Frequently asked questions
How does coaching work?
We make an initial appointment (either via the telephone or
in-person) so that we can chat with you about what you'd like to achieve during
the coaching relationship. If you decide that you'd like to go proceed, we schedule regular appointments - generally
fortnightly. Our coaching programs are tailored to suit you - at the outset, we establish the most important objectives to achieve and we continue to focus on these throughout the program.
Most people think coaching is just about goal setting - while that's an
important part of the process, it's not the only thing we focus on.
We think it's important to also work on self awareness and self acceptance,
building confidence and clarifying your life direction. These are
goals in their own way - they're just not as tangible as some other
goals. But you get to choose - we'll talk to you about what's important to you.
Isn't coaching all a bit 'ra-ra'?
Our coaching style is low key. We’re definitely not highly
motivational, ‘high fiving’ coaches. We work with you to find out
what is important to you and we help you work out how you can
achieve that. We believe that lasting change takes time so we steer
away from making promises we can’t keep. We know that we’re only
ever going to be effective when you’re ready to make changes and
we’re patient about the fact that for some people, that takes time.
Having said that, we will challenge you from time to time. We’ll
listen and empathise but we’ll help you to identify what gets in
your way. Our aim is to create a space where you feel completely
supported and understood but one where you can imagine a life that
is more fulfilling.
Is coaching expensive?
The fee for a six session program is $1,450 (inclusive of GST). When you
compare our fees to other top coaching organisations, you'll be
pleasantly surprised. We'll provide you with exceptional service and working with Kate James, you'll have the benefit of almost ten years of coaching experience.
We like to think of coaching as an investment in your future. Your coaching program will probably be a one off. One of our key points of difference is that we teach you how to 'self coach' so that once a program is complete, you can confidentally go it alone.
When you consider the impact of not
achieving your goals, not having a plan for the future or the impact
of staying in a career that you loathe, coaching might become a
necessity, not a luxury.
Contact us to receive a copy of our brochure.
How do I choose a coach?
The best way to
find out if you are suited to a particular coach is to have an
introductory session so you can find out whether their style suits
you and whether you connect as people.
How soon can I see you?
We have a commitment to keep our practice small and specialised. We see no more than
fifteen clients a week. We aim to keep a couple of appointments free
every week so that we can see you as soon as possible but sometimes we do get busy so let us know if it's
urgent and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
I'm not sure if I need personal or career coaching.
Many of our clients want a mix of both personal and career coaching,
which is fine with us. As long as you let us know you'd like to work
on both areas, we will ensure we match you up with a coach who has
experience in both areas.
I think I want to leave my current role and start my own
business. Can you help me with that?
Absolutely. We'll make sure you are working with a coach who has
business start up experience.
Do you have coaches elsewhere in Australia?
We currently have coaches in Melbourne and we offer a
telephone coaching service Australia wide...and we pay the call
costs.
I'm not sure about telephone coaching. Is it really as effective
as face to face coaching?
We were sceptical in the beginning too! It's surprising how
effective telephone coaching is. In some cases, it's actually a
better model for coaching. It's time efficient - you don't have to
travel or park and it's very personal and interestingly, because you
are really focused on listening, the conversations generally cut to
the core of the issue pretty quickly. If you're still in doubt, give
it a try in an introductory session. You might be surprised.
Where do you see your clients?
We meet our clients in the Melbourne CBD or in our office in
Elsternwick.
How long do people generally continue with coaching?
Most people find that six sessions is the minimum. Change doesn't
occur overnight so we'd rather under promise than have you believe
that three sessions of coaching will completely transform your life.
In an ideal world, you'll continue your coaching for between three
and six months. This is a realistic time frame to make permanent
change. Some clients continue indefinitely, making a regular monthly
or six weekly appointment. However, we respect that this is an
individual choice and each client will differ and we're happy to
work in with your personal requirements.
It's also worth remembering that even after completing a program,
life continues to change. You are always welcome to come back to
coaching further down the track.
What can I expect of the coaching process?
The coaching process is characterised by a few things. Coaching will
provide you with a supportive and non-judgemental space for you to
discuss whatever is important to you. Coaching is solution (rather
than problem) focused which means we won't spend lots of time trying
to make sense of why things are the way that they are, we'll be
asking 'what can we do about it?'.
You won’t be advised to act in a specific way, the choices are
yours, but you will be asked questions that encourage you to think
differently and to open up new opportunities. Your coach will be
willing to brainstorm with you when you are stuck and keep you
accountable for doing the things you say you are going to do.
Coaching is a positive, validating, supportive experience. You'll
leave feeling confident of your ability to succeed in achieving your
objectives and also believing in yourself.
What are your ethical standards?
We operate within the ethical standards set out by the International
Coach Federation
http://www.icfaustralasia.com/Ethics.php. We
are committed to providing a professional service with a guarantee
of confidentiality. We will provide you with a Coaching Agreement at
the commencement of your coaching outlining our terms of business.
Can I get more information?
To arrange an appointment or to discuss your needs further, please
contact us.
