WHY NOT JUST TALK TO A FRIEND?

Some people ask, “Why not just talk to a friend?”  On the face of it, this seems to make sense.  But when you closely consider this, a number of problems start to emerge. 

First, just because someone is a good doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a good listener.  You may have had times when  you talked about a problem with a spouse or friend, and they tried to help by offering you advice.  We usually feel like saying, “No, don’t try to fix my problem.  Just listen to me!. 

As I said earlier, my primary job as your disability coach, is to be a good listener and give you the space to come up with solutions that work for you.

Second, friendships are reciprocal: we talk about our life, they talk about theirs in a back-and-forth interchange.  To ask a friend to solely listen to us could be seen as an imposition, especially if we want to do it on a regular basis.  In the coaching relationship, you have trhe floor without apology.

Third, a friend may feel reluctant to challenge you in case that damages your friendship.  As you disability coach, there may be times I prod you by asking you whether your action are moving you towards you goal.

Finally, the life changes you want to explore may affect your family or loved ones.  Worrying about their reaction may prevent you from openly looking at what might be possible  for you.  Our sessions are absolutely confidential.  They give you the luxury of exploring life’s possibilities and temporarily not worrying about others’ reactions

Friendship gives you one thing.  Coaching gives you something different.