Common FAQs
Everything from confidentiality to location, assessments and booking.
How do I know if career coaching is right for me?
You don't need to have a particular problem or even know exactly what you want help with.
You might be starting out, feeling stuck, considering a change, looking for your next opportunity or simply wondering whether there's something different you could be doing. Coaching gives you dedicated time and an independent perspective to explore what's going on and work out what to do next.
What happens in my first session?
We'll start by understanding you: where you are now, what's brought you to coaching and what you'd like to be different.
I'll ask questions, offer observations and challenge your thinking where it might be useful. We'll also make things practical, so you should leave with greater clarity and some tangible next steps.
In advance I'll ask you to fill in a short questionnaire so you can share what is on your mind, I know what to expect and we can hit the ground running in the first session.
Will you tell me what career I should choose?
No and I'd be slightly suspicious of anyone who claimed they could!
My role isn't to choose your career for you. I'll help you understand your strengths, priorities and possibilities, bring an informed perspective on the world of work, and help you make decisions that feel right for you.
Do I have to book a programme of sessions?
Not at all.
You can start with one session and see what you need. For some people, a single conversation is enough. But mainly people find it useful to work together over several sessions as they explore options and start making changes.
If I think further sessions would be valuable, I'll explain why but there's never any obligation to continue.
Do you offer a free discovery call?
I don't offer formal discovery calls because you can book a single session without committing to any further coaching.
If you're unsure whether I'm the right person to help, send me a message through the website and tell me a little about what you're looking for. I'm always happy to answer a question before you book.
My Google reviews should give you a good feel for how people find working with me.
Where do sessions take place?
We can meet in person or online.
For in person meetings, you can come to my studio office in Wokingham, Berkshire. If you are in Wokingham, Bracknell, Crowthorne, Sandhurst, Yateley Finchampstead, Binfield, Barkham or Winnersh I can visit you or meet you locally.
If you're slightly further afield and need me to visit you, drop me a message. I also work in London about one day a week and can meet people there
I can support with presenting and interview preparation virtually but it tends to be better in person.
How long do sessions last?
Standard career coaching sessions are 60 minutes.
Interview coaching is 90 minutes so that we have enough time to understand the opportunity, work through your approach and actually practise.
How much does coaching cost?
Go to Services > Coaching to find out about the fees.
All prices shown include VAT.
Longer coaching programmes are also available if you'd like ongoing support.
How do I book coaching?
You can choose your session and an available time directly through the website. Payment is made securely online when you book, so there's nothing else to arrange before we meet.
If your employer is paying for your coaching, please contact me instead of booking online.
How long do sessions last?
Standard career coaching sessions are 60 minutes.
Interview coaching is 90 minutes so that we have enough time to understand the opportunity, work through your approach and actually practise.
Can my employer pay for my coaching?
Absolutely.
Many employers have budgets for coaching, professional development and career support. Employer-funded coaching is arranged separately and can include an agreed programme, organisational objectives and, where appropriate, conversations with a sponsor or HR team.
Get in touch and I can provide the information your employer needs, including an invoice or proposal.
Will what I tell you be confidential?
Yes. Coaching works best when you can speak openly, so our conversations are confidential.
If your employer is funding your coaching, we'll agree clearly at the outset what, if anything, is shared with them. I won't report the content of our coaching conversations back to your employer.
There are limited exceptions to confidentiality where there is a legal requirement or a serious safeguarding concern, which I'll explain as part of our coaching agreement.
Will what I tell you be confidential?
Yes. Coaching works best when you can speak openly, so our conversations are confidential.
If your employer is funding your coaching, we'll agree clearly at the outset what, if anything, is shared with them. I won't report the content of our coaching conversations back to your employer.
There are limited exceptions to confidentiality where there is a legal requirement or a serious safeguarding concern, which I'll explain as part of our coaching agreement.
I'm 18–25. Is Starting Out only for people looking for their first job?
Not at all.
You might be choosing between university and work, applying for your first job, graduating, already a few years into your career or wondering whether you've chosen the wrong direction.
Starting Out is simply an accessible coaching rate for people aged 18–25 who'd benefit from some independent support with their career.
Can a parent book a session for their son or daughter?
Yes, although it's important that the person having the coaching wants to take part too.
For clients aged 18 or over, the coaching relationship is with them, even if a parent is paying. That means our conversations remain confidential unless the client specifically agrees otherwise.
If you're a parent and aren't sure whether coaching would be appropriate, you're welcome to contact me first.
Do you work with people under 18?
If you'd like to enquire about coaching for someone under 18, please contact me before booking so we can discuss what they need and the appropriate arrangements.
I am DBS checked and have experience supporting young people.
Can you help with my CV or LinkedIn profile?
Yes.
We can work on how you're positioning yourself, the story your CV tells, your LinkedIn presence and how clearly you're communicating what you have to offer.
My approach is usually to work with you rather than simply rewriting everything for you. The aim is for you to understand and feel confident telling your own career story.
I've got an interview in a few days. Can you help?
That's exactly what Nail It sessions are designed for.
We'll work with the actual role you're interviewing for, identify what the organisation is likely to be looking for, strengthen your examples and practise answering questions.
If your interview is very soon and you can't see a suitable appointment online, send me a message. If I can fit you in, I will.
Can you help with career assessments?
Yes. Where it would add value to your coaching, I can incorporate selected assessments and development tools.
I'm also a certified Cultural Intelligence (CQ) practitioner and can offer individual CQ assessments for people who want to better understand how they work, communicate and lead across different cultures and perspectives.
What if I need to cancel or move my session?
Life happens. If you need to change your appointment, please give me at least 24 hours' notice and you can move your session to another available time.
Sessions cancelled or changed with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged in full.
Is coaching the same as therapy or counselling?
No.
Career coaching focuses primarily on your working life, the decisions you're making and what you'd like to do next. We may explore beliefs, confidence and things that are holding you back, but coaching isn't a substitute for therapy, counselling or medical support.
If something comes up that would be better supported by another professional, I'll always be open with you about that.