FAQ

Where are you located?

That’s the beauty… it doesn’t really matter where I’m located because I do virtually all my work either online via ZOOM or over the phone. I’ve been doing it that way for years, even before it became popular!

If you’re just curious, I live in Santa Monica and travel to and from New York frequently, so I’m generally coaching from Los Angeles or New York.

Online coaching seems so impersonal. Is it really as effective as in person?

I get this question a lot. I think the answer to this is based on personal preference. I can tell you from my personal experience that online coaching is just as effective as in-person coaching – sometimes even more effective. Of course, that goes for coaching over the phone, too.

My clients actually prefer the online option. It’s obviously more convenient because you don’t have to drive, you can schedule one hour out of your day for a one-hour session (you don’t have to figure in drive time), and there’s something “safe” about being in the familiar setting of your home or office.

I'm ZOOMED OUT! Can we meet over the phone?

YES, of course. In fact, about half of my clients prefer the phone over ZOOM. We can do it however you like. You pick. We can even switch it up week to week if you prefer.

How does the whole online thing work?

As I said, we can meet either by phone or online. You choose. We can experiment and see what works for you. We can even switch off from week to week. So, if you just roll out of bed one morning and you’re not in the mood to be on video that day, no worries. We’ll jump on a call.

How do I schedule an appointment?

That’s easy. Pick one of the following:

Call me: (323) 638-4014,

Email me: contact@michaelmargolin.com,

Or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.

How long are sessions?

Sessions last 55 minutes.

How often do we meet?

We meet once a week for an hour, four times per month. Every few months, there is a fifth week, so I take that week off from coaching and give you the chance to recharge. This is in service of both of us (you’re welcome). Once we start working together, I will provide you with a calendar of those “fifth weeks,” so you’ll know those days off in advance.

Do you assign homework?

Well, I don’t “assign” anything, and I certainly don’t call it “homework.” I’m not your teacher. I’m not your boss. I’m your partner.

I do, however, collaborate with my clients to co-create “practices” to work on between sessions. As brilliant as I like to think my coaching during our sessions might be, the truth is that most of the growth and transformation come BETWEEN the sessions.

Discovering new boundaries of awareness is cool. Nobody likes a good “A-HA” moment more than I do, but without your PRACTICING, showing up differently, and doing things differently in your day-to-day life, nothing really changes. It’s kind of like taking guitar lessons: You discover, learn, and practice a little during the session, but mastery comes from the practice between sessions. That’s when it becomes part of you.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

Ah… good question. Well, there isn’t just one answer to this. Therapists will see it one way; if you ask five different coaches, you’re likely to get five different answers.

Here’s the right answer: 😉

The ICF (International Coach Federation) notes that therapy generally deals with the past and includes some sort of healing modality, treating trauma, past wounds, and diagnosed psychological disorders.

As a coach, I regard you as whole, powerful, and resourceful. I work with you in the present and future to create a future that you desire. As a coach, I will not “treat” you. Healing may and often does occur, but it is not the goal.

I like to look at therapy as the defense and coaching as the offense.

In terms of the coaching sessions themselves, if you’ve ever had therapy, the experience of a coaching session may feel similar in that you will drive the agenda, and I will listen and ask questions. The difference, again, is that we will be looking to create your future… rather than heal wounds from your past.

What's the difference between coaching and consulting?

This is another place where you’ll likely get different answers from different types of coaches. The main difference is that consultants will tell you what they think you should do. So, for example, if you hire a marketing consultant, they will be an expert in marketing (hopefully) and tell you what to do in that part of your business.

I am not an expert in your business or your life. I take it that YOU either have the answers or know how to get the answers. Really, who am I (or anyone else) to tell you what to do?

Will you give me advice or tell me what to do?

Nope!

Well, will you give me your opinion, at least?

HA! It depends on how good you are… or how much you wear me down. 🙂

I generally try not to give my opinion on what my clients should or shouldn’t do. I will point to things you’ve said, who you are, and what I see, but I won’t tell you my opinion. I intend to stay “off the court” and not bring any of my biases to our work.

I’m not a guru. I don’t know better than you.

If you don't tell me what to do, what DO you do?

HA!! Yes… another good question. I often wonder that myself!

No… I act as your partner. Not your boss. Not your teacher. Not the expert.

I will act as the most powerful mirror you’ve ever looked at in your life. You’ll see exactly what you’re doing and who you’re being.

I will hold space for you to explore. I will ask powerful questions. I will stand for you to show up as the very best version of yourself so that you can create the life you want. I will call you on your BS, but ultimately I will have your back.

I’m big on personal responsibility, agency, ownership, etc. It’s not in your interest for me to tell you what to do. It robs you of your power.

I get how this can be frustrating for some. But, honestly, if you’re looking for someone to tell you what to do, I get it… but I’m probably not your guy.

What's your dog's name?

His name is “The Dude.” Occasionally, in casual settings, I’ll address him as just “Dude” without the “The,” but his formal name on his collar and in his vet records is “The Dude.”

What do I do to get started?

The first step is to schedule a one-hour complimentary discovery call to see if we’re a fit. If we are, we can talk about what it would look like to work together.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not.

What is a free initial phone consultation?

This is a one-hour call where we get to know each other. Then, we’ll see if we’re a coaching match. That is, you’ll see if you’re comfortable working with me, and I’ll see the same… and if I think I can support you in reaching your goals and creating the life you want. If we’re a match, we’ll talk about what it looks like to work together.

What age range do you work with?

I have coached clients in their teens up to clients in their 60s. However, most of my clients tend to range from their late 30s to late 50s.

Is our work confidential?

Yes. Absolutely. I will break confidentiality if I believe you to be a threat to yourself or others. Otherwise, I will hold our work completely confidential. One point to clarify is that the confidentiality is mine to hold. You can share whatever you’d like about our work.

Have you been in therapy yourself?

Yes, quite a bit. I have a coach, and I’ve done a lot of therapeutic work. I consider it my obligation to do this work myself to be self-aware enough not to let any biases or “my stuff” influence our work.

What is your educational background?

I went to the University of Wisconsin for undergrad, where I got a BA in International Relations. Then, I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern California. I was trained as a coach through Accomplishment Coaching, an ICF (International Coaching Federation) Accredited Coach Training Program, and certified as a PCC (Professional Certified Coach).