Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coaching?

 

​The Coaching industry has emerged over the past 25 years as a powerful competency, dedicated to helping people lead, develop and meet personal and professional goals, while building motivation, self-efficacy, resilience and performance in order to sustain positive change in complex times. 

 

Research shows clearly that even in sports that rely on superior physical conditioning, the athlete with the best mental game is most likely to perform to excellence.

 

The press often speaks of the professional athlete choking, or failing mentally. Most amateurs allow themselves to avoid the truth of a failed race and blame it on external factors. Few athletes train sufficiently when it comes to the psychological side of the game. In the world of motivation there are many myths and half-truths. Pam is not only formally qualified in this field, but has years of experience, spanning involvement in the cauldron of pressure that is professional sport. She has a way to show you how to become the toughest competitor out there in your field of battle.



What Happens in A Typical Session with Pam?

 

​Individual sessions are designed to help you work on the mental strength you bring to your life. In a 45 – 60 minute weekly session we will: check-in regarding your life during the week to assess where you succeeded with your mental approach; follow-up with any techniques you put to use; go over any ‘homework’ you did regarding written exercises; continue to develop your mental preparation routine; teach and practice new mental skills strategies as needed; plan for upcoming athletic events, games or performance events; trouble shoot and problem solve any unexpected issues that have cropped up.



Do I Have to Have A 'Problem' to benefit?

 

​No. Fixing problems or working through particular life challenges is only a part of building your mental strength. Even the leaders in business and athletes in the world will tell you that they are always learning. This applies to mental skills as well as physical skills. Clients who want to excel take advantage of every tool possible to succeed – this includes mental techniques.

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How is mental skills training different from the teaching my personal trainer, boss, or mentor provides?

 

Your personal trainer teaches you how to move effectively – physical skills, position, timing, concepts and philosophy of training, use of aids, setting priorities and goals for the course or test, etc. A boss manages you and shows you what needs to be done.  A mentor offers you experiential skills and history to an issue or problem.  A Performance Coach does not teach you how to train, or physically perform in competition or how to do your job.



A Performance Coach teaches performance strategies to help you effectively accomplish the skills you have learned. Mental skills training puts emphasis on the use of mental techniques in preparing for your life as well as your focus, thoughts, and awareness during your living your life.



Are phone sessions different than in-person appointments?

 

Phone sessions contain the same information and structure as in-person appointments. Success rates are identical. Skype sessions are an additional option.



How many sessions are recommended?

 

Mental skills training is a collaborative process. Typically a series of 6 – 10 weekly sessions are recommended to produce lasting results. Once a strong foundation of awareness and skills has been established, the client may continue with periodic tune-ups or preparation for specific competitions.



Can I call from an event or a business meeting?

 

Phone sessions, email, and texts are all possible to support the athlete or businessmen who is away at an event. Sessions can be scheduled prior to leaving, in addition to as needed appointments (based on availability).



What kind of contact is best for parents, coaches, or trainers to have with Pam?

 

For the junior athlete or client, input from both parents coaches, trainers can provide useful information. It is valuable for Pam to get a well-rounded picture of the client to better assess their mental strengths and areas for improvement. For the amateur or professional athlete, input from the trainer can also help Pam isolate specific mental skills that can help the athlete perform at a consistently high level.



Although Pam maintains confidentiality regarding specific session content, the client is always encouraged to share as much as with their parents, partners, and trainer(s) as they feel comfortable. In addition, she will give general feedback to parents when requested.



Are follow-up sessions offered after clinics or workshops?

 

Follow-up phone or in-person appointments are encouraged and can be a terrific way to further personalize the material covered in the group setting.



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