Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
If something isn’t answered here, just get in touch — there’s no such thing as a silly question.
What is life coaching?
Life coaching is a collaborative conversation between you and a coach, focused on where you are now, where you want to be, and what might be getting in the way.
Unlike therapy, coaching doesn’t focus on diagnosing or treating mental health conditions, or on exploring the past in depth. It’s forward-focused, practical, solution-oriented, and centred on what you want your life to look like.
That said, good coaching acknowledges that life is complicated. We don’t ignore what’s behind you — we just don’t live there.
How is coaching different from therapy or counselling?
This is one of the most common questions and it’s a good one.
Therapy and counselling tend to focus on understanding and healing — exploring past experiences, working through trauma, treating mental health conditions. They’re clinical services delivered by qualified practitioners working within a regulated framework.
Coaching focuses on the present and future. Building clarity, making decisions, finding direction, developing tools for navigating life. It’s not a clinical service and it doesn’t diagnose or treat anything.
Think of it this way, therapy helps you understand why you feel stuck. Coaching helps you work out what to do next.
Some people work with both a therapist and a coach at the same time. They serve different purposes and complement each other well.
Important note: If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to your GP, a mental health service, or a crisis line. Coaching is not a substitute for clinical mental health support.
What is mindfulness coaching?
Mindfulness coaching weaves mindfulness practices into the coaching conversation, not in a sit-cross-legged-and-think-of-nothing way, but practically.
We might use a short grounding exercise at the start of a session to help you arrive and settle. I might share a breathing technique or awareness practice as a tool to take away. The goal is to help you find stillness in the noise so you can think more clearly and feel more in control.
You don’t need any experience of mindfulness to work with me. Equally, if mindfulness is not for you, we can skip it.
What kinds of things can we talk about?
Anything that’s affecting your ability to live the life you want. There’s no minimum threshold for what counts. If it matters to you, it matters.
Some examples of things people bring to coaching:
Life and organisation
- Feeling overwhelmed by life admin — bills, paperwork, emails, appointments
- Building cleaning or household routines that actually stick
- Budgeting and getting on top of finances
- Decluttering physical or digital spaces
- Managing a to-do list that never seems to get shorter
Mental health and wellbeing
- Anxiety, low mood or lack of motivation
- Building confidence after a difficult period
- Finding structure and routine after illness or time out of work
- Managing stress and overwhelm day to day
- Developing a self-care practice that genuinely fits your life
Life transitions
- Career change or redundancy
- Relationship changes
- Bereavement and loss
- Moving home or relocating
- Returning to work after illness, caring responsibilities or time away
The criminal justice system
- Supporting a loved one through a prison sentence
- Navigating visits, phone calls and the emotional rollercoaster of that relationship
- Managing the financial and practical impact of having someone inside
- Preparing for a loved one’s release
- Reintegrating after your own prison sentence — finding housing, work, identity and routine
If you’re not sure whether your situation fits — just ask. The worst I can say is that I know someone better placed to help.
What happens in a first session?
Before we commit to working together there’s a free 30 minute initial conversation, no obligation, just a chance to see if we’re a good fit. You can book this directly through my calendar or drop me an email.
If we decide to go ahead, the first full session is about getting to know each other and understanding what you’re hoping to get from coaching. We’ll talk about where you are, what you want, and how we might work together. There’s no agenda to rush through, it’s your session.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends entirely on what you’re working on. Some people find three or four sessions gives them the clarity and tools they need. Others work with a coach for months.
Most people find that six sessions gives real momentum which is enough time to explore, to try things, and to start seeing change. That’s why I offer a six session package alongside pay-as-you-go options.
There’s no fixed minimum commitment. We go at whatever pace works for you.
Do you work online?
Yes — all sessions are held online via video call. This means we can work together wherever you are in the UK, at a time that suits your life rather than your commute.
If you’re not comfortable on camera that’s absolutely fine — audio only works just as well.
What if I can’t afford the full rate?
I believe coaching should be accessible to everyone. A limited number of reduced rate and free places are available for people on low or no income. No awkward conversations, no means testing — just drop me a message and we’ll work something out.
I’m also currently offering pilot places at significantly reduced rates while I build experience. Find out more on the Services page.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed in our sessions stays between us. I won’t share anything you tell me with anyone else.
The only exceptions are the same as in any helping relationship — if I have serious concerns about your safety or someone else’s safety I may need to act on that. I’ll always talk to you about this first where possible.
I’m not sure coaching is right for me — what should I do?
Book a free 30 minute chat, that’s what it’s there for. No commitment, no pressure, no obligation to go ahead. Just a conversation to see if this might be the right space for you.
If coaching isn’t right for you I’ll say so honestly, and where I can I’ll point you toward something that might be more helpful.
I’m worried about opening up to someone I don’t know.
That’s completely understandable, and very normal. You don’t have to share anything you’re not ready to share. We go at your pace, always.
The free initial conversation is specifically designed to give you a chance to get a feel for me and how I work before committing to anything. Most people find it much easier than they expected.