Any questions? We're here to help
Check out our answers to frequently asked questions below. If you've got a question that hasn't been answered below, get in touch via our Contact page.
What is coaching? Based on the definitions provided by three prominent organisations in the coaching field, The European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), the International Coach Federation (ICF), and the Association for Coaching (AC), coaching is a collaborative and empowering process that aims to help individuals reach their potential through self-discovery, goal setting, and taking action. Working with a coach may get you to your goals faster than alone because your coach can work with you one-to-one and provide a tailored approach that helps to bring in new perspectives on your aspirations and challenges.
How long does it take to get results? The timeline for seeing results in coaching can vary widely and can be impacted by several factors. It can depend on the coachee’s specific goals, the coach’s style and approach, the coachee’s engagement and commitment to the coaching process, the relationship between coach and coachee, and the complexity of the challenges being addressed. it takes consistent effort over time to see real, lasting results. But if a client is committed to the process and has a great rapport with their coach, it can lead to transformative, meaningful, and sustainable outcomes.
Where will we meet? I can work online with clients anywhere in the world (time zones permitting), or in-person with individual clients in London and the surrounding area. For organisational clients in the UK and further afield, let’s discuss what could work for us.
What happens in a session? We might pick up on the topics discussed in our Getting to Know You session, but typically you will bring a topic of interest, this could be anything that’s on your mind. We will confirm what we plan to discuss and make sure it’s manageable in the time we have together on that day. We will explore your challenge from different perspectives and come up with potential ways forward and ways to hold you to your plan of action.
How can I prepare for my session? If we’re meeting online, make sure you’re in a quiet area where you won’t be disturbed. Pets are fine, but you may find it easier to talk about some of the topics that come up if you aren’t overheard by other humans. For both online and in-person sessions, make sure you’re comfortable – that’s fed, rested and ready for work. This is so that we can make the most of our time together. You will find that you’ll think a lot about our session in the hours and days after we meet. Keep a note of any thoughts that come up and any changes you notice in the way you approach things; this might be interesting for us to talk about in future sessions.
How much does a session cost? The cost of a session varies, depending on your circumstances and what you are interested in working on together. We offer a free 30-minute session as part of our Getting to Know You sessions, a ‘try before you buy’ opportunity. Some pro bono and ‘lo bono’ slots are reserved for clients in specific circumstances e.g. low-income or looking for work. The rate is set after the Getting to Know You call so that we can make sure the arrangement works for us both. We usually work with clients to devise packages of support, however as a reference point, the single session rate for self-funding individuals is typically £130, with 'lo bono' rates ranging from £50-75 depending on individual circumstances. Corporate rates depend on the complexity and requirements of the organisation, and we work with organisations from SMEs to multinationals.
How can I be sure that you know what you’re doing? Great question! I hold a Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching (PCEC) from Henley Business School. The PCEC is a triple-accredited coaching specialist training, accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Association for Coaching and European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). I am a member of the EMCC, and a lead organiser of the EMCC UK Higher Education special interest group. I regularly attend supervision and I am accredited as an Associate Certified Coach with the ICF. You can find out what previous clients have thought via the testimonials page. Finally, I am committed to my continuing professional development, consistently attending trainings on coaching topics and I am currently undertaking a postgraduate certificate in coaching for behavioural change (PGCCBC).
How is coaching different from mentoring? In coaching, the focus is on helping individuals set and achieve specific goals in partnership, often related to personal or professional development. Alternatively, a mentor provides guidance, advice, and support to their mentee based on their knowledge and experience.
How is coaching different from consulting? Coaching is about guiding individuals to discover their own solutions, while consulting involves providing expert advice and solutions based on your specific knowledge and experience. Consultants, drawing on their expertise, provide specific recommendations and solutions to address a client's challenges or improve their performance. Coaching is more about helping clients to develop their own solutions. Coaching is often an ongoing relationship, with regular sessions, while consulting is commonly a one-time engagement.
How is coaching different from counselling? Coaching and counselling are both supportive processes, but they differ in their focus and objectives. Counselling typically involves deep exploration of a client's past, while coaching is more about looking at the present and into the future. Coaching is forward-looking and aims at achieving growth and change, while counselling tends to address emotional well-being and delve into past experiences for a deeper understanding of the self. Both play crucial roles in supporting individuals, depending on their needs.