• 1. How is coaching different from therapy?
  • Coaching is a very specific model that involves setting your own agenda and goals for the future. Therapy works on healing pain from past events, and is more long-term with the therapist being the expert. Coaching can happen over the phone or through emails. Therapy must be done face-to-face.
  • 2. How does confidentiality work with coaching?
  • Our coaches will maintain the same level of confidentiality as therapists do. What is discussed with your coach remains between the two of you. However, there are limits to confidentiality. If one of the following situations is disclosed, the coach will be required to report it to the appropriate people (Police, Child protective services): suicidal or homicidal behavior/thoughts or someone is or has hurt (abused) you.
  • 3. How much does my parent have to know about my coaching?
  • If you are 16 or older, you do not have to have your parent's consent to participate in coaching. It is up to you what you tell them about your coaching session. They can often be a source of support, so the coach may encourage you to talk to them about your coaching session. It will be up to you what information (if any) will be disclosed to your parents. If you are younger than 16, your parents will need to speak to the coach and give consent to you participating in coaching. The same confidentiality limits are the same here-no information will be disclosed unless there is a concern of harm to yourself or others.
  • 4. How can a coach help me?
  • A coach will support you and encourage to meet your identified goals. In the beginning of your coaching session, you will be asked to complete a short assessment that helps the coach understand what you want to focus on. The coach will assist you in looking at your options, help you set objectives, and hold you accountable for your progress. You will be responsible for setting the agenda of what is to be discussed during the coaching session, identifying your goals, and completing assignments discussed during the coaching session.
  • 5. What is the coaching process?
  • The coaching sessions will primarily be done over the telephone or through emails. Initially, you will be asked to complete a short assessment that allows the coach know what you'd like to focus on during the session. In the first coaching session, you and the coach will review the assessment and then you will decide what your goal will be from the coaching process. The coach will assist you in measuring your progress toward your goals, hold you accountable for tasks you've agreed to do, and encourage you to develop a support network other than the coach. You will need to decide when you and the coach will know that you've met your goals.
  • 6. How do I get started with coaching?
  • You may get started by calling Coaching4Teens at 615-279-6790, or you may send an email to a coach at: coaching4teens@centerstone.org. Within two business days, one of the coaches will call you back and schedule a phone or email coaching session for you, at a time that is convenient for you. You will be given a short assessment to complete that can be submitted through email or fax.
  • 7. How long will I be in coaching?
  • This depends on what goals you have decided to work on, and the time it takes you to make progress. Most teens spend around 2-4 sessions with their coaches, but it could be longer, based on your specific goals.
  • 8. Will anyone know that I am participating in coaching?
  • The only people that will know are the people that you tell (unless you are younger than 16, then your parents will have to know).
  • 9. What if I have a crisis in between my coaching sessions?
  • Coaching sessions are not based on crisis situations. Therefore, if you have a crisis, you will be given resource numbers to call. The coaches will be available to you at your scheduled time. If you would like to talk to your coach before your next appointment, you may call the Coaching4Teens telephone number or send an email.
  • 10. Will I ever meet face-to-face with my coach?
  • No, you will only communicate with your coach through phone or email.
  • 11. How much does this cost?
  • This coaching service is free to you. The expenses are being funded through private donations of community leaders who are concerned about the stress teens are dealing with today.
  • 12. What if I feel I'm in crisis right now?
  • Call 615-460-4357 (this line is open 24/7) or find a trusted adult who can help you.