Frequently asked questions…

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Frequently asked questions… *

Is Coaching like counselling?

Coaching offers you a safe, non-judgemental space to talk freely about what is and isn’t working for you but…

It is not therapy.

Coaching is future and action orientated, it helps you to identify new perspectives, empowering you to move forward.

Ripples-Coaching is trauma informed and if anything comes up in discussions that are out of the realms of knowledge and expertise you will be supported and signposted to suitable organisations.

What can I expect from a coaching session?

Expect friendly, encouraging sessions that are empowering, supportive and thought provoking.

Coaching is tailored to you! This is your time to work on what you want. By using a range of activities and techniques you will identify achievable small steps towards your goal.

Each session will focus on something that you want to work on. Together we will identify aims of the session, through discussion and questioning you will gain insight, confidence and clarity. The final part of the session will be identifying actions for you to take forward - note these are your actions . identified and agreed by you, you set the pace for these completely.

The sessions are online, so you can do them in your own home, or wherever you are comfortable. Each session is 45- 50 mins long and are confidential and completely free of judgement.

Throughout your coaching journey, you will receive continuous support and feedback including a ‘check in’ text message between sessions if you would like it.

Be prepared for coaching to be an exploratory process, after all, our best lessons come from reflecting on things that don’t go to plan. This is something we often fear as grown ups, but instead of worrying about ‘failure’ you will begin to look forward to these ‘life lessons’ and see them as ‘opportunities for growth’ - I know it sounds corny… but its true!

How many sessions will I need?

Good question!

The amount of time it takes to form a habit can vary, however research suggests that 'on average' it takes about 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic.

Of course, you will see changes before 66 days, but my point is that it takes time to change things that you have potentially been doing for a while.

If you don’t want coaching to be a short term fix which results in reverting back to old habits it is important to not stop too soon.

In order for you to get the most out of the coaching, it is recommended that initially the coaching sessions run for 3 months, either weekly or bi-weekly. Each session builds on the previous one, this ensures that momentum and accountability is maintained.

However, coaching is all about you, so I have created different packages. To chat about what will suit you book a FREE, no obligation discovery session.

But, isn’t it just like talking to a friend?

Friends are very supportive and will often be sympathetic about what is not working for you and they may try to 'fix' it by giving you suggestions

Coaching is different.

A coach will work with you, but not for you, they will not attempt to ‘fix’ your situation - after all, I imagine that many people have tried to do that before?

You will come up with your own solutions, this it done through carefully thought out questions and guidance. Although this sounds harder that just being given answers you will feel in control and empowered, resulting in you wanting to take the steps needed as they are your ideas - no one is telling you what to do or giving you their opinions.

There is no emotional involvement or judgement, whereas you may be worried about what a friend will say or think. The coach is professional and unbiased allowing you to be completely honest. Coaches maintain strict confidentiality, providing a safe environment for you to discuss things openly.

A coach will (hopefully) be trained and will have knowledge of different techniques and strategies that will be personalised for your unique circumstances, helping you to overcome specific obstacles and work on your strengths.

Side note - I am a qualified Level 5 life coach (TQUK Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring (RQF)

What is expected of me?

Coaching is a partnership, built on honesty and trust, the following things will help to improve your successes and coaching experience.

Engagement and participation - Be open to talking about your experiences and thoughts. Have an idea of what you would like to work on for each session - coaching will guide you, but its important that it is completely focussed on what you want.

Commitment - Coaching will keep you accountable and will help you towards achieving your goals, but you need to be committed. Changes will happen, but they need to come from you.

Self-reflection - self awareness will enhance your coaching experience

Consistency - Commit to regular sessions and follow through on any action plans created.