My Approach - Sharon Teitelbaum, Personal Coach, Career Coach, Work Life Balance Coach

Getting You Moving

My first job is to be a quick study for what’s true for you, your whole picture – the pieces you’re aware of and those that you aren’t. I do this by listening to you, taking in the results of the self-assessments I make available to you, asking you a lot of questions, many of which you have never been asked before, and then listening to you some more. Together, we discover what needs to happen which can sometimes feel big and overwhelming. I help you figure out the most do-able, IMMEDIATE next steps so that you can start taking action. Appropriate, intentional action is key. I want you leaving every interaction with a clear set of next steps that you are excited about taking THIS WEEK, before our next call.

In the words of a client,

Sharon’s unique ability to succinctly and accurately rephrase my often rambling thoughts always brought such clarity that at the end of each session the next steps became obvious."

Why You're Stuck

Working as a coach since 1995, I’ve noticed that people get so engaged with the challenges in their day-to-day lives, they forget who they are and what their big picture is. I help them gain enough altitude from their busy-ness that they can see themselves and their priorities clearly, understand where they are on their life and career path, and view themselves with greater neutrality. They let go of harsh self-judgments and acknowledge their strengths and gifts. In owning ALL of who they are, they cannot help but begin to navigate their lives with greater mastery. There is great relief and sense of empowerment for people in finding a way to own, not only their limitations (which they usually know intimately), but also their brilliance, passion, and values.

The reason smart, hardworking, accomplished people sometimes get stuck is that they try to solve the wrong problem. I’ve had clients hire me to help them find a new job when the job is actually not the problem. The job is fine. The problem is they need to learn to LEAVE the job at 6:00 and have a LIFE. Once that becomes clear to both of us, they mobilize incredible resources to address the real goal: creating a life. And they’re off and running.

My Commitment to You

warmth and candor: while making you accountable
validation: this IS hard work, you’re not a loser, nor alone in this issue
genuine interest: in your life, in your success
re-framing: a fresh look at what’s going on and a reminder that you always, always have options
humor: stress is draining, humor lifts weight

Experience. Most of all, what I hear from clients is that through my approach, I bring wisdom and "get it" quickly. I’ve learned and assimilated a wealth of experience from:

a broad array of clients since 1995 as a personal coach and career coach
30 years as a high achieving professional in small business, corporate, and university contexts
my own work-life balance juggling act as a professional while balancing while being a very present parent and 30 years of marriage

It's Called Transition

The bottom line is this: you’ve outgrown some aspect of your life, there’s something you need to let go of and something new you need to reach for. One of my favorite analogies for this is that life is a series of trapeze swings.

Expressed by Danaan Perry,

Most of the time I spend my life hanging on for dear life to my trapeze-bar-of-the-moment…I have the feeling that I’m in control of my life…But once in a while…I look out ahead of me into the distance and what do I see? I see another trapeze bar swinging toward me…I know in that place in me that knows, that this "new trapeze bar" has my name on it. It is my next step, my growth, my aliveness coming to get me…I must hurtle across space before I can grab onto the new bar…it is called transition…the only place that real change occurs…"

I know this terrain, transitions. And I can help you make your transition more consciously, quickly, and more enjoyably than you would on your own. Whether your goals pertain to career advancement or job satisfaction, work/life balance, or midlife challenges, I’ve mid-wifed other people through this, and can bring what I’ve learned to you in a way that fits you. Each of my clients has brought something to me. I look forward to bringing something of real value to you!

Fees and Logistics

-- Monthly coaching fees for individuals vary depending on the length and frequency of the scheduled sessions and how much “on call” access you would like. Every person’s needs are different. During your initial consultation, we can determine what structure suits your needs best, and your monthly fee will be determined accordingly. Most coaching arrangements include unlimited email contact with me.

-- Coaching for companies is tailored to the unique needs of your company, and pricing is determined accordingly. Some organizations use coaching as a follow-on to on-site training that I deliver, while others contract for coaching as a standalone process. Some want the individual coaching sessions to take place by phone, and others have me come on-site for coaching meetings. There are many other variations as well. Your company's needs determine how the coaching will be structured.

-- The coaching process generally takes 3-6 months, but there’s a wide range. Some people accomplish what they want in a very few sessions, and others choose to stay in coaching for longer.

-- Coaching sessions generally take place by phone or in-person at my Boston-area office. Corporate clients can arrange half-day or whole-day coaching series to be held on-site.

How Coaching is Different from Counseling or Therapy

Coaching differs from therapy in many ways. Coaching focuses on the present and where you want to go from here. Therapy focuses more on the past and how you got to here. Coaching is action-oriented, and therapy is understanding-oriented. Coaching uses a training and sports model: the client wants to learn new skills and achieve a higher level of performance. Therapy uses a medical model: the patient needs to be cured. If I see that a therapist would better serve the challenges you are experiencing, I will be candid with you about it and refer you to a therapist. Some people can work with a therapist and a coach concurrently, and others prefer to do therapy work first and coaching next.

CONTACT ME for an initial consultation at no charge.

Trapeze drawing by Cathy Bennett, http://artwalaroad.com/links.