WHO I COACH:
I have worked with a range of ages, but find that my style of coaching is most effective from high school age onwards. If you are (or have) a mature middle school student looking to bolster executive skills before starting high school, I'm still open to meeting with you to discuss it. Beyond age, I want to be sure that coaching is good fit - that you are comfortable working with me and you are ready to problem-solve and try out some new strategies.
INITIAL COACHING SESSION(S):
In our first coaching session, after we have talked and decided to begin working together, it is important for me to fully understand how things are now and what you'd like to change. This can easily fill our first full (50 min) session, often filling two full sessions. Even if you aren't looking for regular hour long sessions, I will want to have at least one full session so we can talk about everything before narrowing in on smaller goals. I know that sometimes people arrive mid-crisis. And we will get to the problem solving. But I assure you that it won't benefit anyone for us to start bailing out the boat before we find the leaks. So expect a little bit of conversation before we get to the (fun) taking action part! When I'm coaching a younger high school student, the initial coaching session could include parent/s and child. I like to hear everyone's views on what they have observed and what they are looking for.
REGULAR COACHING SESSIONS:
Regular coaching sessions are typically 50 minutes once a week. Once we have had a few sessions, if we agree that it would be helpful, we can adapt our meeting's duration and/or frequency. I generally meet local students at the Arlington (VA) Central Library and will reserve a room when possible.* Students outside of the area, I'm happy to FaceTime or Zoom. Between sessions I encourage short checkins - in whatever form works for each client.
* Covid-19 has moved most of my sessions to online only. I'm undecided for Fall 2021. However, for those who think it would be helpful, I have been able to arrange coaching in person, outside, with appropriate social distancing.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
Depending on what we are working on in coaching sessions, I also support the students I work with by communicating/coordinating with teachers and attending school meetings if requested.
I charge per the coaching sessions, but short check ins, and brief communications with parents, teachers or other specialists to coordinate student support efforts are included as part of the coaching process. Longer efforts, such as attendance at a meeting, would be charged by an hourly rate.