FAQs

What is Coaching?

Coaching is a tool used to empower individuals to move forward positively in their life; it is a structured conversation between me, the Coach and you, the Client.

Coaching is forward-focused and the purpose is to work towards a goal or desired future state, helping you identify how you can get there from the present. In conversation with me as your coach I will listen to you, ask questions, find out what your challenges are, help you elicit options for action, and inspire you to take actions and reach that end-goal. Coaching builds awareness, empowers choice and leads to change. You'll be encouraged to make decisions and take responsibility for them.

Coaching is not consulting, therapy, counselling, teaching, training or mentoring: it is distinctive in that it is client-focussed and non-directive. It is not about me giving you suggestions or advice.

If you start working with me and I feel that coaching is perhaps not the correct approach for you at this moment in time, I will discuss this with you and, if necessary, help you find a suitable alternative to support your onward journey.

How does coaching work?

My coaching approach is based on powerful questioning and deep listening to raise awareness and develop intrinsic motivation in my clients, empowering them to make impactful and lasting change. I draw on elements of Positive Psychology, Neuroscience and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). I am also a certified user of DISC, a personality profile that allows you to understand your behavioural preferences and an accredited user of Zircon’s Resilience, Strengths, Inspiring Leader, Decisions Styles, Culture Fit and Teams tools. I will occasionally use these and other tools and exercises in my practice where clients are in agreement with this and I feel it could add a useful dimension to your experience.

My packages are deliberately for 4 - 6 sessions across 3 months to allow for sufficient time for reflection, action, learning and progress between each session. The time between each session is as important as the sessions themselves. In these breaks, you will be able to reflect on and begin to implement new approaches. We will then reflect on your progress at our next session.

How will I know if coaching is right for me?

Before entering into a coaching arrangement, I offer all potential clients a free, no obligation discovery conversation of up to 30 minutes. It's an opportunity to find out a little more about one another, to answer any questions you might have and get a feel for how we might work together. We'll use this time to work out if coaching is the best approach and if I am the right coach for you.

After this call, if you would like to work together, you will be asked to sign a coaching agreement which outlines the roles, responsibilities and rights of all parties prior to us starting our coaching arrangement.

How are coaching sessions run?

I do most of coaching virtually over Zoom. Together we'll agree a suitable time and date for each session. Sessions are for 60 minutes unless agreed otherwise. I will manage the session to ensure you get full value from our time together.

What will happen during a coaching session?

Each session is a structured conversation between me the Coach, and you, the Client. The focus is on you and what you want to get from our time together. I'll listen to you and ask questions to help you explore what is going on for you right now and what you might want to be different. I'll support you to identify possible options and actions. Some of the questions I ask may make you stop and think. They may challenge your long-held perceptions or beliefs about aspects of your life. It's these questions which often lead to the most useful insights to help you move forward. You'll be encouraged to make decisions and take responsibility for them. I'll never force you to make any decisions you don’t feel comfortable with.

Toward the end of each session we'll have time to reflect on what you are taking away from the conversation. This may be a shift in your thoughts, feelings or views about something in your life. It could be some practical actions you are going to take or ideas you are going to try out. Or perhaps you have identified some further points to reflect on.

Who else will know what has been said?

A coaching session is completely confidential. I agree and comply with the International Coaching Federation’s Code of Ethics which states that only in extreme circumstances will information be shared with someone else, for example, the intent to cause harm to yourself or others, or criminal acts.

What do I need to do to prepare for a coaching session?

To ensure that you get the most out our time together, you'll need to come with a goal, aspiration or focus in mind that you would like to work toward. This doesn't need to be a tangible action, decision or plan. It may be a shift in thinking, feeling or a new perspective about something in your life.

You're encouraged to spend 15 minutes before a session away from other distractions, doing something that relaxes you such as taking a walk or making yourself a drink. You should ensure that you have a suitable environment (free from distractions or interruptions) for your coaching sessions. It's a good idea to have pen and paper to hand to make any notes plus any other items you may think will be useful such as a diary.

What qualifications and experience do you have to be a coach?

I have 20 years’ experience working in the not-for profit sector in HR Management and Learning & Development roles and have been coaching in various capacities since 2011.

Since 2017 I've been working part-time as a Senior Learning & Development Specialist, a role which gives me the opportunity to work with many individuals across the organisation to help them identify and achieve their personal and professional development goals. I coach both within my current role and with external clients within my coaching business.

My professional qualifications include:

ACC (Associate Certified Coach) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF)
ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Program) Coaching Diploma from Optimus Coach Academy
Level 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching & Leadership Mentoring (ILM – Institute of Leadership and Management)
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner
Certified user of DISC personality assessments
Accredited user of Resilience, Strengths, Inspiring Leader, Decision Styles, Culture Fit, Teams and Winning Attitudes questionnaires (Zircon Be Talent)
Chartered member of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)
Qualified Mental Health First Aider