Coaching FAQs
Is coaching the same as therapy?
No. I insist on being very clear about this. I will not engage a client unless they understand the difference.
Coaching is a non-clinical intervention. Should you choose to invest in a course of coaching, it will be rooted in intention, strategy and action.
A coaching approach can help clients identify areas of their lives where they may be stuck, create purposeful change by leveraging their existing experiences and strengths, and give them new tools to manage the challenges they are facing.
Therapy* could help with the above, if that's the client's focus, but can also delve more into human development, uncovering and healing past trauma, or diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
It isn't entirely black and white - there are numerous different types of coaching, and numerous different methods for therapy. Whether coaching or therapy is right for you will depend on your circumstances and current goals, as well as the individual practitioner and the modalities they use.
Both coach and therapist can play a valid and significant part in your emotional growth and wellbeing, just as you might rely on different professionals to take care of various aspects of your physical health (doctor, dentist, personal trainer, optometrist, etc).
I practice as a certified coach, not as a registered therapist. If, at any stage, we agree that you would benefit from seeing someone with a clinical registration, I'll happily work with you to find an appropriate referral option.
* Please note that in this context, "therapy" is used as an umbrella term to incorporate therapeutic practices that require a clinical registration, including psychology, psychotherapy and counselling.
COACHING IS NOT AN EMERGENCY MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTION.
If you're feeling down and need to talk to someone immediately, please call or text 1737 (NZ)
If you're in immediate danger, please call 111 (NZ)
Do you help with other issues?
I specialize in helping clients understand and transcend loneliness, but I can also help you work on:
Exploring what a "good life" really means to you, so that you can set more authentic goals;
Using your unique strengths to live each day more intentionally;
Developing greater self awareness and overcoming self-doubt;
Processing changes, challenges or loss;
Navigating the modern dating scene and creating a vibrant single life;
Preparing yourself for the love you want;
Escaping a resentment or blame-based mindset and tapping into the power of gratitude;
... and more.
Please book a free online consultation to discuss your goals.
Are you:
Qualified? Yes, see below.
A therapist? No, see above.
Kink aware, LGBTQI friendly, and respectful of diversity? Yes.
Available for a free online consultation? Yes. Book here.
What can I expect from 1:1 coaching?
I'll ask a lot of questions. In order to create meaningful change, it's important that you are honest.
It's likely that we'll use a number of different frameworks. You may recognize some of these from the business world (e.g. SWOT analysis) but learn to apply them in a new way. Some will be drawn from positive psychology and other disciplines.
You'll receive assignments to complete between sessions, but don't worry - these will be relatively easy and for the most part, people even find them to be fun!
You'll be encouraged to keep a journal throughout the coaching process (either in the form of a small notebook or a file on your phone) so that you can jot down thoughts and questions between sessions.
For every client, the journey looks different. Your journey will be based on your individual goals, circumstances and strengths, so it needs to be as unique as you are.
I like to use the analogy of someone joining a gym. They trust that they have the ability to improve their fitness, but to see great results, they know need to be ready to put the work in - their trainer can't do it for them. Depending on their physiology, lifestyle, and chosen sports, they may have a different starting point to others, and different athletic goals. A long-distance runner will have different training goals than a ballerina or a body-builder.
Your social wellbeing is just as important as your physical health. You have the ability to improve your social wellbeing, but to see great results, you'll need to put the work in - your coach can't do it for you. You're unique, so you may have a different starting point and different social goals to other people.
If you don't really know yet what your social goals look like, that's okay, too. We'll start where you're at, and work on building a bespoke connection plan that works for you.
Is a coaching approach right for me?
Only you can decide that. However, if you’re pursuing excellence in your life and you're willing to try something new, you’re exactly the type of person I'd love to work with.
If you're a leader, you're probably a great candidate for coaching, because whether you lead a country, community, company, family or team, investing in your own excellence is a responsible thing to do. You can't pour from an empty cup, and the ripple effect of improving your own social wellbeing could be enormous for those around you.
How much does it cost?
4 sessions of individual coaching: $1350
6 sessions of individual coaching: $1950
Individual or small team half/full day workshops: POA
Prices are in the New Zealand Dollar and inclusive of GST.
After a package of 4 or 6 sessions has been completed, you will have the option of booking single sessions.
A course of bespoke individual coaching involves regular sessions via Zoom (or in person, by arrangement). You may also receive personalized assignments and check-ins.
If you are employed in healthcare, emergency services or the charity sector, please book a free online consultation and remember to ask about the Doing Good Discount.
Are you sufficiently qualified?
I am certified in Abundance Coaching and Breakthrough Life Coaching, and am a member of the International Coaching Federation. I'm also a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, have experience with the VIA Character Strengths framework, and have completed studies in wellbeing, psychology, leadership and communication. Please feel free to ask for more information about my training at any time.
I know personally what it is to feel profoundly lonely, to experience loss and anxiety, and what it takes to move through that pain to reclaim a connected, purposeful life. My practice is grounded in lived experience, informed by science, and focused on you.
I appreciate your need to feel confident in my abilities, and welcome frank discussions about whether working together is the right option for you. Please book a free online consultation.
What do you expect from me?
If we decide to work together, I'll support you to the best of my ability as you strive to meet or exceed your own expectations. You'll need to bring your whole self to the journey, and be aware that the level of energy and honesty that you put in will ultimately determine your success.
You'll also need to read, understand and agree to the Coaching Agreement. If you have any questions about it, please don't hesitate to ask.
You can view the Coaching Agreement here.