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Struggling With that New Year’s Resolution?
Consider a Life Coach for Those Big Decisions

By Andy O’Hara
Contributing Writer

Seniors have goals just like anyone. But not surprisingly, unique new doors are opened by retirement and other lifestyle changes which afford them more time to focus on themselves. That coin has two sides, however, because setting new directions can bring confusion and stress.

On a football field, one can always turn to the coach in moments of doubt.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a “life coach” to help us in our personal decisions?

There is such a thing, say Theresa Swift and Ellen Ferguson. Both are among a growing number of life coaches serving the Sacramento area, willing and able to work with seniors in finding which way to run with the ball and improve their quality of life.

Swift, of Swift Resolve Coaching, notes that many of the transitions faced by seniors are unique. Such goals could include health and fitness, improving family connections and marital difficulties or preparing for a retirement or new career. “Conflicts can arise in a marriage when one person retires and the other does not, and when both retire, ‘space’ can become an issue,” said Swift.

“Interestingly,” she notes, “the divorce rate for seniors is surprisingly high.” A competitive ballroom dancer in her free time, Swift is enthusiastic about working with seniors and delights in the opportunity to help improve on their lives.

More and more people are finding that life coaching, with its origins in the 1980’s, is an increasingly-viable option to traditional psychotherapy, which often focuses on the past and deep-problem issues that must be overcome before a person can move forward.

“Life coaching is forward looking,” Swift points out, “as opposed to looking back.” She is quick to emphasize that traditional psychotherapy is the appropriate choice for those with painful problems and issues. Life coaching is designed to assist in the actualization of goals and achieving positive improvements.

Ellen Ferguson, a registered nurse whose firm is called Energy of the Heart, fully agrees. If a potential client’s message is, “I’m broken, I need fixing and there’s no way out,” she encourages them to seek medical help.

“Life coaching, on the other hand, can help people through an uncomfortable phase where the client is exploring and rediscovering values. It’s really about support,” said Ferguson. She says she likes to deal with the whole person, often including peripheral issues like exercise and diet, as well as the specific goal.

“One particular advantage to life coaching,” notes Swift, “is that a coach can work with a client by telephone or e-mail — an advantage for many seniors.” She even provides a toll-free number from Mountain View for that purpose. Ferguson also works by telephone and e-mail, but in conjunction with being a home health nurse in Citrus Heights, she is able to provide personal visits in some situations.

Some critics express concern that life coaching is unregulated and no specific credentials are required. It is, they argue, merely an end-around that allows the practice of psychotherapy without a license. While a reputable life coach will be able to provide certification from a variety of training organizations, Ferguson agrees that people should take the time to question a potential coach about their training, technique and personality, as well as the cost.

“Anyone can hang out a shingle,” Ferguson points out. “Use your gut and be sure you are comfortable before entering into any arrangements.”

Fees for a life coach can range from $200 — $500 per month, and it is not covered by Medicare or health insurance. Swift hopes to see the day when coverage is available, but in the meantime, she will often work with the frequency of visits to spread out the cost.

Cecilia Simon in the Washington Post commented on the growing popularity of life coaching and its value to forward-looking people. “Think of coaching as having your own Dr. Phil on call — someone there not to diagnose emotional problems or feel your pain, but to tell you to buck up and help you make a plan.”

Ellen Ostrow, a clinical psychologist, added, “After years of empathizing with my patients’ pain and anguish, coaching lets me empathize with their excitement and exuberance. It’s selfish, but it brings excitement into my own life.”

Theresa Swift and Ellen Ferguson, life coaches, clearly have that excitement and exuberance and look forward to sharing it with others.