If we decide to proceed beyond the first free session, I will put together some options to choose from for ongoing engagement. To start, I ask my clients to start with a four-hour or six-hour package. The most common are weekly or biweekly sessions. Most of my clients choose one-hour sessions, but I can offer 90-minute and two-hour sessions as well. You can book sessions at your convenience with my easy-to-use system at whatever pace you like, though I ask that we try to meet at least once a month while you have active goals.

There are two ways we can structure our coaching engagement – goal-based or ongoing support.

If goal-based, we set a target date to achieve your goals, and when we get there, we celebrate! I won't try to talk you into ongoing sessions forever. We're here to get things done!

For ongoing support or multiple long-term goals, we measure progress as well and keep our eyes on the prize. But we leave room to explore and experiment along the way.

It’s my goal to make sure you walk away from every session with something helpful and valuable. That might be an experiment to try, a new plan, an idea, new way of thinking about something, or even just a feeling of positive progress.

Is this like therapy? How is it different?

I believe very strongly in therapy. I come from a family of therapists! While there are some similarities, coaching is not therapy. I do not dig deep into your past, though we may talk about past events to set context and understand the present. Our focus will be on where you are today, and I will help you set goals, understand your priorities, and take action. If I believe you would be better served by other helping professionals, such as a therapist, I will suggest that you seek help from people more suited to your needs.

Coaching can work well alongside therapy if your therapist approves. I will defer to their expertise in such situations.

What happens between sessions?

Between sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to apply the ideas and experiments we identify together. If we agree on some metrics or actions, you’ll be able to track those and enter their status in the CoachAccountable platform I use. If we decide to use a worksheet, my goal is to always make it something you can finish in less than 5 minutes. I might also suggest that you spend some time collecting thoughts and ideas through some simple exercises. Here are some examples I’ve used:

• Find 5-10 job postings that you find appealing, ignoring all of the required qualifications for the role. Search as if you’re finding the job for your future self in 5 or 10 years.

• Pick one of the central topics, themes, or goals that is important to you. Write it down. Now write down 5-10 ideas, parts, or influences that make up or impact the central idea. For example, if your center is a job promotion, you might write down reasons it’s important, things you know you need to work on, strengths, fears, benefits, or even related ideas.

• Take a simple character strengths assessment.

• Try out a new idea or experiment we identify in a session and journal about the experience and results. (Sharing with me is optional)

These are always optional, and I’ll never give you a hard time if you don’t complete them before our next session (unless you want me to).

What are your credentials?

I am proud to be certified with the International Coaching Federation. You can verify my certification. I began coaching formally in 2021, became Seattle Coach Certified in 2022, and earned my Associate Certified Coach credential in 2023.

I worked in the software industry from 2002 until 2022, and navigated several job family changes in that time. I've worked at tiny shops in rural states and also one of the biggest names in the industry. I've managed software teams and have helped new software engineers become strong, established ones. I've helped struggling developers gain confidence and competence. I've helped amazing developers become even better. I've guided people through promotions both on my team and as a mentor to people on other teams. I'm passionate about this aspect of my work, and that's why I became a Coach -- so I could focus on this part of my work, where I am the most passionate and most effective.

I was diagnosed with ADHD in college, and have been managing in the decades since. Despite this, I have had a successful, if sometimes chaotic, career. I have learned techniques for managing adult ADHD and enjoy helping others with ADHD learn to succeed and to find a path that works for them. However, I am not a medical professional, and cannot offer treatment for ADHD. My services are complementary to ongoing ADHD treatment.

OK, but how much does it cost?

It is very important to me for the value of our work to exceed the price you pay.

I have simplified my pricing to offer a consistent pricing regardless of our focus, but I offer discounts for purchasing packages of coaching sessions.

My base rate for individual, one-on-one coaching is currently $270 per session before applying package discounts.

I review and adjust my pricing periodically, so this may change. I operate on a pre-pay model, which means you never owe me money.

Where are you located?

I’m in Portland, OR. At present, I'm only doing Zoom appointments. If you are in the Portland area and would like to meet in-person, please contact me directly at ben@bentobin.com.