FAQs
How often will we meet and for how long?
I offer one-off, stand-alone sessions as well as blocks of 3, 6 and 12 sessions.
Sessions are typically held on a weekly basis, providing consistent support and forward momentum as you work toward your goals. At least at first, weekly sessions help you to stay on track and build meaningful change.
Once our coaching relationship is established, however, and if you’re undertaking a block of 6 or 12 sessions, then we can move to fortnightly, depending on what feels best for you.
Each session typically lasts 45 - 60 minutes, offering dedicated time to reflect, focus and plan your next steps.
How is coaching different to counselling or therapy?
What coaching, counselling and therapy have in common is that they provide space for people to reflect and explore what’s happening for them. All three tend to be ‘person-centred’, meaning they don’t impose advice or solutions, instead supporting you in finding your own.
However, they do differ in some other, fundamental aspects of their approach and intended outcome. For example, a counsellor or therapist is trained to support you to process and heal from trauma and is likely to help you unpick and understand how your childhood, or perhaps events in the past, have shaped how you’re feeling in the present.
A good coach should not attempt to explore or dig deeply into such things, but would acknowledge the importance of past events or traumas, if they came up, and might then signpost you to counselling or therapy alongside your coaching, so as not to step out of their role boundary and to ensure you’re getting the support you need.
Ultimately, different to counselling or therapy, coaching is primarily concerned with exploring where you’re at in the present and where you’d like to be in the future, with goal setting and strategies identified to get you there. Coaching also tends to be shorter term than therapy, which can be open ended.
What will a coaching session be like?
We will meet online for up to an hour and have a coaching conversation. I like to think of myself as your ‘thinking partner’, someone to explore and troubleshoot ideas with, here to support you in reflecting and focusing on what you want to achieve.
No two sessions will look the same, but there are some core components. I will check in with you at the beginning, inviting you to share how you're doing and what feels most important to focus on that day. From there, we’ll explore your thoughts, challenges, and goals. You’ll have space to gain clarity, uncover insights, and identify meaningful next steps.
Each session ends with a brief wrap-up to capture key takeaways and define actions you want to take between sessions.
Is coaching confidential?
Yes, our sessions will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. The only time I may break this, is if you disclose a serious risk of harm to yourself or others. In this instance, I would have a responsibility to share information with relevant services to ensure safety. I would always endeavour to involve you in this process, were it necessary.
What, if anything, is expected of me?
Coaching is a collaborative partnership between coach and client. However, to a degree, what you get out of coaching is determined by what you put in.
There will be an expectation of you to show up and be open and honest with me about what’s happening for you. There will also be an expectation of you to set goals and try some things out. If you don’t achieve your goals between sessions, that’s okay; it’s important to be willing to come back next time to reflect on what got in the way and what you learnt, regardless. The aim of coaching is very much progress, not perfection.
A coach cannot change your life or behaviours for you—that’s where you come in. I will bring curiosity, compassion, deep listening and reflective questioning. I’ll also bring consistent structure and accountability while you progress in the direction you have chosen—the rest is up to you.
Are you qualified?
Coaching in the UK is largely unregulated, which means anyone can claim to be a coach without scrutiny from the government or regulatory bodies. As such, it’s important you check that the coach you’re choosing has an official qualification and is certified or accredited by either the ICF or EMCC.
I have been accredited at practitioner level by the EMCC, whose code of ethics I abide by. In order to be awarded this level of accreditation I had to evidence a high standard of training, coaching experience, and a commitment to continued professional development. If you would like to see evidence of my accreditation, please do ask.
I have a Level 5 Professional Coaching Qualification, gained through carrying out an apprenticeship over 15 months while working at Bristol City Council. In order to pass this apprenticeship I had to attend regular coaching workshops and practice sessions, complete a portfolio of written work, carry out 50 coaching hours and pass an exam.
I also have a Certificate in Executive Function Coaching, which I completed with Connections in Mind in order to qualify as an Associate Coach with them.
In addition to this, I have over 10 years experience in coaching-style roles, from smoking cessation and drug and alcohol recovery, to supported employment and student wellbeing.
How will I pay you?
Payment is simple and secure. Once you book, you'll receive a link to pay online via credit or debit card. I use trusted platforms like Stripe and PayPal to send invoices and process payments safely.
If you've booked a coaching package, you can choose to pay in advance, in full, in instalments, or by the session - whatever works best for you. Please note that a session needs to have been paid for in advance in order for it to commence.
Bank transfer is also available on request. If you need a receipt or have any questions about payment just ask, I'm happy to help.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?
I understand that life happens and sometimes plans change. If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please give at least 24 hours’ notice. This allows me to offer the time slot to someone else.
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed sessions, will be invoiced in full.
If you're unsure whether you'll be able to attend a session, please get in touch as early as possible. I’ll always do my best to accommodate and move things around where I can.
