How does coaching work?

A key belief that underpins coaching is that we already have the answers we need within us. My role is to help my clients find these answers. This is done through a number of conversational techniques including questioning, active listening, observation and reflecting back.

When these techniques are used, clients gain greater self-awareness and often an insight they hadn’t seen previously. Having a non-biased, non-judgmental person available to provide focused attention gives you the space to understand how to move forward.

What are the benefits of coaching?

Working with a coach offers a number of benefits. Regardless of your aims, dedicating time and space to personal/professional development helps to improve confidence and a sense of self-worth.

If you’re feeling lost or unsure about something, coaching provides clarity, direction and focus. If you’re struggling to make a change, coaching helps increase your self-awareness and both understand and change certain behaviours.

If you’re finding it difficult to motivate yourself and make things happen in your life or work, coaching can offer accountability and help you define your purpose. And finally, if you simply need to learn a new skill (from sports to building emotional resilience) coaching can help accelerate your learning.

Coaching relies on the coachee’s commitment to the process and an open, honest relationship with the coach.

What is the difference between coaching and counselling?

Coaching focuses more on the client in the here and now and conducts sessions with the future as the central point to encourage personal development and self-improvement. Counselling is a form of talking therapy associated with assessing the individual in the here and now, but working to determine past events that have contributed to their client’s current struggles. A counsellor will help clients develop coping mechanisms and strategies to move forward with their life.

The main difference between counselling and coaching is that counselling can investigate the underlying causes of mental health problems. Coaches are not (unless specified) qualified to diagnose or treat any health-related problems, although if the situation arises they may suggest you see a GP.

Some of my clients have come to me after experiencing counselling and they are at a stage where they want to focus on moving forward.

In coaching, we focus on the future, because no matter what has happened in the past, any person can make it better and learn to achieve, grow and be more fulfilled.

Are your services confidential?

Yes, completely, providing we are not discussing current criminal offences! All files and personal details are kept securely, and no information is disclosed. Occasionally I may speak about a coaching session with a Coaching Supervisor, but any information shared with in this manner is always anonymised.

Are my contact details passed on to anyone else?

No.

How does online coaching work?

Zoom is the platform I use to coach people online. I will arrange a secure Zoom room for us to meet in. I recommend having the Zoom app downloaded to your laptop/mac/device. You don’t have to have an amazing webcam – whatever is built into your device will do! I use a system called Coach Accountable to hold my clients’ files and that is where you can access your notes and any exercises you have been set to do between sessions.

Does online coaching work as well as face to face coaching?

Yes! You get to be coached at a time and location suited to you – sitting in your car during a lunch break, in your sunny garden, or your spare room. You can even be coached when you are away on holiday if you want to! As long as you have internet connection and you are somewhere you feel you talk openly without distraction – you can be coached online. If your wifi isn’t working we can also do telephone coaching.

With online coaching you also get to choose from a wider range of coaches, rather than being restricted to someone who works geographically close. For people in the South of the UK this can also have financial implications as coaching fees (particularly in London) are often much more expensive, with some coaches charging up to £150 per session.

How long is a session?

My sessions are 60 minutes but give yourself at least 90 minutes in case we overrun. Some coaches will stop a session no matter what you are talking about at the 60 minute mark. If we are in the middle of something important I would rather you get what you need out of the session and take a bit longer if we need to.

How do I pay?

My clients pay by bank transfer – my bank account details can be found in the coaching agreement and invoice. Payment is due 48 hours before the session to secure your appointment.

How much does it cost?

My current coaching fees are £70 per session.

How many coaching sessions will I need?

You can have as many or as few coaching sessions as you like. Most clients block book 10 sessions initially – and start off having a session per week for the first 6 weeks followed by fortnightly sessions thereafter. But it is entirely up to you!

Do you do discovery calls?

Yes! These are a free, no obligation discussion where we can find out more about each other. A discovery session allows you to find out more about me and my services, and allows me to find out more about you and your coaching needs and expectations. It also gives us the opportunity to see if we would work well together. Coaching is a collaborative process and won't work unless we can work well together! You can arrange a discovery call here.

How do you know what I should do with my life if I don’t know?

I don’t. But I do know how to help you do your best thinking, come to thoughtful decisions and make things happen. Many coaches, including me, will offer various exercises and techniques that can be helpful with respect to positive thinking, confidence, self-belief and effective communication. Also – you do know what to do – we just need to unlock those thoughts!

Why do some testimonials only have initials rather than full names?

Coaching is confidential by nature. Many clients wish to offer a testimonial while maintaining their confidentiality.

What coaching qualifications do you have?

I have a diploma in Transformational Coaching from Animas Centre for Coaching. This is an ICF accredited course from the UK's top life coaching school. Tranformational coaching facilitates growth and change on a deeper and longer lasting level than other forms of coaching. It draws on the best of various coaching models to create a distinct form of coaching suitable for a huge range of purposes. Therefore, it is not in competition with any other forms of coaching; rather it utilises the best of every type.