Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to help you feel confident, informed, and supported as you begin your coaching journey.
Your website mentions women a lot – do you also see men?
Absolutely, and thank you for asking. I have aimed my marketing at women as I feel that is where I can add most value, but men share some of the main issues, and I can absolutely help with mental health and wellbeing, career challenges, and getting ready for the next phase of your life.
I’m not sure whether life coaching is for me.
That’s totally understandable on so many levels. It’s about timing, whether it “feels” right, and whether I am the right person to help you achieve your goals.
Feel free to browse what’s in my shop, as this will give you a feel for some of the conversations we will have, and you’re also welcome to book a Discovery Call with me. It’s absolutely free, and it gives you a chance to get all your questions and concerns off your chest so that you can decide if this is the path for you.
You keep mentioning mid-life- I’m not old but I’d love some coaching!
That’s great, drop me a message or book a discovery call, and we can look at the support you need. Mid-life is my speciality, partly because it’s where I live lol, but I provide coaching for all adults over 21. I am not trained in coaching for children or teenagers, which is why I set 21 as my minimum age.
Also, did you know mid-life technically begins at 38? Scary.
How would you describe your coaching style?
My style is centred around one of Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People : “seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
My role is to help you untangle your thoughts, your quarries, your questions, your dilemmas – and I can only do that by listening. So expect me to ask a lot of questions, and make a lot of notes. Some of the questions will be challenging, and designed to make you pause and really get to the bottom of what’s keeping you stuck.
I’m structured, but informal, and I’m told I’m a great listener and easy to get along with. I will be honest with you – and straight talking – and most of all, non-judgemental. You are in a safe space whenever we have a conversation.
Is everything we discuss confidential?
Absolutely. I will never share the content of our sessions with anyone. The only exception is if I think you are a danger to yourself or others, and in those circumstances I am obligated to get you the specific help you need.
How is a life coach different from a therapist?
This is a great question. Life coaches, therapists, counsellors and psychologists all have some things in common – we have undertaken training, we listen, and our focus is on helping you. It’s how we go about it that’s different.
To be able to help you, I need to know where you’re at, but I don’t need to dig deep and deal with your trauma or unresolved issues in your past. A life coach focuses on listening to how your life is now, finding out how you would like it to be, and then helping you chart the course from A to B, and holding you accountable for progress. It’s more action and outcome-focussed than the other professions.
How would you describe a life coach?
Oh I think we wear many hats. At various times, I’ll be your cheerleader, your champion, your voice of reason, your mentor, and I’ll be the person who holds you accountable for taking the actions to get you to where you’ve decided you want to be.
A great life coach listens, empathises, doesn’t judge and is prepared to ask challenging questions. We are supportive and empathetic and we hold your hand as we guide you towards your end goal.
Are your sessions only online?
I chose an online model for a variety of reasons. We all lead very busy lives, and I personally much prefer having online appointments with other professionals as they save me travel time and the stress of parking.
I also think Covid changed how we all interact, and hopefully most people are now comfortable with online technology.
Finally, it means that I can help people all over the country, not just near where I live.
That said, if you live in the North West and you’d prefer to come and see me in person, you are absolutely welcome to do so, as long as you like cats 😉
I want to book in, but I’m struggling to find a time when we’re both available.
We are all busy people, and scheduling can sometimes be tricky. If you can’t see a booking slot at a date or time you really want, just drop me a message and I’m sure we can work something out.
I try to limit myself to about 6 sessions a week so that I am always fresh and able to give you my best, but I am happy to tweak my schedule when I can.
Equally, if you want to go on a shortlist in case I have a last minute cancellation, just let me know.
I want to book one of the lengthier packages, but I can’t pay for it all upfront.
I understand that, and I’m glad that you’re keen to get the ball rolling. Drop me a message and we can discuss some options to get you started and to spread the cost.