What is coaching?

People often call me, saying that they’re really keen to make some positive change, they think that coaching might help but actually they aren’t even sure what coaching is and could I please explain?

Of course!

Coaching is a goal-oriented and solution-focused process that helps you maximise your personal and professional potential. It is essentially a conversation – we talk about who you are, where you want to be and how you can get there. But it is very grounded – you’ll leave each session with new insights but you’ll also have a whole heap of practical tasks, to keep you moving towards your ultimate goals.

There are a few questions I am often asked about coaching…here are my answers!

What can coaching help with?

As a life and career coach I help clients with making positive change in all areas of life, work and business. Some of the stuff we focus on is internal – things like confidence, motivation, procrastination, decision-making and self-belief. I also help with external shifts – things like changing jobs, strengthening relationships, starting businesses, speaking up in meetings, shaping careers…a whole variety of topics!

Does it actually work?

I’m not sure I could do this job if I didn’t actually see big, positive changes for my clients. So the answer is a big, definite yes!

Lots of coaches only focus on helping clients make practical change but I know sustained practical change usually requires significant internal shifts. I like helping clients change the way they see the world and the way they think about their experiences, which then allows them to make and sustain great practical shifts.

Are you qualified?

Yes, I am. But not everyone is.

Coaching is a completely unregulated industry, which I think is pretty problematic given the very delicate stuff that clients often bring to sessions. Anyone can decide they’re a coach and start coaching that very same day.

I started out as a lawyer but then retrained. I have a postgraduate qualification in counselling and a Masters degree in Coaching Psychology.

What do sessions look like?

All my sessions are 60 minutes and I generally suggest leaving 2-3 weeks between appointments – to give you a chance to do all your work.

I like to work face-to-face, from my office in Brunswick but I also work remotely with people all over Australia and internationally. Zoom and Skype work beautifully for coaching.

You come, we sit, I ask questions, we explore ideas. We look at what is important to you and what you want to achieve. We both take notes and we decide on concrete action steps for you to take, to start making the shifts you’re after.

The process is infused with joy and curiosity and courage and humour and energy. It is 100% not terrifying or intimidating. But I will challenge you…in a gentle way!

What do I do, if I’m keen to get started?

If you’re keen to get started, the best thing to do is head to my Shop page and make your best selection. Then I will send you out some welcome materials including a Questionnaire, which gives you a chance to tell me as much as you would like to before we get started. We’ll decide on a date to meet and then go from there!

Can we chat?

Absolutely! I love a chat! If you have any questions at all about coaching generally or about how I can help, please do be in touch.

Tags: career-coaching, life-coaching, Melbourne