The pleasure of what? That's right. Yesterday I had the wonderful pleasure a coach experiences when a client no longer needs him or her. I'm so proud of my client! She has significantly improved her optimism and resiliency to the point that it's second nature. She experienced a number of deep problems that come from life and she bounced right back. In fact, she saw the good in them.
I started to work with this particular client as she was recovering from deep depression. As we worked through things we discovered that two areas that would make a significant impact on her were believing that good things in life could last, that negative things in life could be confined to a particular area of life and not necessarily spread to others, and from a spiritual perspective, truly believing that God was always within her and helping her live her divine purpose. After working together for several months we realized that the tests were showing her happiness level increasing, her depression level significantly decreasing, and her optimism levels going up. She felt happier and full of life.
Even though tests were showing higher levels, tests still seem to be detached from real life. Due to some scheduling conflicts we had not seeing each other for close to three or four weeks. In the meantime she had a number of pretty dramatic bad news, including physical things. She was able to face them, allow herself to feel whatever emotions were appropriate, but then was able to quickly pick herself up and move on. She is also growing in closeness with God. She is shinning God's Divine light.
At the end of our meeting we looked at each other and she said, "so, I guess I don't need you anymore!" As strange as that sounds, that gave me such happiness! We did decide to work together for a bit more and focus on how, as a parent, she can help her children live more optimistic lives...
It is so fulfilling to experience someone grow like that!
hector, are you a therapist or a spiritual director?
Posted by: ~m2~ | October 02, 2005 at 09:20 PM
wow what is your job, that is something to be proud of, how many clients do you have?
Posted by: jeff | October 03, 2005 at 05:56 PM
Hi Penni and Jeff, first thanks for visiting and second, sorry for my delay in responding. I'm on business travel in Colorado.
Like the name of the blog says, I am a Pastoral Coach. As a coach, I primarily help clients get clarity in their life: their values, purpose, goals, barriers and then help them put in place a plan to achieve those goals. I completed an intensive coaching program on Authentic Happiness instructed by some prominent people in the field of Positive Psychology, so my interest and specialty is happiness. How do we increase and maintain our feeling of joy, contentment, and satisfaction with life? How do we increase our optimism and resiliency? How do we live a life of meaning? How do we stay engaged?
I currently have 6 clients. With some we work on increasing their effectiveness and leadership at work, using servant leadership concepts. With some we focus on life purpose and happiness. With others we focus on spiritual growth and direction. I'm two classes short of my M.A. in Pastoral Theology. I found that every time I work with someone on life purpose, happiness, or balanced leadership, the spiritual and faith aspect always came up as a need. Hence the "Pastoral" aspect of the role (which I love!)
This is what I do in the evenings and weekends. You can read in the "About" link under my photo on what I do during the day.
I am not a therapist or counselor. They focus more on understanding the effects the past have on the present and healing past traumas. My focus is on the present and the future. My job is to help people realize their untapped potential and create a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life.
I hope you were not just looking for a yes or no answer... :)
Posted by: Hector | October 03, 2005 at 07:36 PM
love explanations, hector - no need to apologize :)
now i am wondering: how long is the commute? what a wonderful thing you offer your clients and i know we are lacking of that 'round here...
peace, Mr. #1. i am jealous, i am :)
Posted by: ~m2~ | October 04, 2005 at 04:30 AM
Thanks Penni. If you or someone you know is ever in need of Pastoral Coaching, just send me an e-mail and we can talk. Coaching is routinenly done over the phone and I have a website with a secured site for my clients and I to callaborate.
Peace!
Posted by: Hector | October 05, 2005 at 12:43 AM