FAQs
Rather than bog down this website with loads of detail – and giving you scroll fatigue halfway through – I’ve put everything together in a handy Coaching With A Cuppa Guide which you can download below.
However, here are some answers to some of the more common questions I get asked.
Q. How long are sessions?
The length of sessions varies from coach to coach and you’ll usually find them offered in the region of 30 – 90 minutes. Me? I think 30 is too short and 90 is too long so I’ve settled on 50 minutes. From experience this is an optimal time for us to check in, review our last chat, untangle a challenge, explore options and work out next steps without losing mental energy or letting our thoughts wander.
Q. How many sessions would I need?
That all depends on the topic or issue you want to discuss! In some cases, we could discuss different aspects of the same topic over all the sessions. Other times you may want to use each session to talk through something different, but related - or something completely different. Or we might be discussing One Thing… and in the process, unpack Another Thing. A package of FOUR SESSIONS is the norm (and is more cost effective) but once we have our Get To Know You chat we can review how many sessions are appropriate.
Q. How do sessions take place?
Nearly all sessions nowadays take place online. I’ll send you a suitable link at least 48 hrs in advance, with a reminder message on the day. It’s important your environment is conducive to our conversation which means a stable internet or phone connection and somewhere where you won’t have interruptions which will affect our flow e.g. your cat wandering over the keyboard, or your partner in the background suddenly yelling ‘Where’s the remote?” PS. I’m happy to meet IRL too… but that involves a cost to reflect travel time.
Q. Do I really need to be on camera?
I’m afraid so. It’s much better for rapport and the sessions will be be far more effective that way. Depending on what statistic you believe, 70%-90% of communication is non-verbal and that means if we can see each other, we can engage better. Coaching is a conversation and most conversations are better face to face!
Q. How often would we meet?
This depends on your availability and what you’re looking to achieve – and by when. I find weekly or fortnightly sessions work best. This sort of frequency maintains the momentum of the conversation, and provides enough time to carry out any action points we agree. Sessions that take place at longer intervals risk losing energy and commitment - and spending too much time talking about what was discussed at the last session rather than moving forwards. Ultimately, you decide what you’re comfortable with.
Q. What do I need for a session?
For coaching to be as collaborative and effective as possible, it helps to bring the following to your sessions: PREPARATION Know what you want to discuss; what goal, topic or issue you want to focus on - and some means of taking notes. AN OPEN MIND Be willing to discuss things openly and possibly question your own behaviours or change your views. ACCOUNTABILITY Whether you commit to any actions we discuss is completely your choce – but ultimately only one person can help you (Clue: it’s you). A SENSE OF HUMOUR Coaching sessions are not giggle-fests, but being able to laugh at yourself can sometimes unlock stuck thinking and help reconsider issues with a fresh perspective.
Q. Does everything we discuss
remain confidential?
Definitely! I am bound by the Association for Coaching’s strict Code of Ethics which covers contracting, integrity, confidentiality, professional conduct and conflict of interests. When it comes to confidentiality, everything you share with me stays between us. The only exceptions are if there’s a legal or safeguarding concern. And although I’ll be taking notes (with your consent) during our sessions, these and any personal information are stored securely and destroyed thirty days after our last session.
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