Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers you’re looking for below. Learn all about coaching, why everyone is becoming a coach these days, ICF certification, what makes Jory unique as a coach, and more! If you have a question that you cannot find the answer to in the questions below, please contact me.
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Coaching has become more visible and more varied in recent years. What distinguishes my work is not a particular technique or promise of transformation, but how the work is held and how we think together.
I bring over 5000 hours of professional coaching experience since 2008, along with the Master Certified Coach (MCC) designation through the International Coaching Federation. I work with people navigating real responsibility, complexity, and change, often in seasons when life looks fine on the outside but something important is shifting beneath the surface.
I don’t offer formulas or one-size-fits-all strategies. I work in partnership, slowing things down enough to notice what’s actually happening and what matters most. From there, we focus on strengthening self-trust, sound judgment, and choices that hold up over time.
My approach is shaped by continuous learning, lived complexity, and genuine curiosity about each person’s context and values. Rather than applying a rigid method, I respond to what’s present, drawing on experience, evidence-based practice, and intuition to support what’s needed in the moment.
This is careful, relational work. It’s designed to help people feel more oriented, more capable, and more themselves as they move through life and leadership.
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Coaching is an intentional, non-hierarchical partnership designed to foster personal and professional growth. It’s grounded in the belief that you are whole, capable, and resourceful. Through coaching, you are invited to step into your potential, exploring your inner landscape and uncovering the insights that lead to meaningful change.
This process is often described as working from the “INSIGHT-OUT,” meaning that as you gain clarity and self-awareness, your actions naturally begin to align with your goals and values. Whether you’re seeking clarity in your career, working through a life transition, or simply striving to be your best most resilient self, coaching helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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"The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization for coaches and coaching. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals."
ICF defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership."
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Each level reflects increasing experience and mastery in coaching!
1. ACC (Associate Certified Coach):
Entry-level certification.
Requires 60 hours of coach training and 100 hours of coaching experience.
2. PCC (Professional Certified Coach):
Mid-level certification.
Requires 125 hours of coach training and 500 hours of coaching experience.
3. MCC (Master Certified Coach):
Highest-level certification.
Requires 200 hours of coach training and 2,500 hours of coaching experience.
10 hours of mentor coaching.
Pass a rigorous skills review showing mastery.
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The short answer is: no. You are fully capable of getting where you want to go on your own. But, having intentional, focused support from an intuitive, trained, experienced and compassionate partner—someone who will challenge and encourage you—can help you reach your destination faster and in a way that feels more empowering and sustainable.
Coaching isn’t about giving you answers or telling you what to do. It’s about walking alongside you, helping you see new perspectives, and supporting you in attaining own goals and vision. With a coach, you don’t just reach your goals; you grow exponentially through the process and gain insights that you can apply to all areas of your life.
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If you're ready to go deep, discover or uncover what’s been hiding, and make real changes in your life, a coach who’s unconditionally on your side and isn’t afraid to challenge you can help you get there faster, while also being present with where you are.
Consider coaching if this sounds like you:
- You feel stuck or at a crossroads: Unsure of your next step in life, work, or relationships.
- You have a vision but need direction: You know what you want but need help creating actionable steps.
- You crave accountability: A coach helps you stay focused and on track.
- You’re navigating a transition: Career, life stage, or personal shifts feel overwhelming.
- You want emotional resilience: Managing stress, building confidence, and self-awareness are your focus.
- You’re ready to challenge limiting beliefs: Coaching helps you identify and break through the thoughts that hold you back.What Does a Coach Offer?
Coaching doesn’t provide answers—it helps you find them.
Together, we’ll:
- Gain clarity on what truly matters to you.
- Feel supported through life’s challenges with a trusted partner.
- Take action that leads to meaningful, lasting change.
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What does a coaching session look like?
Coaching with me is grounded, reflective, and whole-person.
I work at the intersection of life and leadership, supporting people to slow down, think clearly, and move forward with greater steadiness and integrity, especially during complex or transitional seasons.
Our work is guided by the EXPANSIVE™ Approach, a whole-person way of coaching that integrates embodied awareness, experiential learning, values-based orientation, nervous system support, and thoughtful action. Rather than applying a single method, we draw on what’s most useful in the moment, based on what you’re navigating and what this season is asking of you.
The work is both practical and spacious. At times, we’ll reflect and make sense of patterns that have become familiar or constraining. At other times, we’ll focus on decisions, communication, boundaries, or next steps that feel live right now. We may also work with the body and nervous system to support clarity, capacity, and steadiness. Always, the aim is to support sound judgment, self-trust, and alignment between what matters to you and how you live and lead.
My coaching is informed by evidence-based practices, including somatic coaching, Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, cognitive behavioral coaching, positive psychology, and mindfulness. These approaches inform the work without turning it into technique-driven problem solving.
This is not about fixing you or pushing toward answers. It’s about creating enough space for clarity to emerge and for change to unfold in a way that feels humane and sustainable.
Each session is client-led and coach-supported. You set the agenda based on what feels most important in that moment. My role is to listen deeply, offer thoughtful reflections, ask meaningful questions, and support you in translating insight into action that aligns with your values and capacity.
Whether you’re seeking support through a specific transition or engaging in a longer coaching partnership, the process is responsive and evolving, shaped by your needs as you move forward.
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That’s such a relatable question, and it’s true—coaching has become quite popular!
Why is Everyone and Their Mother a Coach?
It might feel like every time you turn around, someone new is calling themselves a coach, and you’re not wrong! Coaching has exploded in popularity in recent years, partly because people recognize the power of having a supportive partner to help them grow.
There is a “wild wild west” of coaching out thre. It’s still an unregulated industry, which means anyone can hang out a "coach" sign. However, that doesn’t mean every coach is the right fit for you—or even qualified to guide you through significant personal or professional growth. It’s important to choose wisely.
- People Want Change: Coaching taps into the growing desire for personal development, self-awareness, and a deeper sense of fulfillment in life and work.
What Should I Look for in a Coach?
With so many coaches out there, finding the right one for you can feel overwhelming. Here are some key things to consider:
1. Training and Credentials: Look for a coach who has gone through a reputable certification program, ideally one accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Credentials like ACC, PCC, or MCC signal that the coach has met certain training and experience standards.
2. Experience: While certification is important, real-world coaching experience is key. Ask how long they’ve been coaching, who they typically work with, and what kind of results they’ve helped clients achieve. A coach who has worked through life transitions, career changes, or personal challenges themselves can often bring deeper empathy and insight to their practice.
3. Chemistry and Connection: Coaching is a partnership. Finding someone you feel comfortable with, someone you can trust is crucial. Do they really listen? Do they challenge you in a way that feels supportive?
4. Coaching Philosophy: Different coaches have different approaches. Some are more action-oriented, while others focus on reflection and insight. Find out if the coach’s methods resonate with your needs. For example, do they believe in empowering you to find your own answers (as good coaches do), or are they giving advice and acting like a consultant?
5. Specialization: Some coaches focus on specific areas like executive coaching, life transitions, or emotional resilience. If you have a specific goal, it can be helpful to find a coach who specializes in that area. On the other hand, if you’re seeking broader personal growth, you might prefer a coach with a holistic approach.
6. Testimonials and Referrals: Look for reviews or testimonials from previous clients. Hearing about others’ experiences can give you a sense of how the coach works and what outcomes you might expect. Referrals from friends, colleagues, or other professionals can also be a great way to find a trustworthy coach.
7. Your Readiness: A coach isn’t a magic fix. You need to be ready to engage, do the inner work, and take action. A good coach will hold you accountable, but the results are a partnership. So, also consider where you are on your journey—are you ready to take ownership of your growth?
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Bottom Line: Coaching is a powerful tool when you find the right fit. Don’t be swayed by fancy titles or Instagram followers. Instead, look for a coach who combines solid credentials, real-world experience, and a genuine connection to help you reach your goals in a way that feels authentic and empowering.
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ICF coaches need mentoring because it’s an essential part of their professional growth and development. Here are a few key reasons:
1. Certification Requirements: ICF requires coaches seeking their ACC, PCC, or MCC credentials to complete mentor coaching as part of their certification process. It ensures coaches meet ICF's high standards of professionalism and competency.
2. Skill Refinement: Mentoring helps coaches sharpen their skills by receiving feedback from experienced, credentialed coaches. This is crucial for coaches who want to elevate their practice and move toward ICF certifications like ACC, PCC, or MCC.
3. Ongoing Growth: Coaching is a lifelong learning journey like any profession. Mentor coaches help newer coaches grow in their understanding of core competencies, ethics, and best practices, allowing them to continue improving.
4. Objective Feedback: A mentor coach provides an outside perspective, helping coaches identify blind spots and areas where they can refine their techniques or approach. This feedback leads to greater self-awareness and effectiveness as a coach.
Learn more about ICF Mentor Coaching requirements here.
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If you opt-in to “Journal-Based Coaching,” you will join a weekly call and receive a new journal prompt each week. Daily journalling on a secure and private platform will deepen your coaching experience, and you will likely make more significant strides quickly! I will interact with you daily, encouraging you to reflect and explore even more.
Got Questions?
Want to know if we’ll be a good fit to work together? Schedule a complimentary 30-minute coffee date with me. You can tell me about your challenges and goals, and we’ll see if diving deeper into working together makes sense. Let’s connect!