Coaching-by-phone: Is it for you?

The answer of course, depends very much on your own personal preferences, but if you are comfortable with the idea of working on the telephone, then it can offer you some real advantages.

For example coaching-by-phone offers the following benefits:

• Consultations are available to you wherever you live.
• It is an ideal option for anyone who might prefer greater privacy.
• You can take immediate action to start resolving your issues.
• You do not need to schedule precious time out of your working day to go to a clinic, pay for travelling expenses or arrange for childcare.
• Evening and weekend appointments are more likely to be available.
• You can enjoy your consultation within the comfort of your own home and at a time that suits you.

My own opinion, is that it is also good practice to back up a telephone consultation with email support in between sessions, or offer the option of a webcam consultation, this is particularly important for anyone who might feel more comfortable having visual backup.

Whichever consultation method you choose, coaching-by-phone, email, webcam or face to face, it is always important to prepare for your session in advance, to make sure that you get the best possible value from your investment.

Here are my top tips to help you prepare:

1. Choose somewhere quiet where you won't be disturbed. Aim to pick a time when you won't be interrupted and if you can, make sure that any other phones in the house are set to silent or answer-phone and let other family members know that you don't want to be disturbed for a while.

2. Go hands free if you can. If you have a speakerphone option it will make it easier for you to take notes during the session. Or if you are working with EFT, to access the tapping points on your face and fingertips.

3. Keep a pen and paper handy. Some people like to make a note of any action points, or personal insights that come up in the session, so it's helpful to have a pen and paper to hand in case you would find this useful.

4. Clarify the issues you would like to work on. Here are a few questions you might like to consider to help clarify the issues we will work on.

• What is it that you most want help with? Be as specific as you can in your answer.
• When did these issues start? Go right back to the beginning if you can.
• What makes you, or these feelings seem better or worse?
• What new choices would you like to make? Again be as specific as you can about any possible solutions.
• Notice if you are sabotaging your success in any way. For example you may have an inner dialogue that says: "I'll never be free of..." or " this will never work for me" Make a note of any unhelpful self talk and bring it with you to your session.

5. Create a well formed outcome for yourself by asking "How will I know that this session has been really good value today, what specifically will have changed for me"?

6. Centre yourself. It's often helpful to spend a minute or two quietly centring yourself and letting the busy thought traffic of the day slow down, so that you can be entirely focused on getting the most from your consultation.

7. Home-Work If you are willing to do a little practice on your own at home in between sessions, then it's likely you will notice improvements even more quickly. Be sure to ask for some 'home-work' suggestions at the end of your session and make a commitment to set aside a few minutes each day, to follow up on any suggestions that may be given to you.

Finally before making a commitment to a number of sessions you should always ask if your therapist or coach is willing to offer you a free assessment call or a short sample session, so that you can be sure that they really are the best person to help you.

Anne Marshall is one of the UK's leading Health Coaches and is author of The Health Factor: Coach Yourself To Better Health.

Known as a highly intuitive and fun loving motivational Coach, Anne works with both individuals and organisations to help improve wellbeing.

If you would like to know if you could be one of Anne's select private clients, or if you would like her advise on improving the wellness culture of your workplace you can contact her directly at www.AnneMarshall.com

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