Coaching is conversation. It is listening. It’s me listening to the story of your life and your work, the threads that maybe need untangling a little, the struggles you are having with whatever it might be. But also listening more deeply to the ebb and flow of your life, to see the patterns and shapes you are experiencing and then helping you to listen, and respond, to them too. It is encouraging you to listen to your deepest desires and helping you to find the wisdom you need within yourself to answer the questions confronting you and move forward with positive action to effect change.
Coaching is not you coming to me and expecting me to fix all your problems! We work together to unlock whatever needs unlocking. The primary actor in the coaching relationship is not the coach but the ‘coachee‘. The coach’s role is to support the coachee as they work through their questions, blocks, and issues and to make concrete plans to move forward.
There can sometimes be some confusion – to use a sporting analogy – about who is the coach and who is the player. The coach doesn’t enter the field of play – their job is to bring the best out of the players not play the game for them.
Coaching is also different from counselling or psychotherapy. These other disciplines are invaluable in working through the underlying trauma that may be unconsciously shaping the way we are living. Coaching isn’t designed to do that.
PRACTICALITIES
The Process
The coaching sessions usually take place over Zoom so you will need access to a computer with good wifi connection and a camera.
At our initial consultation we will get to know each other a little bit and define the scope – at least initially – of the work we will do together, the issues that need addressing and the goals you would like to achieve. If either of us are unsure of whether we are a good fit for each other there is no obligation to continue beyond this point.
We will agree a pattern for our sessions – the time and frequency. These are usually weekly but other frequencies are possible e.g. a monthly ‘check in’ session. Sessions are an hour long. We will also agree a review point when there will be an opportunity to conclude the work or continue with it if we both feel that would be helpful.
Fees
After the initial consultation which is free, the fee per session is £55. This is payable (by bank transfer – receipts are available on request) before the next scheduled session.