose to only believe that power resides “in the Universe” rather than with God, there are other life coaches I can refer you to who share your spiritual perspective.

Will Life Coaching treat addiction?

No. Addiction is a clinical problem that must be addressed by a licensed counselor, therapist or doctor.

Why do people hire Life Coaches?

For results, that’s why.

The synergy between the life coach and client creates momentum and enthusiasm. Better goals are set — ones that naturally motivate the client. The client develops new skills, which lead to greater success.

Coaching provides a structure of support. Left to our own devices, most people start out with the best intentions and then hit a snag and either get derailed completely or delayed for a long time. An accredited Life Coach can help you quickly bust through snags and inevitable road blocks in life so that more is accomplished with less struggle and less effort in a remarkable short period of time.

Objectivity. Your coach is an objective, positive supporter. Not everyone is lucky enough to have such a friend or colleague to provide this. If you’ve been doing it solo, try seeing how much more you can accomplish with your own personal coach!

How do I find a Life Coach that’s right for me?

First, do your research as you would prior to hiring any service. Build a short list of life coaches by getting referrals from people you trust and search on the Web. Then interview each coach. I offer a free, no-obligation initial session in which we can both assess if I’m the right fit for you.

In your research you’ll learn that life coaches tend to have specialties: Business, health, relationships, faith, diet, etc. Many people selling themselves as life coaches promote schemes and tips they claim will bring you riches quickly. Be cautious of such claims.