Kristina Downs - Cohort III Utne Article Response #4 Jan. - Feb. 1999 Issue

The article by Lynette Lamb entitled 3Team Me2 was about an interesting concept called , personal coaching. Apparently , I am 3out of the loop2 as they say, since the article describes this concept as a rapidly growing field with over 5000 coaches worldwide and I had never heard of it.

The job of a personal coach is to interview, each client to find out what their personal goals and aspirations are. Then they help them to organize their lives and work out a step by step plan to realize these goals. Once a plan is set, the coach follows through with each client via a once a week half-hour phone conversation which is entirely devoted to helping clients through the necessary steps to reach their goals. Although the process sounds a bit like therapy, coaches say the difference lies in looking ahead , rather than back as some therapy is known to do. Certified coach Christine Johnson says 3Coaching is about spending time looking at who you are and how you want to be.2

One concern that many mental health professionals have regarding this field, is that although some certification programs exist, there is no formal licensure required. Anyone can decide that he or she is qualified to coach. Only 20% of coaches have ever worked as mental health professionals. Many trained psychologists are also interested in coaching. It was the most popular track at last year9s American Psychological Association national meeting according to Ellen McGrath , a New York -based clinical psychologist -turned coach.

I am all in favor of people meeting their goals . I see nothing wring with seeking advice and guidance to achieve these goals when necessary, but somehow, this crosses the line a bit in my opinion. Paying someone to listen to you and focus on only you and your self- importance seems like another step toward isolation in our high tech. , fast paced society. This idea has a cold feel to me . Instead of having to develop social skills and healthy partnerships, now we can pay someone to be our supporter and cheerleader. Yes, the coach can provide this as a service, but don9t feelings matter anymore? Is it okay to let a virtual stranger , who knows only a limited amount of information about you , have such an influential role in your life?

I also worry about the trend toward total happiness and self- fulfillment as goals that we as Americans seem to have embraced . There is nothing wrong with happiness and fulfillment , but aren9t they better, more valued if they are a relative rarity, an earned moment of glory or reward for work well done? Can we sustain happiness at all times and should that be a goal?

My grandparents were happy people, but the goals they talked about were goals for future generations. Hopes for their children and community, goals that their work and energy might somehow leave the world a better place. They did not seem to purposely plan their lives to one day 3reach happiness2 as if it were a goal. My grandmother used to say 3If you want to be happy, be happy.2 As simplistic as that may sound , I think she had a point. We should make the best of our lives , but I believe that includes looking at the big picture and working toward a more altruistic picture than the one that may be painted by a personal coach.

-- Anonymous, May 13, 1999