FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. WHAT IS A SHIFT-IT RETREAT?
SHIFT-IT™ is a graphically facilitated 1.5-day retreat for one (or two). It is a very rare opportunity to have the power and impact of my unique Visual Coaching skills focused on YOU and YOUR LIFE.
Your retreat is a private, confidential place to figure out what YOU want to create next in your life. Outer changes are preceded by inner changes. SHIFT-IT sorts out your thoughts, determines what you really, really want, busts through your limiting beliefs and resistance and organizes your actions. You emerge clear, focused and excited … knowing what you want and equipped with a tactical action plan to get there. After the retreat, we continue our alliance via implementation coaching by phone.
Your SHIFT-IT RETREAT Package includes:
• Initial Exploratory Call
• 1.5 days of Private, In-Person Coaching
• Customized SHIFT-IT Process®
• SHIFT-IT Home Retreat Kit (mailed in advance)
• Meeting Space and Visual Supplies
• Lunch and Break Snacks
• Visual Report Summary
• 3 Post-Retreat Tele-Coaching Sessions (45 minutes each)
2. WHO ARE SHIFT-IT RETREATS FOR? HOW MANY PEOPLE?
Typical workshops pool a group of individuals together whereas SHIFT-IT is a workshop just for YOU. These retreats are for ONE or TWO people … individuals, business partners, or couples. SHIFT-IT attracts innovative leaders, entrepreneurs and self-starters who know the critical importance of getting clear internally before creating change externally. Some have experienced the visual methodology in larger business settings and value the opportunity to apply it to their own, individual situation. Others have heard about the service via referrals from other satisfied clients.
3. WHAT IS THE AGENDA AND PROCESS?
Over the course of 1.5 days we doodle our way through my signature SHIFT-IT System®. We work large and ‘at the wall’ (you in the comfy chair and me ‘at the wall’ literally drawing your answers out of you).
Sometimes we use smaller size SHIFT-IT templates too.
Taking breaks along the way so you can stroll down to the park, ocean or over to the local coffee shops … integrating your thoughts, feelings and inspirations.
For a detailed explanation of The SHIFT-IT System click here (I tailor the process according to your unique needs based off of our discussion in your initial Exploratory Call).
Detailed Action Plan
Owning Her Magnetism Map
Below is a typical agenda. The half-day can be flexible: either the first day or the second, depending on your travel schedule.
Day One: (Thursday)
Morning Session (10:00-1:00)
Welcome, Crossroad Issues, Life Mapping
Lunch Together (1:00-2:30)
Coaching/Mentoring Continues over Lunch at Great Restaurant
Afternoon Session (2:30-5:00 ish)
Visioning, Law of Attraction and Resistance
Day Two: (Friday)
Morning Session (10:00-1:00)
Reflections, Action Plan, Closure
Post Retreat:
Implementation Coaching:
3 Tele-Coaching Sessions (45 minutes each)
Please be prepared for end times to be slightly flexible
4. WHAT ABOUT SCHEDULING, TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION?
Scheduling:
Retreats are usually conducted Thursdays and Fridays. Alternative days are sometimes possible depending on my schedule. During our initial Exploratory Call, we discuss scheduling and I provide you with several upcoming options to choose from. How quickly your retreat can be scheduled depends on both our schedules – usually 4-6 weeks in advance although occasionally I have availability to do sooner. Dates are secured upon receipt of your payment (or beginning of payment plan).
Retreat Location:
SHIFT-IT Retreats are held in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada at a central downtown meeting location (I use several locations and which ones depends on timing and availability). As soon as a location is finalized you are notified with address and directions (within walking or short cab-ride from downtown / Inner Harbour area hotels). The fee for the meeting space is included in your retreat package.
Accommodation:
Victoria has a full range of hotels and other accommodations to choice from. Accommodation is not included in your retreat fee therefore you need to make your own arrangements. For links to accommodation resources to aid in your selection, please see Travel & Hotel Info
Travel:
Victoria, B.C. is located on Vancouver Island, off the west coast of British Columbia and Washington State.
Victoria hosts an international airport and has well serviced transportation links from both Vancouver B.C. and Seattle, WA. This international airport is 40 minutes from the city core. Rental cars, shuttle van service, and taxis are all available for transport from the airport to downtown Victoria. Taxi fares are approximately $40 CND. Airporter Shuttle bus is approximately $17 (250) 386-2525. Some ferries, floatplanes and helicopter services also arrive right in the city’s downtown harbour.
For more details, please see: Travel & Hotel Info
5. I SEE OTHER PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET IDENTIFYING THEMSELVES AS SHIFT-IT OR VISUAL COACHES TOO. HOW COME? WHO IS BEST FOR ME TO WORK WITH?
I am the original SHIFT-IT Coach. The work originated out of my background in Organizational Development & Transformation, graphic facilitation, coaching, Law of Attraction and other influences (article on my journey with Visual Coaching). Since 2010 I have been certifying other coaches, therapists, etc. in my process, tools and the overall way of working visually.
I am pleased to attract wonderful process professionals from around the world to Visual Coach Certification. Through them SHIFT-IT and Visual Coaching are spreading far and wide — and doing great work in the world. Something I’m honored to be a part of. I am very particular about who is admitted into my program and there is a rigorous training and exam process to successfully graduate. Certified Visual Coaches in good standing are listed on the Visual Coach Directory.
As for who is the best person to work with, I suggest you shop around. And go with the person who feels the best fit to you and your particular needs. There is lovely diversity in geography, background and approach throughout the coaches. Just because I’m the originator doesn’t mean that I’m the best coach for you. Follow your gut, it always knows!
6. DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING SPECIFIC TO PREPARE?
SHIFT-IT is a special time for you to step back and look at the big picture of your life and direction. You have your answers inside of you, so there is nothing specifically that you need to do to prepare except to relax and trust that your answers will be there. You may find yourself daydreaming, looking through old photo albums and reminiscing. Or you may find yourself so busy that you don’t give your retreat much thought until you get here. Either approach is fine. Just trust yourself and your own unique style. There are no right or wrong ways of doing this work, only what is uniquely right for you.
Should you care to review it beforehand, we will send you The SHIFT-IT Home Retreat Kit in advance. This is the process we do together, when you arrive – tweaked to your specific needs. Remember to bring your Kit with you when you come!
7. I’M IN, HOW DO WE PROCEED?
Our next step is to have an exploratory phone call to answer any of your remaining questions and to determine if we’d like to work together. To schedule this complimentary call simply email my assistant at admin@shift-it-coach.com and she’ll send you a scheduling invite to pick a convenient time to speak. Should we wish to proceed, we’ll sort out dates and I’ll send you a Memo of Understanding outlining our agreements. Upon receipt of your fee (or beginning of payment plan) your dates will be officially reserved.
I look forward to our call.
Christina Merkley
The SHIFT-IT Coach and Interactive-Visuals Mentor
® All Rights Reserved. SHIFT-IT Coach, Inc.
