Question 1

What is Life Coaching?

Accepted Answer

A way of working that invites you to go beyond the way you usually think about your life and what you desire.  It will enable you to access the natural creativity and problem solving capacity of your own brain whilst freeing you from old stories, and beliefs that are holding you back and getting in the way of your success so you can take action to achieve your goals.
 
You can also find a definition of Coaching on the (International Coaching Federation) ICF website(https://coachingfederation.org/about)

Question 2

What is a Psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

A way of working that invites you to reflect on your life experiences in order to heal from past trauma or psychological stress that may be causing difficulties and mental health issues in your current life in order to address or treat these and move forward.

It is also referred to as counselling and you can find another definition at the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy BACP website.(https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/what-is-counselling/)

Question 3

What is a Therapeutic Life Coach?

Accepted Answer

Someone who combines their training and experience as a psychotherapist with their practice as a coach.  Blending both approaches to create the optimum support for individual clients regardless of their background and life experiences..

Question 4

What is the difference between therapy and coaching?

Accepted Answer

Therapy focuses on how past experience is creating current issues in order to resolve and move towards better mental health; coaching focuses on optimizing the client’s own resources and ideas to create a life they enjoy more.
See health spectrum diagram on The Process page (https://www.unburdennow.com/the-process)

In other words therapy focuses on the "Why" and coaching on the "What now".  This is why when combined together they can provide a powerful way to move clients forward, no matter what their life stage. past experiences or current challenges.

Question 5

How do I know if I need a therapist or a life coach?

Accepted Answer

Take a look at the diagram on The Process page (https://www.unburdennow.com/the-process)of the website and think about where you feel you are along the spectrum of mental health. If you are unsure and would like to discuss your needs, in confidence and without commitment, book a free discovery call (javascript:void(0))and lets see if we can work together to understand the best fit for you at this time

Question 6

What if we uncover something unpleasant or surprising during coaching and I want or need more psychological support

Accepted Answer

If you decide that you would like to work with a therapist we can pause or discontinue our work while you work with a therapist or other mental health provider.  If during our work I feel that you would benefit from working with a therapist I will let you know. It will always be your decision to continue or end the coaching service in this situation.

Having built up a relationship and understanding with me some clients choose to continue to work with me more therapeutically for a number of sessions to focus on a specific area and then transition back to a coaching approach.

Question 7

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic coaching is not a diagnostic service or medical treatment. You will not be provided with any medication or medical advice.  There is no physical pain involved, however you may experience some emotional discomfort, particularly if you have been suppressing or ignoring your emotions for a long time.  Just like starting at the gym when you use your muscles in a new way it may feel a little sore until you build the strength and resilience you need, which can be an important part of the work.

Question 8

Are there side effects?

Accepted Answer

Therapy and coaching can seriously improve your wellbeing and lead to a reduction in frustration and unnecessary suffering brought on by anxiety, overwhelm and indecision 😉.

Question 9

Can I work with you if I am seeing a therapist?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can work with a coach and a therapist at the same time. You should discuss your intention with your therapist before beginning to work with a coach.

Question 10

Will you share what I tell you with anyone else?

Accepted Answer

No. I keep full confidentiality for all clients and will not share any of your details or what we discuss during your coaching sessions.  For accreditation purposes I need to maintain records of clients and sessions attended.  These will be shared with the accrediting bodies only and in accordance with my Privacy Policy.(javascript:void(0))
The exception where by law I am required to break confidentiality is if I reasonably believe you are in danger or you may endanger someone else. Should this situation arise I will advise you of who I will notify and when.

Please see Ethical standard for ICF (https://coachingfederation.org/regulation)and BACP (https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/)here >

Question 11

Can I work with you if I am taking medication for anxiety or depression?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You should advise your prescribing physician of your intention to work with a coach before you begin. Please be aware however that some medication can suppress your ability to connect with your emotions and may therefore make the work a little more challenging and impact your levels of motivation and desire which are an important part of the ability to take action and create change in your life.  You should not stop taking medication at the prescribed dose without discussing your intention with the prescribing physician.

Question 12

How long is a normal coaching session?

Accepted Answer

This varies by coach. At Unburden we find a 90 minute session is the most effective and this is our standard service, however if you would like to work for a different length of time we can discuss this during your free discovery session.

For more information see our Fees (https://www.unburdennow.com/fees)and Services (https://www.unburdennow.com/services)pages.

Question 13

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

All prices are shown on the website.(javascript:void(0))  Fees (https://www.unburdennow.com/fees)are payable in advance.

Question 14

Can I try one session to see if I like it before I commit to a package?

Accepted Answer

The initial 30-minute discovery call gives you the opportunity to meet with the coach and discuss your objectives.  If you are both happy that coaching at this time is a good way to proceed, you will be able to book either a single session or a package.  Coaching isn’t for everyone and so if it is your first time, we encourage you to book a single session to try it out before committing to a package.

Many clients decide to book session to session, rather than a package.  This allows flexibility to fit around changing schedules but does mean you may not always be able to keep the same day/time for your session.

Question 15

Do you have a license?

Accepted Answer

There is no licence requirement or licensing body for Life Coaches. It is important to me that I work to the highest standards and I adhere to the Ethical standards of both the ICF (https://coachingfederation.org/)and BACP.(https://www.bacp.co.uk/)  You can also find details of my qualifications, credentials and insurance (javascript:void(0))on the website

Question 16

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes I have Professional Liability Insurance you can  download and view a copy of my policy below.

Question 17

Can I get my money back if I am not happy?

Accepted Answer

If after a single coaching session you are not happy with the service you received please let me know via email within 2 days of the session and I will, at my discretion, give you a full refund.If you paid for a package and you are not happy after the first session let me know via email within 2 days that you wish to cancel the rest of the program and I will, at my discretion, give you a full refund. For all other situations please see my full cancellation and refund policy within the Coaching Agreement (https://www.unburdennow.com/coaching-agreement)

Question 18

Do you have a privacy policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I adhere to the privacy requirements of Ohio, USA and the requirements of GDPR covering the UK and European Union.  You can find my terms & privacy policy (javascript:void(0))on the website.

Question 19

Where can I get a copy of your service contract?

Accepted Answer

You can download a copy of the standard Coaching Agreement (https://www.unburdennow.com/coaching-agreement)from the website. If you wish to work with me you will be issued with a personalised contract outlining the services you have selected.  You can also view the Website Terms & Privacy information here (https://www.unburdennow.com/terms-privacy)

Question 20

Where did you train as a Life Coach?

Accepted Answer

I trained with the International Coach Academy (https://coachcampus.com/)- this is a global online coaching program.

Question 21

Where did you train as a therapist?

Accepted Answer

I trained in Bedfordshire in the UK at Barnfield college f(https://www.barnfield.ac.uk/)rom 2006-2008 and then with the wonderful Lorna Marchant at  Independent Counselling Training (https://independentcounsellingtraining.org/)from 2011-2013

Question 22

Do you provide faith based coaching?

Accepted Answer

No, I am happy to work with people of all faiths but if you are looking for a faith based service then I will not be the right coach for you.

Question 23

Do you have experience working with people from the LGBTQ community?

Accepted Answer

No. If you are looking for someone with experience working with this community please refer to the ICF register (https://coachingfederation.org/)of Coaches or BACP (https://www.bacp.co.uk/)register of therapists

Question 24

I don’t live in the US can I still work with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes I can work with you via Zoom wherever you live, provided you are able to speak English. It is unusual but there is a possibility prices may be subject to an increase to cover local sales tax.

Question 25

What currencies can I pay in?

Accepted Answer

Prices and Invoices are in US Dollars.  By arrangement I can accept Sterling and Euros by interbank transfer.  Contact me (javascript:void(0))to discuss your needs.  Payment will be required to be received into the Unburden bank account prior to services being provided so please check processing times and fees with your bank.

Question 26

Will you appear as an expert witness in a court case?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 27

Do you coach couples?

Accepted Answer

Yes, couples are welcome.

Question 28

Do you coach families?

Accepted Answer

Yes, families are welcome.

Question 29

Do you keep client records?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to the privacy policy (javascript:void(0))to understand the data I hold about clients in order to provide the service. I may keep brief notes about what was discussed in the session and any further reflections I may have. These are for my personal use only e.g. to help in identifying themes across sessions. These are stored in line with the privacy policy and prevailing Ohio data protection legislation.

Question 30

Do you record sessions?

Accepted Answer

Not usually. However some clients like to be able to review the session later and I am happy to record Zoom sessions, strictly for the client's personal use upon request.

Question 31

Can I record my session with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you choose to do so you will be solely responsible for storing and protecting the recording files.

Question 32

Do you provide training courses?

Accepted Answer

We are developing an online course for people who prefer to work on their own or are not yet ready to start working with someone else.  We have no release date for this yet.

Question 33

Who took the photos of you on your web site

Accepted Answer

My very talented and patient friend Dianne Bordonaro Bunis

Question 34

Who created your website?

Accepted Answer

The wonderful team at SETDesign London (https://www.setdesign.london/)in the UK

Question 35

Can you coach in other languages?

Accepted Answer

I only speak English if you prefer to work in another language please refer to the ICF (https://coachingfederation.org/about)for other coaches who will be right for you

Question 36

What is involved in the free 30 minute consultation?

Accepted Answer

We will have a conversation via Zoom to discuss what you want to achieve through coaching and what particular challenges you would like to address. Every conversation is different but may cover what experience you have with coaching, mentoring or therapy; how you like to work and learn; what concerns you have, your availability and level of commitment and motivation. You will have the opportunity to get to know a little more about me and how I work and ask any other questions that will help you make a decision about whether coaching is the best approach for you at this moment in your life.

This is not a coaching session, its purpose is for us to discuss working together.

Question 37

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

You can end coaching whenever you choose.  If you have future sessions booked please refer to the Coaching Agreement for the cancellation policy. (https://www.unburdennow.com/coaching-agreement)

Question 38

What preparation is needed for a coaching session?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to do anything, however you will find you can optimise the benefit of coaching if you spend a few minutes  thinking about what you want to achieve overall - long term goal and what you want to achieve within an individual session that moves you towards the larger goal. Reflecting on what challenges you face and what thoughts and feelings you have about this.

Question 39

Will there be homework between coaching sessions?

Accepted Answer

Only if you choose to set yourself some!

Question 40

Can you help me understand my dreams?

Accepted Answer

We can work with anything that is on your mind, dreams included.  These are often a rich source of information from our unconscious if we learn how to listen to them.  Only you will know what your dreams mean or the meaning you give them and exploring them is another way to raise your awareness and tap into your creativity.

Question 41

How will I know if you are the right coach for me?

Accepted Answer

The only way to know is to start working together.  Hopefully you will have a good sense of who I am and how I work from our discovery call and we can discuss any doubts or concerns you may have. There is also no commitment from you to carry on working with me after the first session. If you are confident that we can work together to help you achieve your goals after that then you can book one of the packages or continue to book sessions one at a time.

Question 42

Will I have to share very personal information with you?

Accepted Answer

What you choose to share is totally up to you. I will ask questions that may be challenging and require reflection and thought. I will invite you to share what you are thinking and feeling as this is part of the process required to build your awareness of your inner world and how this may be impacting your results and getting in your way.  However you decide what you want to share.  You also decide if there is something you don’t wish to discuss and you can let me know so we can avoid that.

Question 43

How do I know I can trust you with sensitive information?

Accepted Answer

We can only work effectively if we both have trust in the coaching relationship we create together.  In accordance with the Ethical guidelines of both ICF (https://coachingfederation.org/regulation)and BACP (https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-us/about-bacp/)I will not share with anyone else anything that we discuss in our coaching sessions without your express permission.  The exceptional circumstances which would require me to break that confidence for legal or safety purposes are set out in the guidelines.  What you choose to share with others is for you to decide.

Question 44

Does a coach have to have personal experience of the issues I am facing in order to help me?

Accepted Answer

No. It is not necessary to have similar experiences or background to coach effectively.  Even where we do share these our individual experiences will be different and the focus of the work is on you, your experience and what this means to you. That said, many clients do feel they will be able to relate better to someone who shares similar experiences and backgrounds.

Question 45

If I am still unsure about coaching what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Accept that you cannot know if it will work for you unless you try it and give yourself permission to both have doubt and try something new.  Book a 30 minute free conversation (javascript:void(0))with me and just see what happens. Your only commitment is 30minutes of your time that might just change your life.

Question 46

Do you take medical insurance?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 47

Do you offer discounts for Veterans, Senior Citizens etc?"

Accepted Answer

Yes there are discounts available for some clients. Please refer to the Services (https://www.unburdennow.com/services)and Fees p(https://www.unburdennow.com/fees)ages

Question 48

What will I do if our work uncovers past trauma or triggers anxiety?

Accepted Answer

If this happens and you wish to address this then you may choose to work with a licensed psychotherapist (US clients).  You may also choose to pause, continue or end our work whilst you do this.

UK clients who would like to continue working with me to address trauma, anxiety or other causes of emotional distress can do so.  We would revisit your goals and agree an approach before proceeding with this.  You are always in control of the work we do together and can choose to change direction and review your goals at any point.

Question 49

Do you have a coach or therapist?

Accepted Answer

I am committed to my ongoing learning and development and to working safely and effectively with my clients.  I therefore work from time to time with a coach. I do not currently have a therapist but as part of my psychotherapy training I undertook many hours of therapy, over several years, with a wonderful therapist in the UK, Mary, who passed away a number of years ago.

Question 50

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

Before you can move forward in life you often need to let go of something such as an idea, a feeling or a belief and it's not always obvious. Coaching can help you identify what that is, understand how that is getting in your way and enable you to access your own insights and creativity and energy to  take action to unburden yourself so you can achieve your goals and enjoy life more.

Question 51

Can I meet with you in person for sessions

Question 52

What time zone are you in?

Question 53

Where do you live?

Question 54

Are you currently offering therapy sessions?

Question 55

What are your dogs called?

Question 56

Why are all your dogs the same color?

Question 57

Do you accept digital currency?

Question 58

How can I leave a Review about my experience working with you?

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