Coaching for women who want clarity, confidence and calm
For over 23 years, Kate James has been offering coaching in Melbourne. Her clients are leaders, business owners, introverts and creatives who want to find direction, overcome perfectionism and live in alignment with their true values. Almost all of the women she works with experience self-doubt or feel ‘not good enough’ at times.
Working together will help you to:
- deepen your understanding of yourself
- feel more confident
- gain clarity about your direction
- learn how to be a little kinder to yourself
- set healthy boundaries
- restore your energy if you’ve been feeling depleted
- navigate change in a courageous but mindful way
- live a life with greater purpose and meaning.
“For the first time in my life, I felt truly seen.”
Andrea
The women I work with
I work with women from all walks of life. Some are leaders, many are women starting their own business or side-project, others are women transitioning into retirement. Most describe themselves as sensitive, introverted, perfectionistic or feeling a sense of ‘imposter syndrome’ at times. You may also find that some of the following qualities resonate.
- You know how to fit into mainstream culture, but sometimes feel that there’s something missing.
- You have a vigilant inner critic (and maybe you’re a little perfectionistic).
- You might describe yourself as someone who thinks deeply.
- Even if you don’t meditate, you like the idea of living consciously.
- You care about living in alignment with your values.
- You want to live a purposeful life.
- You care less about the external measures of success and more about being true to yourself.
- You feel restored by spending time in nature and care about taking care of our planet.
- You might describe yourself as spiritual (even if you’re not entirely sure what that means to you).
What people say about Kate’s life coaching in Melbourne
What is it like to work together?
My approach is to be kind, empathic, encouraging and supportive. During our work together, my focus will be on whatever is most important to you. Occasionally, if you’re trying to make sense of something, our conversation might feel similar to therapy, but we’ll be focused on moving forward, not staying stuck in the past.
In each of our sessions we’ll agree to some action steps and after your appointment, I’ll often send you additional worksheets and other resources.
Our sessions are conducted over Zoom or in-person (I’m located on the Mornington Peninsula).
Before we begin
We begin with a brief phone call to ensure we’re a good fit for one another. From there, I recommend starting with a single session. Before your appointment, I’ll invite you you to complete a brief questionnaire, reflecting on what you most want to get out of coaching.
Once we have established your objectives, we’ll chat about whether you’d benefit from enrolling in a program. This isn’t a requirement – many of my clients prefer to engage me on a casual basis.
How often do we meet?
We usually meet on a weekly or fortnightly basis for the duration of your coaching program. After the completion of the program, many of my clients continue with a monthly or quarterly appointment on an ongoing basis.
About Kate
Like many of my clients, I spent my younger years in pursuit of perfectionism and often people-pleasing. I hadn’t yet learned about mindfulness, introversion or self-compassion.
I studied coaching and opened a practice where I could blend my business experience with my interests in psychology, creativity and mindful leadership with my love of deep conversation, and purposeful living.
These days my practice draws like-minded clients — women who care about kindness, connection and curiosity who are pursuing lives with purpose and meaning.
MORE ABOUT KATE
Life coaching in Melbourne options
Single session
Begin with a 60-minute appointment, held online via Zoom or in-person on the Mornington Peninsula.
Fee: $275 AUD (includes GST)
Three session program
3 x 60-minute appointments held online via Zoom or in-person on the Mornington Peninsula.
Fee: $795 AUD (includes GST)
Five session program
5 x 60-minute appointments held online via Zoom or in-person. Option to pay in instalments.
Fee: $1,250 AUD (includes GST)
Book a call
Get in touch to ask a question or discuss life coaching in Melbourne and what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.
GET IN TOUCHFrequently asked questions about life coaching in Melbourne
What is your background?
I founded Total Balance in Melbourne in 2002 after two decades working as business manager for filmmakers, architects and designers. After studying business with a major in marketing, I changed direction and enrolled in a PCC Level Certification with International Coach Academy. I was one of the first Australian coaches to achieve a PCC accreditation with International Coach Federation in 2005.
My journey with meditation began in the early 1990’s and I have had a daily practice for over 30 years now. I began teaching meditation in the summer of 2003 in-person and in 2015, joined the world’s leading free meditation app, Insight Timer as an instructor, which is now home to over 30 million meditators.
I have trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Russ Harris, taken the Mindful Self-Compassion Intensive for Professionals (developed by Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer) and Internal Family Systems by Dr Richard Schwarz.
What are your fees?
My current fees are as follows:
- $275 for a one-hour session
- $795 for a 3 x session program
- $1,250 for a 5 x session program (option to pay in 3 x instalments of $420)
Most people find that coaching is a one-off investment in themselves. When you consider the impact of not feeling that you’re not on the right life path, coaching might become a necessity, not a luxury.
Do you only work with women?
While my work is especially tailored to support women, particularly those who identify as sensitive, thoughtful or high-functioning, I also work with men and people of all genders who resonate with my approach. I welcome clients from all backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals, especially those who value creativity, inner growth and living with intention.
What's your coaching style?
My coaching style has been described as kind, calm, intuitive, wise, nurturing, non-judging and practical. My role is to be a great listener and to ask questions that will help you discover your own answers. I’ll share resources and therapeutic approaches that have worked effectively for me and other clients. My aim is to support you and help you believe in yourself so that you have the courage and confidence to move forward in your life.
Do I need to enrol in a program?
Not if you prefer not to. My clients begin with a single session to make sure we’re a good fit for one another and after that, you’re welcome to continue on a casual basis or enrol in a coaching program if you like the idea of ongoing accountability.
I'm not that interested in mindfulness. Does that mean you're not the right person for me?
Not at all. Not everyone we see is interested in mindfulness. Being mindful is really just another way of saying being present, curious, self-aware and non-judgmental. If those qualities appeal, you’ll enjoy working with Kate.
How does coaching work?
The objective of our work together is to help you create your own version of a fulfilling life. I’ll help you to understand your values and strengths, clarify your direction, create a clear vision, cultivate a positive mindset and we’ll work together to develop your sense of self-belief.
We begin with a single 60-minute session. For some people, a single session is enough while others engage in a longer-term coaching program or book follow-up sessions as they need them. I keep it all very flexible and don’t lock you into any contracts.
Isn't life coaching all a bit 'ra ra' and how you are different from those kind of coaches?
I have a low-key style and attract clients who say they’re not usually drawn to coaching. I’m not a high motivation, ‘high fiving’ kind of coach. Having said that, most people find that seeing a coach does motivate them to create change in their lives.
We’ll set some tangible goals and action steps that will help you to achieve your vision. For many people, change takes time and I respect that you’ll want to work at your own pace.
For the most part, my role is to support you. I’ll listen and empathise, but I’ll also help you to understand what gets in your way. My aim is to create a space where you feel listened to and understood, and one where you can start to imagine, and begin to create, a life that is more fulfilling.
I'm feeling a bit nervous. Is this normal?
It’s common for people to feel nervous about life coaching (or seeking any kind of support). Some clients worry about whether their issues are normal, whether it’s ok to speak about certain things in the coaching sessions or if they’ll appear silly for raising minor worries.
Please don’t be concerned at all. I’m and open and non-judgemental person and I’m here to support you in any way that I can. If something comes up in a session that I don’t feel I can help with, I’ll help to direct you to the right kind of support.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for 48 hours notice to change or cancel an appointment to give me time to find someone else to fill your place.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Mary Oliver
