Life Coaching Frequently Asked Questions

Kate James answers your most frequently asked questions about life, career, leadership and business coaching.

How does life 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 are you different from other 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.

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.

I’m feeling nervous about the process. 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.

How will I know if you’re the right coach for me?

The single most important factor in the coaching relationship is that we feel some sense of connection with one another. I’m committed to working with clients I am most suited to helping. Have a read of my ideal client here to see if we’ll be a good fit and reach out if you would like to schedule a quick call before you make an appointment.

How soon can I see you?

I keep my coaching practice small which means appointments are sometimes booked out a couple of weeks advance. If you feel a sense of urgency, I’ll do my best to accommodate you.

Is coaching expensive?

Coaching isn’t cheap but most people find that it’s 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.

My current fees are $275 for a one-hour session, $795 for a 3 x session program and $1,250 for a 5 x session program. Coaching programs include an option to pay in instalments.

I’d like my workplace to pay for my coaching. Can you provide a proposal?

Yes, absolutely. Please contact us to discuss your needs and we’ll put something in writing for your manager or your HR Department.

I’m not sure if I need career, business, leadership or personal coaching.

The truth is you don’t really need to choose but you can find out more about what we’d address in each of these programs by following these links: career coaching, business coaching, leadership coaching or life coaching.

I take a holistic approach and believe that it’s important that we spend a bit of time looking at the whole of your life. Having said that, the coaching sessions are your time so I encourage you to direct the content. You’ll complete some questionnaires when you make your booking to let me know what you’d like to achieve.

I think I want to leave my current role and start my own business. Can you help me with that?

Absolutely. This is an area I specialise in. I have extensive experience helping people get small businesses off the ground and it’s something I’m passionate about. Before starting my own business, I worked as a business manager for several small creative businesses. These days I specialise in working with creative businesses and those in the wellbeing sector.

I’m not sure about Zoom coaching. Is it really as effective as face-to-face coaching?

I was sceptical at first too but a Zoom session really is as effective as an in-person session. In some cases, it’s actually a better model for coaching. It’s time-efficient and it’s very personal. The conversations still cut to the core of the issue pretty quickly. If you’re still in doubt, give it a try. You might be surprised.

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-focused so while we may spend a small amount of time trying to make sense of why things are the way that they are, we’ll also be asking ‘what can we do about it?’

You won’t be advised to act in a specific way, the choices are yours, but I’ll ask you questions that encourage you to think differently and open up new opportunities. I’m happy to brainstorm with you when you are stuck and I’ll help keep you accountable for doing the things that you say you are going to do.

Coaching is a positive, validating, supportive experience. You’ll leave feeling clearer about your direction, confident in your ability to achieve your objectives, and you’ll have a greater degree of self-awareness.

I want to become a coach. Can you help me with that?

I get lots of enquiries from people wanting to ask questions about becoming a coach and unfortunately, I can’t respond to all of those personally. You’ll find my tips about what you should consider if you want to become a coach here.

What are your ethical standards?

I operate within the ethical standards set out by the International Coach Federation. I’m committed to providing a professional service with a guarantee of confidentiality. I provide you with a Coaching Agreement at the commencement of your coaching outlining our terms of business.

What if I have more questions about coaching?

If our frequently asked questions don’t cover the content you’re seeking, please get in touch.