Get in touch: hello@totalbalance.com.au
life coach melbourne
  • About
  • Coaching
    • Life coaching
    • Business Coaching
    • Leadership Coaching
    • Half-day coaching intensive
  • Workshops
    • Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Workshops
    • The Confidence Course
    • Free Monday Talk & Meditation
  • Speaking
  • Retreat
  • Resources
    • Kate’s books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • 0 items
  • About
  • Coaching
    • Life coaching
    • Business Coaching
    • Leadership Coaching
    • Half-day coaching intensive
  • Workshops
    • Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Workshops
    • The Confidence Course
    • Free Monday Talk & Meditation
  • Speaking
  • Retreat
  • Resources
    • Kate’s books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • 0 items

Mindfulness Coaching

Kate is passionate about sharing how mindfulness skills can transform your life. Drawing on teachings draw from science and the psychology of mindfulness, her aim is to make the philosophies and practices engaging and helpful, even for those who don’t meditate.

You don’t need a daily meditation practice to discover the gifts of mindfulness – even small changes in the way you interact with yourself, your relationships and your life can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing.

What outcomes will we achieve?

  • Discover a deeper sense of self-awareness
  • Overcome patterns of negative thinking
  • Become more mindful in your relationships
  • Make conscious choices about habits
  • Learn practical ways to appreciate the present moment
  • Create a more compassionate relationship with yourself
  • Feel a greater sense of inner peace

BOOK AN INTRO CALL

kate-james-mindfulness

Join Kate live every Monday

Join around 200 others from around the globe each Monday morning at 9.30am (AEST) when Kate shares a free talk and meditation on Insight Timer. With over 120,000 followers, Kate’s popular guided meditations will help you find clarity, calm and confidence.

JOIN HERE

individual mindfulness

Mindfulness coaching for individuals with Kate

Kate James is a mindfulness coach who works with introverts, creatives, leaders and business owners who want to live more present, purposeful and meaningful lives.

Coaching sessions

Sometimes a single session mindfulness coaching session will be enough but many clients find it helpful to engage in a program where we meet fortnightly for a couple of months. I’ll work with you in a way that suits your budget and personal needs.

Individual coaching fees

60-minute session: $275

GET IN TOUCH TO BOOK A CALL »

What people say

Shannon

‘What I gained from spending this time with Kate was immeasurable. I felt completely relaxed with her, enough to speak openly about matters I was finding difficult and confusing – within the first thirty minutes she had me pegged! Her exercises were incredibly valuable and something everyone should do regularly to remind themselves of what they believe is important. Kate refocused me, helped me make some decisions I had been struggling with and gave me tools and resources to continue my learning and development. I knew I had her undivided attention for the duration of the session and that she was purely focused on helping me. The combination of discussion and meditation was ideal and the environment in which our session was conducted was serene and beautiful. Thank you, Kate.’ Shannon

Audrey

“Kate worked with me in a very powerful and honest way that helped me to leave the session empowered and with a completely different outlook on my future. She helped me to realise my true potential and to work with what I know and am very good at. At the moment I am working on my new own business, and am very confident about my choices.  Kate is very professional, wise and grounded and when working with you she is fully present and committed to you.” Audrey

Lisa

‘The discovery session was extremely beneficial as I’m at a point in my small business where I need to focus more on marketing but I’m also hamstrung by limiting beliefs and self-sabotage. We spent quite a bit of time exploring these limiting beliefs and ways I can overcome them. The meditation and the values mapping also helped bring it all together and the clarity I felt when we finished up was more than I’d had for a long time. I left with some very achievable action steps and have already begun implementing them. I would highly recommend the discovery session for any small business owner looking to make some changes.’ Lisa

Alison

‘Thank you for the discovery session this morning. The whole process of doing the strengths tests beforehand, the reflection in order to fill in the questionnaires, then spending a few hours with someone focusing purely on my needs has been totally indulgent and amazing. You are an excellent listener who has carefully guided my thinking and pulled it all together in the resources you have just sent me. I have always been my own ‘ analyst’ or ‘friend’, along with my partner, but to have someone else listening properly, without judgement, to what I really think/ feel/ want has been wonderful. I feel I have a real platform to launch my next 50 years ( or more!).’ Alison

Anita

‘I’d first seen Kate when she ran a meditation workshop at a retreat I attended. Her calm manner and positive energy spoke to me so when I was at a career/life crossroads and finding it hard to find clarity I booked a discovery session. I was looking for a holistic approach and a life plan, not just a career plan and that’s exactly what I got. Kate has a way of understanding people so she can work with them in exactly the way they need. From start to finish the whole process was a pleasure. It’s a few months down the track now and instead of procrastinating as I have a tendency to do I’ve implemented a number of actions from the session. Go me! And thanks Kate.’ Anita

Karen

‘The transformation of how I was feeling from the start of the session to the end of the session was amazing. My reason for seeing Kate was to help determine my next career move. Working with Kate has helped me identify a direction to move into and the steps required. But it’s not only my career that requires changes; I also need to tweak my personal life. Kate helped me see the “whole” picture.  I’m now in the process of setting some key goals, which are the foundations to the next exciting chapter in my life, one that is filled with love, fun, tenacity and self-respect. Thank you Kate!’ Karen

AJ

‘I don’t know how you manage to say everything that needs to be said in such a new, clear and fresh way. You really find a way to cover so much of the human experience. Today’s discovery session was really eye-opening for me and certainly gave me clarity. I look forward to being proud of myself because I am living in alignment with what feels authentic and true to my natural calling.’ AJ

Ella

‘I recently did the discovery session with Kate and found it an invaluable experience that went beyond my expectations. I have always struggled with recognising my strengths and overcoming behaviours that have stopped me from achieving what I want and finding my purpose. The session with Kate gave me clarity and I learnt a lot more about myself that I don’t believe I would have discovered on my own. Kate has a caring nature and an amazing ability to read people. The session really opened my mind to my true self, I feel I have found my purpose and how I change my behaviours and use my strengths to achieve my goals. I left the session feeling inspired and mindful. I recommend the discovery session to anyone struggling with reaching their goals and wanting to discover their purpose.’ Ella

Danielle

‘I attended a half-day session with Kate over six months ago. I found her to be warm, caring and very intuitive. She knew more about me than I knew of myself.  Kate has helped me grow and feel grounded in mind and body. She has an extraordinary view on a range of things and I can say without any hesitation that she is very good at what she does. I hope to do another session with Kate in the future where I share with her experiences of wonderful change in my life, giving a great deal of credit to her. Thank you.’ Danielle, Melbourne

Catherine

‘I’ve just experienced the profound effects of a Total Balance discovery session and would highly recommend this experience to anyone who is creating and growing a business enterprise or making changes in their personal and professional life. Kate James offers an enjoyable, uplifting and powerful coaching session in a serene, nurturing and beautiful environment. Creative time focused on your plans, needs and goals – this inspiring few hours resulted invaluable insights and action steps, providing time to self-review and recalibrate.  Kate offers useful insights and resources and I look forward to continuing this creative and practical journey with her over the next few months.’ Catherine

Mindfulness coaching & speaking in the workplace

In her engaging and interactive corporate mindfulness workshops and keynotes, Kate shares the latest research about mindfulness and how to integrate the science of mindfulness and positive psychology into work and life in practical ways to improve self-awareness, enhance performance and promote a greater sense of self-belief.

She is described as an authentic, warm and down-to-earth speaker and audiences comment that she’s someone who appears to embody her message.

GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFO »

Listen to Kate’s meditations free on Insight Timer

Kate’s mindfulness coaching background

Kate’s journey with meditation and mindfulness began in the early 1990’s and she began teaching a mainstream form of meditation to beginners in the summer of 2003. Not long after, she was invited to present to banking executives, lawyers and other corporate groups. She began sharing how the principles of mindfulness can be used in every day life to reduce stress, improve focus, increase resilience and to improve our relationships.

Kate has been hosting mindfulness retreats in Bali and Byron Bay for over fifteen years and she is the author of six best-selling personal development books including Be Mindful and Simplify Your Life and Create Calm. She has trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindful Self-Compassion (Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer) and Internal Family Systems.

MORE ABOUT KATE
Kate James is a life coach in Melbourne.

Book a call

Get in touch to ask a question or discuss what you’re hoping to get out of coaching.

GET IN TOUCH

Frequently asked questions

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware in the moment, without judgement. It involves paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations with openness and curiosity. By cultivating mindfulness, you can develop greater clarity, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. It is often practised through meditation but can also be integrated into daily activities such as eating, walking, or listening.

Is mindfulness the same as meditation?

They’re not exactly the same. Mindfulness is a state of awareness – being fully present in the moment and noticing your experience without judgement. Meditation is a practice that helps cultivate mindfulness, but mindfulness can also be integrated into daily life through experiences such as eating, walking, or interacting with others with undivided attention. Meditation is one way to develop mindfulness, but mindfulness can exist without formal meditation.

I'm not good at meditating because I have a busy mind. Can this help me?

Contrary to popular belief, meditation isn’t about silencing your mind or completely getting rid of thoughts. Both mindfulness and meditation are primarily about helping you to be more aware of your experience and aiming to interact with that experience with greater equanimity. It sounds more complicated than it is but that’s what I’m here to teach you.

What are the benefits of mindfulness?

Mindfulness offers a range of benefits for both mental and physical well-being. It can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional resilience. Regular practice has been shown to support better sleep, lower anxiety, and increase self-awareness. Mindfulness also fosters a greater sense of calm, helping individuals respond to challenges with clarity and balance.

Can you teach me to meditate?

Yes, absolutely. I have taught meditation for over 20 years and my aim is to make it accessible to everyone, include those with busy minds and complete beginners.

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

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

I’m in Byron this week, running my annual retreat. It always amazes me how different life feels here. The days are long and time moves slowly. It feels like there’s room to breathe.We meditate, do yoga and Pilates, walk along the beach and swim in the tea tree lake. We eat beautiful vegetarian food and there’s plenty of time to rest.I think all of us could benefit from a place like this, but when it’s not possible, stepping away from your everyday life can help you remember what’s missing.So here’s a thought for the week: make some time – even half an hour – to sit beneath a tree. Cook a wholesome meal. Walk slowly through your local park. Write in your journal. Make a mandala. Breathe.Let the rest of your life wait for a bit, and give some time to yourself. ✨#womensretreat #byronbayretreat #mindfulnessforwomen #yogaretreataustralia #meditationretreat
I read a beautiful article last week about the concept of fragility, and how it applies in just about every area of life. I know this is true, but it also reminded me that when we're willing to accept our vulnerability, we come to discover our true strength.The way we keep showing up through moments of uncertainty.The way we stay open to love when we've been deeply hurt.The way we adapt when life throws us a curve ball.The way we stay hopeful, even when we're afraid.The way we find meaning in the smallest of moments.Fragility isn’t weakness. It’s part of what it means to be fully alive.When we recognise it, we learn to handle ourselves and one another with more care.To cherish what matters and to stay open to the life that we're living.✨#vulnerability #fragility #innerstrength #tenderness #selfcompassion #mindfulliving #emotionalwellbeing #personalgrowth #slowliving #healingjourney #beinghuman
I've just finished listening to the audio version of Jacinda Ardern's book, A Different Kind of Power. What a beautiful book – and what a beautiful woman.For decades, I've looked for role models to show me how to be both a mother and a businesswoman, and I've struggled to find someone I can truly relate to. Until I heard Jacinda's story.As she writes in one of the final chapters, when asked about what it means to be a leader:“If you have impostor syndrome, or question yourself, channel that. It will help you. You will read more, seek out advice, and humble yourself to situations that require humility to be conquered. If you’re anxious, and overthink everything, if you can imagine the worst-case scenario always, channel that too. It will mean you are ready when the most challenging days arrive. And if you are thin-skinned and sensitive, if criticism cuts you in two, that is not weakness; it’s empathy. In fact, all of the traits that you believe are your flaws will come to be your strengths. The things you thought would cripple you will in fact make you stronger, make you better. They will give you a different kind of power, and make you a leader that this world, with all its turmoil, might just need.”This book is a brilliant read. I highly recommend it. Thank you @jacindaardern for sharing your story with such warmth, humility and kindness. ✨Image: @penguinbooksnz#jacindaardern #adifferentkindofpower #leadership #empathy #womeninleadership #kindness #audiobookrecommendation #personalgrowth #mindfulleadership #inspiringwomen
After writing the first article about overfunctioning, so many women have reached out to say, ‘this is me’ and ‘what can I do about it?’.Later this week, I’ll be sharing an article about breaking the cycle of overfunctioning, but first, I thought it might be helpful to remember why we do this and why it can be such a hard pattern to break.Scroll through the carousel for quick tips, or read the full article (the link’s in my bio). And keep an eye out for the new article later this week where I’ll share more about doing things differently.This is something I’m working on myself, and I have to say that even with awareness, I don't find it easy. Those long-held habits can be hard to shift but when I can catch myself and go a little more gently, it makes the world of difference to how I'm feeling. ✨#overfunctioning #personaldevelopment #mindfulcoaching #selfkindness #selfawareness #wellbeingjourney #womenwhothinkdeeply #innergrowth #mindfulnessmatters #doinglessfeelingmore #confidencecoachmelbourne
When I was taught to meditate, over thirty years ago now, the advice was very rigid. You had to practice twenty minutes, twice a day or you might as well forget it. For so many people who learned, this ended up being off-putting and often not realistic.These days, there are so many different approaches and it's much more flexible – which is exactly what we need.Almost everyone I work with is short of time, but they're still keen to be mindful. And the reality is, you can achieve this even in just a few minutes.In its simplest form, mindfulness is really about two things – paying attention and non-judgement. When you start there, you realise you can practice in so many small ways and the impact can still be incredible.You don't need to head off on retreat (although it is pretty amazing) or block out huge amounts of time to simply tune in and pay attention.Try one or more of these small pauses today:▫️ Drink your tea, coffee or water with your full attention. Slow it right down and notice what you taste, smell and feel – bringing a sense of appreciation.▫️ Take five long, slow breaths. Pay attention to extending your out-breath to engage your parasympathetic nervous system.▫️ Before you send an email or make a call, pause and think about your intention. What matters most in this interaction?▫️ When you're at your computer or using your phone, notice your breathing. It often becomes more shallow (or we hold our breath without realising).Small moments of mindfulness really do make a difference. A few simple pauses through your day can bring you back to calm, clarity and presence. 🙏#mindfulness #presence #selfawareness #mindfulliving #mindfulnessretreat
I’ve been thinking a lot about boundaries lately, mostly after chatting with my wise and insightful daughter, Meg and my wonderful colleague, Catherine. Both of these women know all about setting healthy boundaries. I still find it difficult at times, even though I'm aware how deeply this affects the way that I feel.Healthy boundaries aren’t walls that keep people out. They’re more like an inner framework that helps us stay true to ourselves while staying open to others.When our boundaries are clear and flexible, we can be giving and loving, and we can listen without feeling drained or resentful. When they’re blurred, we can feel overextended, irritable, and even anxious, not because others are asking too much of us, but because we’re not honouring our own limits and needs.If you’re wondering whether your boundaries are healthy, reflect on these questions this week. If you find yourself answering 'yes' to several, consider where you can be a little more true to yourself.✨ Do I say yes when I really mean no?✨ Do I feel guilty when I take time for myself?✨ Do I often feel responsible for other people’s feelings?✨ Do I worry about expressing my own needs and preferences?✨ After spending time with certain people, do I feel somewhat depleted?Healthy boundaries come from a place of self-respect. They’re not about shutting the world out, but about creating the conditions where connection feels safe, sustainable and uplifting.Like anything, our boundaries need care and attention. They can shift as we grow and change. They can strengthen as our self-respect deepens.Working on your boundaries isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about noticing when you feel out of balance, pausing to listen, and making small, honest adjustments that bring you back into alignment. 💛#leadershipgrowth #healthyboundaries #womeninleadership #personaldevelopment #emotionalintelligence #mindfulleadership #selfawareness #confidentleaders
Yesterday I stumbled across some photos from the launch of my first book, Believe in Yourself & Do What You Love, held just over a decade ago. I’d forgotten how magical it was – the celebration of a lifelong dream to become a published author.It got me thinking about how so many of us, introverts in particular, rarely reflect on our best moments. The strength of humility is wonderful, but we can overuse it at times.As I flicked through the photos I remembered the joy of that night and how meaningful it was to share it with so many of my favourite people.So here’s an invitation for you this week. Scroll through old photos, glance back at your CV or spend some time reflecting and see if you can recall a moment you feel genuinely proud of (it doesn't need to be a big thing). And then, rather than keeping it private, share it with someone you trust. Let them know how it felt and allow yourself to re-celebrate. If it feels right, you might even share it more widely – perhaps in a post of your own.A big thank you to everyone who joined me on that fabulous night including my beautiful Meg, @ramaekerskaren, @enaproducts, @thewellbeingcorner, @lbeavan, @sarah.rudledge, @denu_australia, @lizzycphoto, @thegaleriefitzroy and many others I don't have photos of including @naids, @mindfulinmay, @ofkin, @christinaredlich, @louise_weigall, @linda.salo, @simbeever, @theholisticingredient, @corporatechillout, and anyone else I have missed. Special thanks to the gorgeous Sarah from @babylonflowers for making the tables look so stunning and to Emma Murray for the great photos. 🌸#reflection #celebrateyourself #introvertstrengths #joyfulmoments #selfkindness #confidencecoach #womenwhowrite #lifecoachmelbourne #believeinyourself
I’ve been exploring the theme of ‘not good enough’ for a while now, and the more I research, the more I see how deeply it touches every aspect of our lives. It doesn’t just shape the way we see ourselves – it influences our career, health, relationships, friendships, even the way we handle money.I’ll share more on my latest findings in next week’s article but for now, I want to leave you with this beautiful reminder from Hafiz.If you’re doubting yourself, comparing yourself to others, or feeling like you’re falling short in some way, keep these words close this week and remind yourself that you are valuable, loveable, and entirely unique – not because of what you have, how you look or what you achieve, but simply for being yourself. ✨#selfworth #selfkindness #innerlight #confidencecoach #healingjourney #mindsetmatters #notgoodenough #selfacceptance #gentlegrowth #personaldevelopment
I've had so many lovely responses to my recent articles about the four patterns of not feeling good enough and the signs of overfunctioning. It seems that this one is a common pattern for many of us.This week, I've written about why we overfunction and why it can be difficult to change –even when we know we're doing it. These behaviours often feel hard-wired into our being.If this sounds familiar, you might like to read my latest piece (links to all three articles are in my bio). I share the hidden pay-offs and the costs we often overlook, along with journal prompts to help you explore how and why overfunctioning might be showing up in your life.Over the coming weeks, I’ll write about how to transform overfunctioning, as well as exploring the other patterns of avoidance, procrastination and people-pleasing.#overfunctioning #selfdoubt #confidenceforwomen #notgoodenough #journalling #personaldevelopment #womenandwork
© Kate James 2025

Menu

  • About Kate James
  • Kate’s ideal client
  • Life coaching
  • Business coaching
  • Leadership coaching
  • Half-day coaching intensive
  • Workshops & courses

 

  • Kind words
  • Resources
  • Giving back
  • FAQ
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Get in touch

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands we live and work on, the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

FOLLOW US