Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Personal Coaching

Why is this called “Mindful Shifts”?

The purpose of this work is to become more mindful of one’s own thoughts and habitual responses to life’s various and ever-changing circumstances. By becoming more aware of our responses that are unhelpful and often harmful in our lives, we create an opportunity to replace them with more balanced, positive and rational ones, which will bring about the shifts in wellbeing that we are seeking. 

What are the coach’s credentials and experiences?

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, with a master’s degree and additional graduate work within the field of counseling psychology.  During the past two decades, formally and informally, I have been studying and applying various teachings and approaches to healthy psychological living and spiritual transformation, derived from both western and eastern traditions and sciences. For this same period of time, I also served as a full-time psychology professor at Dallas College.

Is this type of coaching a form of counseling?

No.  Although I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, this practice is devoted to personal coaching, not counseling. The contrast between these two professions and their approaches is explained on the Informed Consent Form that all clients are asked to sign, as well as within the “Coaching is NOT Counseling” section that can be found by scrolling over the “Coaching” menu at the top of this page and linking to the “Coaching Approach.” While both professions generally aim toward greater self-awareness, the general focus of the sessions greatly differs. So, it is not unusual for some clients to seek both coaching and counseling services concurrently, but with two different professionals.

Can we work together in personal coaching, if we are friends, family or acquaintances?

Yes. If this was a counseling practice, I would be prohibited from serving as your counselor, if you are a friend or family member. However, since our coaching relationship is different than a counseling one, I am ethically permitted to work with you. For a better understanding of the difference between these two professions, see the FAQ directly above this one.

Isn’t coaching just a substitute for having a good friend or family member listen to you?

No. Personal coaching involves more than just listening and offering support or advice; through dialogue, reflection and various methods, clients develop their own insights and necessary tools to achieve their current goals and navigate through many of life’s circumstances and challenges.

Is this approach to coaching similar to spiritual direction?

This coaching practice is not essentially founded on spiritual work but may sometimes overlap with it, depending on the priorities and needs of the client. I have training and experience in both psychological and spiritual approaches to wellbeing and self-awareness, but the client ultimately decides what is of value and importance.

Do my individual coaching sessions have to include formal mindfulness training?

No.  Although the intent of coaching involves becoming more present and aware in various ways and situations, the session work does not have to include any formal training nor practices, unless they are of specific interest to the client.

How long are the individual sessions and what is the cost?

Unless otherwise advertised or offered through a promotion or session package, the regular rate for an individual coaching session is $120 for a 50-minute, one-on-one session.  A sliding scale fee structure can also be considered, depending on the client’s circumstances. Through the end of 2023, I am offering a promotional 50% discount or $60 per session. The initial, virtual consultation is mostly informative and it is free.

Where are the in-person coaching sessions held?

Located near the Bishop Arts District in Dallas, I am currently sharing an office with the “De Corazon Counseling” center located at:

1005 Jefferson Blvd, Suite 204, Dallas, TX 75208

After the initial, free “virtual” consultation, can the follow-up sessions continue to also be virtual?

After the first consultation, it is preferable that our sessions continue in-person, as this is more favorable to the work that we will be doing. However, if meeting in person is impossible or the location of my current Dallas office is too great of a distance, other options can be discussed.

Once I start meeting with my coach, am I committed to a certain number of sessions?

No.  The decision to continue, pause, or terminate the coaching sessions is regularly evaluated.  Choosing a session package can reduce the cost, but clients are also welcome to pay for one session at a time, with the opportunity to move into a packaged option at a later point.

Are there risks with participation in coaching?

Coaching sessions sometimes involve dialogue related to sensitive issues like relationships, mental health, and emotions.  Therefore, this work carries both benefits and risks.  Coaching sessions can reduce stress responses, improve relationships, resolve challenging situations and enhance your overall quality of life, but there are occasions in which you may feel frustration or increased distress, due to a lack of progress or follow-through.

Is the role of the personal coach mostly to give advice?

No. coaching is NOT about telling clients what they should do or stop doing in a particular situation that they are currently facing. Instead, it is about accommodating and facilitating the creative process through which you can uncover valuable insights, make well-informed decisions and acquire the tools for effectively confronting personal challenges and attaining goals, leading to a flourishing and more fulfilling life, now and in the future to come.

“You can give a person a fish and feed them for a day or you can teach a person to fish and feed them for a lifetime.”