Coaching: It's not fluff and it really works.
I've talked with a lot of programmers about coaching, and I understand that you might feel like coaching is some light-weight substitute for therapy, or that it's a bunch of new-age snake oil. I also know that I've helped a lot of programmer achieve their goals, and they were all glad that they had a coach to help them. So let me tell you a little about coaching: what it is and what it isn't.
It's Not Therapy
I don't do therapy - I'm not trained or licensed for it, and I don't think it's effective for achieving your goals. Therapy assumes that the client is broken in some way and tries to fix him, but coaching assumes that the client has the resources to achieve great things, and just needs help in planning and staying focused. So I'll never ask you about your relationship with your parents, but I may well ask you how you plan to get the Java training you need for the next promotion. That's why it's not therapy.
It's Not New-Age Fluff
Look, I know that there are "coaches" out there who rely on cosmic energy, astrology, and ancient knowlege from Atlantis. I've met them too, and they're an embarassment to me. On behalf of my profession I apologize for them.
But that's not what I do! I spent a long time learning the psychological theory of coaching along with the appropriate techniques, and I know exactly why it's so effective. Coaching is an outgrowth of "client centered" therapy, a style developed by Carl Rogers in the 1950's and 1960's; it's not therapy, but it shares the same client-centered view: that you are basically a healthy, integrated person, that you already have the resources and knowledge to reach your goals, and that my task is just to help you focus your talents in a productive way.
The best way to teach is by example, so please read this example of a short coaching session, so that you get an idea of what it is like. Pay attention to the way the coach treats the client with respect, and helps her to her own solution, rather than simply telling her what to do.
Coaching in Practice
I work almost exclusively over the telephone, without ever meeting my clients face to face; sometimes we're separated by oceans and continents, but it feels as though we're in the same room. I know, I didn't believe it at first, and it may seem strange to be working with someone you can't see, but everyone gets used to it, because coaches are trained to use their voice to communicate more than words. Coaches are also trained to listen to the meanings behind the words you are using, and can read the tone of your voice as naturally as you could read someone's face. Trust me, it really does work well, and it is much more convenient than having to come in to my office. You can be coached in any setting you want, even if you're still in pajamas and fuzzy slippers.
Still Skeptical?
If you're having trouble believing this, I don't blame you - it's a big leap from programming to coaching. But contact me and give it a try, you've got nothing to lose and a lot to gain.