For those who like more detail, below are a few questions I'm often asked. If you have more questions or want to talk anything through, get in touch >
I have been coaching since 2010 and am an EMCC Accredited Senior Practitioner. I have undertaken training in Executive Coaching, Transpersonal Coaching, Executive Function Coaching, Self Belief & Self Doubt coaching, Applied Positive Psychology Coaching, Applied Neuroscience and working with Neurodiversity. Alongside that I work with improv, gestalt and narrative coaching concepts. I have a coach supervisor I work with regularly to improve my coaching and am a member of both the EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) and the Association for Coaching.
I have worked in Learning & Development for 18 years, some of which has been marketing and the bulk of which has been design and delivery of behavioural learning. I've developed a specialism in communication, self belief, confidence, wellbeing, habit change and creative or critical thinking. I have a BA in Communication and Gender Studies and a MA in Sociology (Communication, culture and society) for which I wrote my dissertation on ADHD and the social impact of medical diagnosis for behavioural experience.
Whilst I have a light framework, I don't have one single process, no 'step by step plans' or 'coaching systems'. I firmly believe that coaching should happen WITH and FOR you and never ever happen to you. No extra faff - we'll discuss and co-create as we go.
The loose framework for one session or a series of sessions is:
Orientation - connect and get to know each other, decide what we're working towards, agree how we'll do it and the logistics that matter
Do the work - explore, get curious, reframe, do exercises, declare, make decisions, re-think and experiment.
Sense check - re-visit the goals and agreements, share feedback about how it's going, identify needs and actions, tie up what needs finishing, plan any next steps whether more coaching or not.
You can expect me to create a space with: non-judgement, respectful listening, challenging and curious questions, reframing of perspective, insight on the brain, mixed metaphors, tools or techniques to try, focus and commitment to your goal, accountability, acceptance and acknowledgement.
I expect you to: decide where you want to look or explore, make choices, be honest, experiment between sessions (or get curious about why it didn't happen) and give feedback about what's working or not working so we can keep your coaching fit for purpose.
That depends on what you want to make happen. In my experience the most important thing to consider is the momentum of change and how much capacity you have for the important experimenting in between sessions.
I've had single coaching sessions with people who just want a boost of clarity or to prepare for a big moment (interview, standing up for oneself, life transition, etc). I've also worked with individuals for a series of sessions or over course of years. There are no rules so the number of sessions depends on what your goal is, how you think and how our co-active conversations can play a role in that.
One guideline we can reference is research by Genius Within which indicates that 8-16 hours of coaching is the sweet spot for neurodivergent individuals to see improvement - but each individual and the interventions are different.
I use the term AuDHD to describe my neurodivergence (yes - we get to be in charge of the labels and how or whether we share). I have an official ADHD diagnosis and am self-diagnosed* Autistic, and I experience PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance / persistent drive for autonomy).
In addition to my own experience, I am a parent to neurodivergent twins and married to a dyslexic so we're all delightfully quirky and our mission is to MAKE IT FUN.
The label tells us nothing about form and function - and that's what matters. Our job is not to find something to fix, it's to find language and actions that are affirming of how you function at your best - the choices you want to make, the environments in which you thrive - this is what will ultimately make a difference.
We can use the label(s) offered in diagnosis or in self-assessment as a starting point for exploration but every experience is different. I work with a social model of neurodivergence which highlights that the person + environment + choice and action = outcome rather than the medical model that will have us believe we're missing something. We're not.
We will also spend time at the outset designing how we'll work together considering aspects like - in person, remote, on camera, off camera, how you think, your sensory or physical needs, what topics are explorable or off limits, how you need me to be, challenging, supportive, etc. I abide by the EMCC and AC code of ethics and if I don't believe I can be of help can refer you to other coaches or support services.
Diagnosis is something that can be beneficial for many as it can offer insight and crucially become a gateway to much needed practical support services. It isn't magic though - you are still you and you might not need a diagnosis to explore how you operate and get clear on what makes you most effective. I personally do not yet have an Autism diagnosis because it costs a significant amount of money (and/or waiting time) and we're investing in clarity for our children just now. This financial burden of clarity is an issue I know many others face, but it shouldn't get in the way of finding ways to shift your experience if you're struggling.
It is important to note I am not a medical professional and I cannot diagnose. What I can do is get curious about your executive functions, sensory profile, day to day experience and help you to think through how you can work WITH yourself.
Every coach is different and will ask questions from their own experience. My lens is that of wellbeing, strengths, neuroscience and positive psychology and I tend to explore accordingly.
If you're looking for a very structured or linear process - I'm not your gal. If you're looking to stretch your thinking, gather new perspectives and experiment - then I might be a good fit. The best way to find out is to chat to a few coaches - if you want to set up time with me, get in touch >
Single clarity session: £150 for 90 mins with brief follow up a few weeks later.
Series of sessions: £110 per 60-75 minute session and we discuss how many.
Accessibility is fundamental to my work so if you are keen to work with me but the financial investment is a barrier, drop me a note and let's chat about how we could make it work.
Coaching rates for organisations are discussed as part of an overall package of learning and accounting for the type and size of organisation.