This is my ministry as a professionally trained certified Christian Life Coach.


Q. What is Life Coaching?

A. Good question. Coaching is an ongoing unique relationship which focuses on clients taking action toward the realization of their visions, goals and dreams. Coaching uses the process of inquiry and personal discovery to build the client’s level of awareness and responsibility and provides the client with structure, support and feedback. It is a quick, focused process that is goal and action-oriented.

Q. What is Christian Life Coaching?

A. As a Catholic Christian with 16+ years of experience in pastoral ministry and a M.A. in Theology, as well as professional coach training, I bring all of my pastoral experience, formal knowledge and Christian faith to the coaching session. So, if during the session, I am reminded of a particular scripture passage or a teaching of Jesus that is appropriate and may help my client I will to refer to it, such as “Be not afraid, I am with you always.”

Q. Can you give me a couple of examples that your clients have worked on?

A. Sure. I start with an exercise called the Wheel of Life to help my client focus on a particular area that they want to work on. My client may want to improve their communication skills with a spouse, friend or employer. Some clients want to change their negative thinking because it is draining their energy; others want to increase their spiritual awareness and God’s working in their daily life. A client may want to move his or her career forward or change jobs but doesn’t know how. They may need help with their own health and aging problems; or support while taking care of their elderly parents and/or their children. Self esteem and self confidence issues are common.

Q. Are you an expert in all of these areas?

A. No. I believe that my clients have the answers within themselves; they know their life better than I do. Therefore, my role as their coach is to listen on many different levels: to what they say, to what they don’t say, and to clarify and confirm what I heard them say. Through specific coaching skills and tools such as acknowledgment and validation, clarifying their goals, journaling their life story and envisioning their future life, and assessment models, coaching helps the client achieve their goals.

Walt Disney said “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”

When the client knows that there is someone to support, encourage and direct them in their journey they are more likely to continue the journey and reach their destination.

Q. How often do you meet with your coaching clients?

A. Coaching is usually done on a weekly basis by telephone. We ask for a three month commitment because it is normal for people to be excited and enthusiastic at the beginning of a new process. As they get deeper into the process they may get tired and sometimes frustrated. The time commitment helps a coaching client to experience the feelings of accomplishment and success which build day-by-day through the coaching process.

After the three month commitment the coaching sessions can be adjusted according to the desires of the client. Some clients continue on a weekly basis, some clients will switch to every two weeks, or monthly, to maintain their level of achievement.

Q. What happens if a client decides that coaching is not for them?

A. Every client has a 30-day money back guarantee. If they decide not to continue with the coaching all they have to do is notify the coach within the first 30-days and the coaching fee will be gladly refunded.

Q. Do I need to find a coach close to me?

A. Geographical distance is not a problem in coaching. Almost all coaching is done over the telephone in weekly half-hour sessions. The client also has unlimited e-mail access should they have a question or challenge during the week.

Q. What makes coaching so successful?

A. We create a situation whereby the client begins with small steps which lead to small successes. Success breeds encouragement and, subsequently, more success. The level of success depends on the client.

Q. What do you mean success depends on the client?

A. The key to coaching involves creating a mutually agreed upon goal-oriented plan of action which requires the client be fully engaged in the process. At the end of every coaching session the client will have specific action steps to take during the week and report back to the coach during the next session. Mutual accountability and responsibility are key aspects of coaching.

Q. What happens if a client does not do their action steps?

A. Mutual trust, honesty and respect are part of the foundation of a coaching relationship. All discussions and e-mails are held in confidence. The reasons why a client was not able to complete their action steps for the week are varied. I would again remind the client of their responsibility in this relationship, and that we are working to achieve his or her goals. If they have encountered a challenge, we will discuss it and make any adjustments needed to their action plan.

Q. What do you mean encounter a challenge?

A. A challenge is a block or wall that they were not able to overcome or deal with. Such as those little voices of the past they tell you, “you’re not smart enough”; or “you will never succeed; why bother.” These are sometimes referred to as ‘gremlins’. Through the coaching process we discuss those gremlins and change the message into a positive message. “I am smart enough to make changes in my life. I can succeed in life and I will work toward it.”

The client may also be living under false assumptions or limiting beliefs that were appropriate in the past but are not true or appropriate as adults. Through the coaching process we discuss those assumptions and limiting beliefs and work to change them into the reality of today. When we were children we were treated as children; when we are adults we need to act as adults.

Q. What happens if someone has deeper problems than you are trained to handle?

A. For a myriad of reasons such as unresolved issues from the past, an individual may be uncoachable. My client and I would discuss the situation and, if necessary, I would refer the client to another professional, such as a psychotherapist.

If you have further questions, or are ready to join the Referral Program all you have to do is:

Call Marie E. Biringer, Certified Christian Life Coach at 973-627-2806.
E-mail me at marie@reach-for-the-stars-spiritual-coaching.com

Thank you for your time. Please be assured of my prayers for you and your ministry.