ABOUT THIS COACHING PRACTICE
This coaching practice will meet you where you are and help you get where you are trying to go. That is something and somewhere different for everyone. Maybe...
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You know exactly where you want to go and you'd like some support getting there.
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You have no idea where you want to go (but it ain't here), and you'd like some support in finding clarity on your career direction and goals.
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You are in the role of your dreams, and you want to perform better or have greater job satisfaction.
Journey-Up coaching is about clarity and focus on the destination, but most importantly, about finding and being the most authentic version of you along that journey. We co-create to:
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Define success (what do you want to achieve?)
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Determine the pathway (how do we get there?)
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Empower your agency (create motivation and confidence that the path will get you there)
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Create accountability (what are systems and practices to measure success?)
I would love to chat with you and find out where you are in your journey and how I can help
MY APPROACH
To get technical...
My coaching philosophy and approach is based on three different models/theories from established coaching models and schools of psychology. The below three models can be referenced in
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL
Let's get to the root of the problem!
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that if you question and interrupt patterns of thought then you can influence behavior. Simply put, the way you think about things influences the way you feel about things. Using this as a foundation in my coaching practice, we can dispute/question our beliefs and mental models in order to come to an alternative perspective and action plan.
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Leverage strengths!
Positive Psychology is a branch of psychology and scientific study focused on well-being, positive traits, and an emphasis on fulfilment/happiness. Put simply, we can drive purposeful change through focus on positive emotions and on identifying, developing, and leveraging strengths. Further, utilizing self-efficacy theory (one's belief that s/he has the capacity to succeed in a given domain (Albert Bandura, 1977, 1986, 1997), we can work towards having more control, motivation, and resilience in the face of setbacks and in working towards goals.
SOLUTIONS FOCUS
Let's get results!
While we will focus on root issues and come to the "why behind the what," this element of my practice is about co-creating solutions and goals that are pragmatic and allow for incremental and larger-scale wins. Clients have everything they need to be successful. You determine the focus, and we will work together towards solutions that are attainable and sustainable.
Coaching Models: Cox, E., Bachkirova, T., & Clutterbuck, D. (2010). The complete handbook of coaching. Los Angeles, Calif: SAGE.
Self Efficacy: Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The Exercise of control. W H Freeman/Times Books/ Henry Holt & Co.
MY COMPETENCIES
JOB TRANSITIONS & CAREER FIT
I have spent years in recruiting and executive search work. This, combined with my coaching experience, makes me well-equipped to help people think critically and deeply about where they are today, and where they might want to go professionally. I have even personally made the mistake of running from something rather than deliberately to the right, best fit.
REFORMED ACHIEVER TURNED BALANCE SEEKER
I list this competency in part humorously, and in part with great gravity and sincerity. While I will always be driven to achieve, I have spent great effort and focus on seeking balance, sustainability, and joy in the journey (hence the name of this practice). I understand that these things are not mutually exclusive, but hard to balance. Because I have and continue to be on a change and authenticity journey myself, I am equipped for and empathetic to my clients' journeys. We are complex humans, and do/feel/think many seemingly conflicting things. This is a partnership in uncovering complex and conflicting drives/values.
ALIGNING VALUES WITH WORK
Clarity on values can make all the difference when assessing professional or personal goals, thinking about work/life balance, and deciding how to prioritize life. My approach focuses heavily on understanding values and our competing values, so that the decisions we make and the goals we work towards are authentic and lasting.
CURIOSITY. DEEP AND EMPATHIC LISTENING
This is a core value of Journey-Up coaching. My job as coach is not to provide answers but to listen deeply and support clients' self-discovery. This includes listening to what is said, what is not said, and how it is said. This is about caring deeply about the outcomes and life satisfaction of my clients as whole people.
SUSTAINABLE RESULTS
My job is to help clients learn to swim so that they don't need me anymore. A coach's job is provide the right support that enables lasting, self-sustained change. As such, I am not an answer-giver but questioner. I am not a teller but a mirror provider. To use a playground metaphor, I am not going to endlessly push you on the swing (as my four-year-old demands), but I will teach you to pump your legs so that you can swing yourself. This work towards sustainable results requires our joint commitment and partnership.
TESTIMONIALS
Sarah had the right combination of meeting me where I was while at the same time challenging my assumptions in a supportive way. These conversations helped me focus my goals in the right direction.”
MSLOC Peer
Each week I met with Sarah I valued our time together. She is so approachable and easy to talk to. But most importantly, she cared deeply about helping me and was so thoughtful in her questions and exercises. I'm more in tune with myself and how to achieve my stated goals as a result of her support. Thank you Sarah!
MSLOC Peer
Sarah’s presence with her clients is unmatched. She approaches every minute of each session with thoughtfulness, honesty, and fresh perspective. I’d encourage anyone who’s looking for an ally as they navigate change to partner with Sarah on their journey.
MSLOC Peer
Working with Sarah is truly transformational. She gives you her full attention and has a knack for asking simple yet pivotal questions that will help you reframe your scenario in a totally new light. Anyone who is lucky enough to have Sarah as a coach should know they're in good hands and should be ready to start seeing positive changes in their life as a result.