FAQs
What makes someone a coach?
While coaching is an unregulated profession, which means anyone can call themselves a coach, there are a number of organisations, notably the International Coaching Federation and Association for Coaching, that promote best practice and raise the standards of coaching. I am a member of the Association for Coaching, which means I subscribe to their code of ethics.
I have completed the five-day MOE coach training course, which is an assessed and certified programme, recognised by the Association for Coaching. Since completing the course in 2017 I have joined the MOE training team to deliver their certified course to trainee coaches. I have also trained and supervised coaches in various charity settings. Prior to becoming a coach I also completed thirty hours of reflective listening training.
How much does it cost?
I believe coaching should be available to anyone, regardless of their financial position. Although a one-hour session is typically £100 the cost may vary to consider each individual’s situation and so there is no set price. While I provide pro bono coaching, typically through charitable programmes, I believe paying for coaching is an important part of the commitment an individual makes to themselves in embarking on the coaching process.
What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
While the listening approach of coaching has similarities to therapy, they are different, and a coach is not a therapist.
Although generalising, some of the main differences are that coaching is short-term and outcome and future-focused whereas therapy is more long-term with a focus on the past and present.
Who is coaching for?
In short, coaching is for anyone looking to make a positive change in their lives.
Two of the main outcomes from coaching are increased self-awareness and motivation to act upon this increased awareness.
If you’re considering coaching perhaps ask yourself the following questions:
Do I want to change something in my life?
Am I willing to make a concerted effort to bring about change for me?
Am I open to exploring what I really want and how I could achieve that?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then coaching could help bring about the change you want to see in your life.
How many coaching sessions should I have?
Although it is up to you how many sessions you would like, it is worth considering that anything less than six sessions, often over three months, may limit the chance for meaningful, long-term, positive change. I have designed a coaching programme with this in mind however, as coaching is led by the client I work with individuals to design the best approach for them, be that weekly, fortnightly or monthly. In some cases sessions may also be one-off.
As part of any initial call, we will discuss what may work best for you, based on what you are hoping to gain from coaching.
How long is a session?
Like the length of a coaching programme, the length of sessions is up to you. Typically, I recommend an hour per session with 90-minutes for the first session in a programme.
What if coaching with me isn’t for you?
If, after an initial conversation, coaching with me doesn’t feel right but you’d still like to explore coaching I can help refer you to other coaches who may better suit you. Likewise, if I feel I am not the best coach for you I will help suggest possible alternatives.