Why coaching?  What is Ontological Coaching?  How does coaching work best?  How do I get started?  Workshop Leader/Coach   Why Coaching? Coaching helps you move forward in your personal and/or professional life. It gives you the opportunity to explore and expand yourself—your fears, values and dreams—and your effectiveness at living the life you desire. You may want to move beyond disappointments, the doldrums, self-doubt or stress, but don't know where to begin. You may be ready to discover and pursue your next adventure, but feel you need the support and structure to launch you forward. Regardless of your goal, the only thing you need to bring to coaching is a desire to enhance your personal or professional life. Coaching will help you create and catalyze a future that you desire.   What is Ontological Coaching? Ontological Coaching (see Newfield Network.com) is based on the philosophy of ontology, or the nature of one's 'way of being.' A person's way of being includes one's physical body, moods and emotions, and language (what one says to her/himself and to others). In other words, it is a person's individual perception of her/himself and the world, thus the place from which any action is taken. As an ontological coach, Dana helps you realize the connection between your way of being and the results you are afraid to, or, on the other side of the pendulum's swing, you long to achieve. You will learn the practice of expanding and refining your perceptions of yourself, so that from an evermore authentic thus powerful place, you may clearly define and strategically pursue your goals, develop meaningful relationships, and both 'be' and 'make' a positive impact in your world. As serious as shifting one's way of being and achieving goals are, ontological coaching comes from a place of wonder, of curiosity, of lightness. This deliberate tone unleashes potential (both internal and external) that a static way of being, somberness, or needing the answer right now often inhibits. Ontological coaching promotes open-minded questioning, experimenting with and practicing new ways of being, thinking and acting. It is about exploring the unknown—in the deliberate pursuit of well-defined personal and professional goals. As your coach, Dana will help you: engage your courage to explore your inner longings and rumblings; declare a dream, a need, a passion; face and transform your fears, self-doubt and blind spots barring you from moving forward; and take confident, conscious actions towards your desired goal gain pinpoint clarity about your goal, and what internal shifts and strategic, concrete steps are necessary to manifest a positive, sustainable internal and/or external change in your life develop and deepen your (self-) compassion by ensuring that you celebrate your efforts and your growth, secure a dependable support system, and honor both your uniqueness and your connection to the rest of the world Regardless of your life challenge or goal such as, —taking on a new career role or path —transforming lethargy into energy or fear into courage —following your passion —establishing strong boundaries —creating healthy habits —altering your relationship status —developing effective communication strategies —managing work/life commitments and desires the bottom line is this: coaching is ALL about YOU—inside and out, your agenda, your goals, your responsibility—with Dana's promise of guidance, support, encouragement and expertise—and your deep satisfaction as you enrich yourself and reach your goals.   How does coaching work best? Sustained growth of your way of being, and defining and pursuing your goals are optimized through a minimum of three months of weekly coaching sessions, (ideally, coaching relationships are six months or longer, with continued weekly or bi-monthly sessions following the first three months). Sessions typically run 50 minutes. Coaching may be conducted in person, over the phone or a combination of the two, depending on a client's needs and desires. Meeting at least once in person is preferable but not essential. Dana provides individual sessions and workshops both in-person and via telecall.   How do I get started? It's simple. Contact Dana (dewhitaker@openingeyes.net) to arrange a complimentary, "Give Coaching a Try" sample session. We'll discuss your goal(s), and address any questions you may have about coaching—at no cost. You will be sent an Opening Eyes, LLC Coaching Agreement to review and co-sign with Dana after any questions or concerns you may have have been satisfactorily addressed. You will also be given a Getting Started Questionnaire to help you clarify an area(s) you'd like to explore, develop and/or achieve. The questionnaire also lets Dana know a bit about you, your background, and what style of interaction works best for you. A schedule is set up and coaching begins!   Workshop Leader/Coach Dana is a leader and coach for 'InChargeInChange', a workshop series with the company, ChangeCast(TM). The interactive and intimate workshops are designed to make any major personal or professional change you undertake both positive and productive. You receive guidance, support and the insights you need to understand the change process, see your situation clearly and the tools to take action and make the change you desire happen. Dana also provides individual coaching as part of the 'InChargeInChange' workshop.  Read Praise for Dana's Coaching