What is coaching? The International Coaching Federation defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership". In practical terms, coaching is a series of conversations that happen between the coach and coachee. These conversations support the coachee to identify and to progress towards their goals in a more effective way than if they were going it alone. [Back to top]

How could coaching benefit me? The International Coaching Federation says “We all have goals we want to reach, challenges we’re striving to overcome and times when we feel stuck. Partnering with a coach can change your life, setting you on a path to greater personal and professional fulfillment”. Coaching can provide the coachee with the time and space to explore their goals, their challenges and their motivation to get to where they want to be. It can also be a regular check-in which can help with accountability and reflection when working towards goals. [Back to top]

I have had mentoring/therapy/training before, is coaching the same? Coaching is distinct from counselling, therapy, training and mentoring (all of which are recognised, appreciated and have their place). Coaching is a series of conversations that aim to enable and empower the coachee to identify their goals, how they want to get there, and what they require to make that happen. All the decisions are the coachee's to own. And though we may discuss personal aspects of the coachee's life, if I feel they would benefit from a different form of support, I will discuss this with them. [Back to top]

Who do you coach? I am able to coach any UK based adult, from any background, with no judgement or preconception. We may or may not have had similar experiences or careers, this is not a prerequisite. I am here to listen and work with you towards your goals, and these will be unique for every person. [Back to top]

How do I know if you are the right coach for me? Before you make a decision about working with me as your coach, we can chat via email and then, if appropriate, have a complimentary “chemistry” session. In this session we will find out more about each other, coaching in general and also what your specific needs are. There is no obligation following this meeting to continue. Everyone is unique and has varying requirements, and we both need to be sure that the dynamic and fit is right. If we both feel this is a good fit, then we can discuss the type and number of sessions you would like. Please use the Contact page to get in touch. [Back to top]

What happens in the coaching sessions? The coaching sessions are a series of conversations. The topics covered will range from goal setting to reflections. The coach will ask the coachee questions that enable them to think through their goals, options and path towards where they want to be. In some cases, some tools and models might be used, and these would be discussed with the coachee. The coachee is welcome to take notes during the session, though electronic recording is prohibited. As Julie Starr writes “An effective coaching conversation influence’s someone’s understanding, learning, behaviour and progress.” [Back to top]

Where will we meet for coaching sessions? The 1-1 sessions are held online using Microsoft Teams for your convenience and flexibility. You will be sent a calendar invite in advance of the session once booked. To access the session you will need a device, e.g. laptop or tablet, and a good internet connection. If you are on a PC, you can access Teams via a browser or installed version. If you are on a phone, you will need to download Teams. You can find out more about using Teams here. [Back to top]

Are the sessions confidential? Individual coaching conversations are held in confidence. If anything arises that leads me to be concerned about your safety or wellbeing, others’ safety or wellbeing, or potential serious illegality, I have a professional duty to protect individuals. I may thus have to reveal such information to protect individuals. Unless instructed by law, I would discuss the issue with you and how we should manage the situation together. [Back to top]

How many sessions will I need? This varies person by person, but usually a block of six sessions over a maximum period of six months would allow time for actions and results to take place. However, sometimes a single standalone session could be useful, as would a bespoke block or series of sessions. I am happy to discuss this on an individual basis to find what works best for you. [Back to top]

How much do the sessions cost? The cost of the sessions varies depending on whether you are a corporate or private client, as well as the number of sessions you are booking. We can discuss this in our “chemistry” session or via email. Please use the Contact page to get in touch. [Back to top]

What is your cancellation and refund policy if I change my mind? If you become unavailable for a booked session, we can rearrange for an alternative slot, please email me to do this. My commitment is to complete our work in a spirit of mutual trust, to be flexible, and to not impose financial penalties. However, after the first cancellation, I will ask you to cover the cost of any subsequent cancellations, unless you provide 7 days notice. If at any time, you feel the coaching is not working for you, or your situation changes, you can cancel the remainder of the sessions by emailing me, and I will refund the remaining sessions cost minus ten percent. [Back to top]

I want to go ahead, what happens first? The first step is to get in touch so we can discuss your requirements. Please see the Contact page for more information. I look forward to talking with you. [Back to top]

Further Questions and Contact Information

If you have any further questions or want to discuss your requirements, please get in touch using the details on the Contact page. I look forward to talking with you.