FAQ

What is Coaching?

Coaching is a way to work out who you are, where you want to go and how you are going to get there.

It is essentially a conversation that incorporates a very practical element. We will talk about your current situation and the changes you would like to make. We will explore things like strengths and interests and resources and values and thinking patterns and goals. Then we will design a custom strategy for you and agree on specific tasks for you to focus on, to keep you progressing, independently of me.

What kind of a coach are you?

My coaching is evidence-based and thoughtful. You won’t find me wearing shoulder pads or shouting affirmations and I promise: I’ll never [ever] use the phrase unlock your potential. I like to discover what’s really going on and find ways [that will actually work] to create life-enhancing change.

I’ll suggest things to get you moving. I’ll push you to search for your own solutions. I’ll hold you accountable. And I’ll challenge you on behaviours or ideas that seem to be holding you back.

But I’ll do it all gently, with a bit of humour. Because I’m a big believer in the coaching process being joyful and fun and authentic, so that the end result will look and feel that way too.

How much does coaching cost?

The cost of coaching depends on how you engage my services. You can find all my prices here.

Some people find it difficult to justify spending money on coaching for themselves. If the cost is holding you back, please do consider a few points:

• My coaching is designed as a short-term intervention. My aim, after just a few sessions, is for you to have the skills and confidence to coach yourself, if that is your preference.

• Clients often tell me that they decided on coaching because they knew that the cost of continuing with their existing life was far greater than the cost of coaching. And then, without fail, they tell me that working together has delivered far more than they’d ever expected, or hoped.

• And finally, I offer various coaching options, to make sure that coaching is available to as many people as possible. You might like to choose individual sessions and book when your finances allow. You might prefer to save by booking in bulk. Or you might like to think about working with a group, to share the costs that way.

If you have any questions at all about cost, please do contact me.

Does it Work?

Yes! Coaching [and in particular, my coaching] works, if you do the work.

If you do the work, I’ll get you where you want to go. I guarantee it.

[Um, you guarantee it?]

Yes. If you do everything you say you’re going to do and you don’t feel satisfied with what you have achieved, I will refund your money.

All of it.

How long does coaching take?

Most clients find that a couple of months of great, evidence-based coaching gives them the opportunity to design and implement some real and sustainable life shifts.

Initially I suggest meeting every 2-4 weeks. Some clients then continue with regular but less frequent appointments. Others choose to get back in touch when they feel that some more work together could help.

Where do you work?

I usually work with clients face-to-face at my office in Brunswick, Melbourne. In the current climate, I am working via Skype/Zoom/Facetime/Phone.

I want to coach too! Can we chat?

I (gratefully) receive a whole heap of enquiries from people who are considering coaching as a career. Unfortunately, I am no longer able to respond personally to each one.

If you’re thinking about becoming a coach, I have two suggestions.

Firstly: be coached, yourself. If you would like to make an appointment with me, I would love to work with you!

And secondly: undertake some tertiary training in coaching. I recommend the Master of Science in Coaching Psychology at Sydney University.

How do I know if I’m ready?

If you’re reading this website, I would bet money on the idea that you’re keen for positive change! If you’re ready to do the work to make that change happen, then you’re ready for coaching.

How do I get started?

If you’re keen to make great change happen, start by selecting the coaching option that suits you best.

I will then contact you, to say hello and welcome you to Upstairs. We will arrange a time for your first session and I will send you a Details Document, containing a few things like my office address and what to bring to your appointment.

I will also send you a Welcome Questionnaire, to complete and email back. The Questionnaire gives me a sense of where you are now and where you want to be. It also helps me get started on designing a brilliant strategy for how to get you there.

I feel scared. Is that normal?

Yes! Being scared doesn’t necessarily mean that coaching isn’t right for you. It more likely means that you’re in the right place and that change might happen, which can be super scary [but exciting too]!

If you’re still not sure, please do call me for a chat. I would hate for you to be sitting there not knowing, when we could be jumping in and making great stuff happen.