FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does coaching work?

Before you make a booking, we’ll set up a time to chat on the phone about what you’d like to achieve during the coaching process. There’s no charge for this. If we decide we’re right for one another, you might start with a one-hour session or if there’s lot for us to cover, the half day discovery session could be better for you.

Some clients find that a single appointment is enough, others book a more intensive coaching package where we meet fortnightly (or monthly). The focus for each session is different for each client (we will clarify this together) and I provide action steps to complete between appointments.

Isn’t coaching all a bit ‘ra-ra’ and how are you different from other coaches?

My coaching style is low-key and I tend to attract clients who wouldn’t usually be drawn to coaching. I’m definitely not a highly motivational, ‘high fiving’ coach. Having said that, most people find that seeing a coach does motivate them to create change in their lives.

I’ll work with you to help you discover your strengths and values and help you to create a career, life or business plan (or a plan that includes a mix of those things) and we’ll 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.

I might challenge you (gently) from time to time. I’ll listen and empathise, but also help you to understand what gets in your way. My aim is to create a space where you feel completely supported and understood, but one where you can start to imagine (and begin to create) a life that is more fulfilling.

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

The single most important factor in a coaching relationship is for you and your coach to feel some sense of connection. The best way to find out if I’m the right person to be working with you is to get in touch. I’ll give you a call to find out what you’re looking for. I’m committed to only working with clients I believe I can help, so I’ll let you know if I don’t think I’m right and I’ll refer you to someone else who can help.

How soon can I see you?

I keep my coaching practice small and specialised which means my appointments are sometimes booked out in advance. I’ll do my best to accommodate you and I’m happy to add you to a wait-list if I can’t fit you in at your preferred time.

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 staying in a career that you loathe or feeling that you’re not on the right life path, coaching might become a necessity, not a luxury.

One of my key points of difference is that I teach you how to ‘self coach’ so that once a program is complete, you can confidently go it alone. If coaching is out of your budget at the moment, you might like to start with my Discover Your Purpose eBook.

Do you work with men or only women?

I offer coaching and discovery sessions for both men and women but my workshops and retreats are women only. This is not because I don’t love working with men (I genuinely do!). The men that I work with are typically interested to understand themselves more deeply and they may have found they don’t ‘fit’ with the stereotype of ‘alpha male’.

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 and I encourage you to direct the session. You’ll complete some questions 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 I started my coaching 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.

Do you have coaches elsewhere in Australia?

Not any longer. I have scaled the business back so it’s just me these days. I have clients all over Australia (and in fact, from other parts of the world too) so I’m happy to offer you phone or Skype coaching if you’re not in Melbourne.

I’m not sure about telephone or Skype coaching. Is it really as effective as face to face coaching?

I was skeptical at first too. It’s surprising how effective it is. It’s how I work with my own coaches and I love it. In some cases, it’s actually a better model for coaching. It’s time efficient – you don’t have to travel or find parking; 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. You might be surprised.

How long do people generally continue with coaching?

Many of my clients find they have clarity about what needs to change after a single session. When clients are looking for ongoing support, I generally work with them for at least a few months. This is a realistic time frame to create change in your life. Some clients continue indefinitely, making a regular monthly or six-weekly appointment.

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-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. I am willing 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’m feeling nervous about the process. Is this normal?

It is common for people to feel nervous about 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 session or if they’ll appear silly for raising minor worries. Please don’t be concerned at all. Sometimes the smallest things can be our greatest worries – I’ll help put your mind at rest. That’s something clients tell me I’m good at.

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’ll provide you with a Coaching Agreement at the commencement of your coaching outlining my terms of business.

Can I get more information?

To arrange an appointment or to discuss your needs further, please contact us.