Things that people ask me

Coaching is a chance to pause, to make sense of what’s happening for you, in your own language. I don’t give you all the answers. I ask the questions that help you find them and create activities that help you make sense of it.

The most important thing is the relationship. You should feel comfortable, understood, and able to be yourself. Look for someone who listens without judgment, challenges you kindly, and helps you move forward in a way that feels right for you. Training and credentials matter too, but the connection is what makes coaching work. That’s why I offer a free welcome call, so you can get a feel for whether I’m the right coach for you.

It really depends on what you’re looking for. Some people come for just a few sessions to work through a specific issue, while others prefer a longer-term coaching relationship for deeper growth. I don’t prescribe a set number of sessions or offer block bookings — instead, we’ll review together at the end of each session and decide if and when the next one feels right.

Everybody is different, and each session is led by you. We’ll talk through what’s on your mind, explore decisions, and find practical steps forward. It’s a conversation, not a performance. Sometimes we’ll just chat. Sometimes we’ll explore patterns. Sometimes we’ll try exercises. Sometimes we may practise something. But each session is designed to work with how you make sense of the world. And if anything doesn’t land right first time, that’s okay — growth often comes through trying, adjusting, and learning along the way.

Coaching and counselling can feel similar, because both give you space to talk and reflect, and both may explore experiences, patterns, and feelings. There isn’t a hard line between them, but the focus is usually different. Counselling is often more therapeutic, looking at past experiences and emotions to support healing or mental health. Coaching is more forward-looking — about clarity, choices, and practical steps — though it may also touch on feelings or experiences along the way.

Some people choose coaching because it gives them what they need. Some have counselling first and then move on to coaching when they’re ready to look forward. Others do both alongside each other. Coaching isn’t a replacement for therapy, but it can support your wellbeing in its own way — especially by helping you make changes in your situation, confidence, or environment.

There are many ways people can be supported — from counselling and coaching through to training, teaching, and mentoring. Coaching sits within that spectrum, and sometimes overlaps with the others, but its focus is always on helping you move forward in a way that works for you.

AI can be a really helpful tool — it can generate ideas, suggest exercises, and even help you reflect. I often encourage clients to use it for certain tasks, especially if they’ve already adopted it in their daily lives.

But coaching isn’t just about tools or information. It’s about the relationship: being deeply listened to, challenged kindly, and supported by another human being. That trust, empathy, and connection is what makes coaching powerful. AI can be a great companion, but it can’t replace the human side of coaching.