Frequently Asked Questions

What is coaching?

The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as "an ongoing partnership designed to help clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives." Coaches help people improve performance and enhance the quality of their lives. Coaches are trained to listen, to observe and to customize their approach to individual client needs. They seek to elicit solutions and strategies from the client; they believe the client is naturally creative and resourceful.” InterVision Group coaches provide a confidential, nonjudgmental environment for you to enhance your inherent skills, resources, and creativity.

How are InterVision Group coaches trained?

Each of InterVision Group's coaches has been trained by the Coaches Training Institute (CTI). CTI is one of a number of organizations that offer a coach training program accredited by the ICF. CTI's training is rich and expansive, providing skills, tools and methodologies that our coaches can draw upon as needed. Debby Stone has furthered her training with CTI by completing its rigorous certification program and has gained the designation of Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC).

How does coaching take place?

InterVision Group's coaches typically conduct coaching sessions by telephone, and like many of our clients, you will likely find it convenient to be able to have a coaching session without leaving your office or home. Our coaches are trained to listen for non-verbal cues by phone and employ specific skills to bridge the distance gap. In addition, if you are in the Atlanta metropolitan area, and prefer to conduct coaching sessions in person, we can arrange to meet with you at your office or a mutually convenient location.

What is the coaching process like?

Although each coach/client relationship is unique, the coaching relationship typically begins with an initial discovery session conducted in person or by phone depending upon your preferences and location. This initial session is designed to let you and your coach design the coaching relationship and get to know each other. During this session, you and your coach will work together to clearly define your goals so that you can work together to develop a roadmap for moving forward. Following the initial discovery session, you will schedule telephone coaching sessions several times each month to develop and implement the practical steps to get you from where you are to where you want to be.

What is the difference between coaching and consulting?

InterVision Group's coaches are experts at the art and science of coaching and have a variety of personal and professional experiences to draw upon. Most importantly, our coaches are trained to uncover your innate wisdom by asking targeted questions and facilitating directed thinking. Our coaches help you achieve change and results by serving as confidential, neutral partners who are objective and non-judgmental. InterVision Group's coaches have specialized training to learn specific competencies including becoming experts at listening contextually for what is said and done and what is not being said and done. Consultants, on the other hand, are hired for their experience and expertise in a specific area. They are brought in to analyze and address a particular issue and to give advice about what needs to be done to remedy a problem or change a situation. They may use coaching skills in their work but only as a tool to complement their other areas of professional expertise.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

Coaching differs from therapy or counseling in a number of ways. Generally, the therapist-patient relationship is based upon the medical model which assumes that the patient needs to be diagnosed, treated and/or cured. Coaching operates from the premise that each client is whole and may desire guidance but does not need to be fixed. Therapy also tends to address a patient's current issue by reviewing past factors. Coaching begins with the present and helps you move forward toward a more fulfilling life consistent with your values and vision. The coaching relationship closely resembles that of a client and personal trainer. In both instances, the client wants to receive guidance and accountability to move toward particular, identified goals.

Does InterVision Group offer complimentary sample coaching sessions?

Coaching is far more effective when the coach and client have an ongoing relationship. With that in mind, InterVision Group does not offer a complimentary sample coaching session. However we do offer a complimentary coaching conversation in which one of our trained coaches will answer your questions and use coaching skills to determine how coaching might meet your needs.

How much does coaching cost?

InterVision Group's coaching fees depend upon your choice of coach, the length of each coaching session, the number of sessions per month, the duration of the coaching engagement, and other factors. We are happy to provide you with cost information during an initial consultation.