Get in touch: hello@totalbalance.com.au
life coach melbourne
  • About
  • Coaching
    • Life Coaching
    • Business coaching
    • Leadership Coaching
  • Workshops
    • Compassionate Conversations
    • The Confidence Course
    • Free Monday Talk & Meditation
  • Retreat
  • Freebies
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • 0 items
  • About
  • Coaching
    • Life Coaching
    • Business coaching
    • Leadership Coaching
  • Workshops
    • Compassionate Conversations
    • The Confidence Course
    • Free Monday Talk & Meditation
  • Retreat
  • Freebies
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • 0 items

Life Coaching for women who want to build confidence

For over 20 years, Kate James has been offering life coaching in Melbourne. Women come to coaching for all different reasons but many say that they’ve reached a point where they feel that something needs to change. I work with women who feel stuck or lost and who want to feel confident about creating a life that has meaning.

Working together will help you to:

  • find clarity about your goals and direction
  • improve your mental and physical wellbeing
  • build self-confidence and help with boundary setting
  • increase self-awareness and your capacity to be mindful
  • make decisions more easily or improve your mindset
  • be a little kinder to yourself
  • improve communication skills and your relationships
  • change practical things to make life more fulfilling, such as finding a new role, creating boundaries or making new friends.

BOOK AN INTRO CALL

Kate James offers life coaching in Melbourne.

“For the first time in my life, I felt truly seen.”
Andrea

The women I work with

My clients are women who often describe themselves as introverts, perfectionists and those who feel a sense of ‘imposter syndrome’.  You may 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 an introvert, sensitive or 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).

BOOK AN INTRO CALL

life-coaching-clients

What people say about Kate’s life coaching in Melbourne

RF, Melbourne

‘I have been working with Kate for approximately six months and I cannot put into words what an inspiration and impact Kate has had on my life, decisions and outlook in general. Kate is very encouraging life and confidence coach. She has reinforced my confidence in the choices I’ve made and enabled me to trust my intuition. Kate has a very positive, unique and gentle approach and her outlook is very refreshing. Above all, the coaching was motivating, enabling me to focus on my future goals and put in place actions to achieve these goals and continually monitor my progress.’

TJ, Sydney

‘My work with Kate has brought home the importance of knowing what I value in life, and of working out how I can live accordingly, at work and at home. Kate’s keen perception meant that I felt understood. In addition, her experience with other clients helped me to realise that many people feel like me and that I am part of a valuable sector of society. This realisation has given me more confidence in myself, and a sense of optimism about the future that I was lacking before. Thanks for your professionalism and humanity, Kate.’

Caroline Cull, Melbourne

It has been a privilege and joy to have had Kate James as my personal coach. It has helped me to articulate a vision for my life that is truly meaningful to me and has given me the tools and guidance to move towards it. Kate is calm, kind and compassionate and her advice has helped me turn a difficult corner in life that I could not see my own way around. Thank you Kate.’

Louise, Brisbane

The Holistic Ingredient

I have held mixed feelings around personal coaching in general, as I am a gentle person who does not identify with the ‘ra-ra’ hype associated with some forms of coaching, but I knew I was keen to explore some ideas with depth and felt Kate’s approach and insight would be the right fit for me. I would highly recommend Kate to anyone interested in gaining perspective at a deeper level, but also needing the practical tips to follow through on goals and ideas.’

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.

BOOK AN INTRO CALL

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
Kate James is a life coach in Melbourne.

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)

BOOK INTRO

Three session program

3 x 60-minute appointments held online via Zoom or in-person on the Mornington Peninsula.

Fee: $795 AUD (includes GST)

BOOK INTRO

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 INTRO

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 TOUCH

Frequently 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.

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

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Uncertainty has been a consistent theme in my life at the moment. With clients, friends, family and even for me at a personal level.I feel hugely grateful for mindfulness practices during times like these and I’ve also found the following five steps to be helpful.1. Find pockets of certainty, wherever you canTidy the house, sort your finances, clean out your wardrobe, organise your paperwork, plan your meals for a week. Making the small things around you feel ordered and beautiful will help you to feel a little more at peace.2. Appreciate the things that make your life beautifulOne of the things I became aware of while we were on holiday in Tassie was how much natural beauty was around us every day. Try engaging your sense of gratitude with every meal you eat, every friendly encounter, every interaction with nature and every opportunity you have to experience or engage in creativity.3. Make time for practices that are genuinely soothingIf meditation isn’t your thing (and it isn’t for many people), try a different form of mindful relaxation. On a recent Insight Timer Live we explored this topic together and came up with dancing, singing, reading, walking, yoga, pilates, gardening, playing, sketching, painting, skiing, paddle boarding, surfing. The most important thing is that you make time for whatever it is that brings you some calm. 4. Acknowledge your feelings and offer yourself compassionMake room for all of the emotions – the fear, anxiety, worry, sadness, anger, frustration and powerlessness. Notice where you feel those emotions in your body and offer yourself genuine compassion.5. Make peace with uncertainty, as best you canWe won’t feel uncertainty every day but it’s likely that we’ll experience it often in our lives and we’ll probably always find it difficult. Remind yourself that nothing will stay the same forever and you’re strong enough to handle this. ✨
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” Nelson Mandela ✨
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” John Muir ✨
A follow on from last week’s post about aspiring to simplicity. I’m on holiday in Tasmania where I was lucky enough to live for ten years. Yesterday, as we drove through the countryside, I was struck by a lovely memory. At around the age of 12, I spotted many abandoned little cottages, very much like this one. I knew at the time that the simple beauty was all that I would ever want and need in my lifetime. A humble home surrounded by plenty of nature. I had a picture of myself planting a garden, reading by the fire, writing at a little wooden desk and baking in an old fashioned kitchen. Maybe one day having my own children and sharing my love of nature with them. Almost 50 years later, it’s still all of these things that fill me with joy and give my life meaning. I think most of us knew ourselves well at that age yet often, we lost trust in what we believed in and started shaping ourselves to please other people. Can you remember what it was you dreamed of? ✨
An invitation to go a little more gently this week. To let go of some of your striving. To notice the things that you already have. And to make sure that you really do treasure them. ✨💛
Since writing last week's post, I've had my value of 'inner harmony' front of mind, because it's something I don't always find easy.I've been a worrier all my life, so even after years of meditation practice, I sometimes find it hard to create a quiet mind – unless I'm immersed in nature. When Chris encouraged me to try paddle boarding a few years ago, I had no idea if I'd be able to do it. I'm not naturally sporty so things like this don't come easily. But something magical happened when I first stood on that board and looked into the beautiful clear water.I felt (and still feel) transported to a place that removes me from all of my worries. I become immersed in the wonder beneath me. The forests of seaweed, the schools of fish, the way the sunlight creates patterns on the seabed and once, we paddled with dolphins. All of it is truly magical (and quite miraculous that I can keep my balance). I didn't mention last week that one of my other values is courage, which is the one I embraced when I first went out onto the water.The irony is that some of the moments that bring the most peace are made possible when I do something that scares me. ✨
One of the things I do with almost every new client I work with is a values exercise. It's such a powerful tool to help you identify what really matters in your life. Once you've chosen your personal values, you begin to understand why certain choices, places or relationships, feel so right. And why others really don’t. Your values will help you make meaningful choices that shape how you live every day. And as soon as you start living in alignment with your values, your life immediately becomes more meaningful.Do you know your top three values? I’d love you to share them if you do. Mine are inner harmony, kindness and connection. As well as connection with others and myself, this includes a deep sense of connection with nature which is why we live where we do. 🌿 If you’re interested to discover your values, I’ve included a link in my bio to an easy exercise that will help you gain clarity on yours. It really can be life-changing. ✨
This morning on @insighttimer Live, I spoke about the practice of gratitude and how research has found it to be an antidote to many physical and psychological challenges.It can improve sleep, reduce fatigue, and lower levels of cellular inflammation. One study found that those who practice on a regular basis experience less depression and are more resilient following traumatic events.Another called it “the mother of all virtues”, in that it encourages other virtues such as patience, humility, and wisdom.In my own life, it has been a daily practice for a few decades now. At the end of each day, an app on my phone called Grateful sounds a reminder and allows me to add a few words and photos.The best thing is that I now have a collection of my favourite memories that I can scroll through at any time. I took this pic just over a week ago at our local beach. At the end of an afternoon of swimming and paddling with Meg and me, Oscar said, “Grandma, that was the best day ever.” I love that he’s already grateful for the simple pleasures. ☀️
Five ways to be more true to yourself this year.I spent so much of my time in my twenties and thirties doing things to please other people instead of trusting myself and listening to my heart. It wasn't until I found the courage to accept that I might be criticised no matter what I chose that I found the courage to be true to myself. And I can honestly tell you, it's life changing. I hope the following quick tips help. 1. Let go of the idea that you need to do what’s expected of you. In Bronnie Ware's book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, number one on the list is, "I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."2. Believe that you’re strong enough to handle some criticism. It might still be hurtful but after a short amount of time, that hurt will pass. The more you're being real, the less critical you'll be of yourself, and that's energising.3. Trust that you already know what fulfills you. Often when I meet a new client they tell me they don't know what they want. Once we get talking, it turns out that they do, but like all of us, it can be confronting to be really honest with themselves. 4. Give up one thing that hasn’t been serving you. This can be literally anything. Whatever it is that you choose, do it from a place of self-love not from a place of self-criticism.5. Take one courageous step towards the life of your dreams. It doesn't need to be huge but when you want something to change, there has to be some action taken. Make the phone call, update your profile, send (or accept) an invitation, join a class...it doesn't matter what you choose, just do something. ✨
© Kate James 2025

Menu

  • About Kate James
  • Kate’s ideal client
  • Life coaching
  • Career coaching
  • Business coaching
  • Leadership coaching
  • Workshops & courses

 

  • Kind words
  • Freebies
  • 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

Cleantalk Pixel