Question 1

What is Pilates?

Accepted Answer

Pilates is a mindful, low-impact method of movement focused on strengthening your core, improving alignment, and building whole-body stability from the inside out.Rather than chasing exhaustion through high-intensity reps, Pilates emphasizes precision, controlled movement, and deep breath awareness. It trains you to notice how you hold tension, helps you release habitual compensation patterns, and teaches you to move through your daily life with greater ease, poise, and freedom.

Question 2

What is Life Coaching?

Accepted Answer

Life coaching isn't about digging endlessly into your past to figure out why you feel stuck, or treating your history as a puzzle that needs solving. Instead, it is a forward-looking, collaborative partnership focused entirely on where you are right now and where you want to go.Rather than asking "What happened back then to cause this?", we look at "What purpose does this current pattern serve, and how can we use it to shape the future you actually want?" It’s a practical, present-moment space to quiet the noise, drop the over-analysis, and gently align your daily actions with intention and ease. You can also find a definition of Coaching on the (International Coaching Federation) ICF website

Question 3

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.

Question 4

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 5

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

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 6

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

Accepted Answer

Explore therapy if: You want to dive deep into your history, piece together past experiences, and understand the root causes and narratives behind your current patterns, behaviors, or emotional challenges.Coaching is right for you if: You acknowledge that your past has shaped you, but your focus is firmly on the present and the future. Instead of looking backward, you want to figure out what to do next, uncover blind spots, and take concrete, manageable steps toward your goals.

Question 7

What if something deeper or surprising comes up during our work?

Accepted Answer

Because our work aims to integrate mind and body through movement and awareness, we are tuning into your physical and mental patterns in real time. Sometimes, that deep awareness can bring unexpected emotions or tender places to the surface.If you choose to explore therapy: We can easily pause or wrap up our movement and coaching work while you partner with a mental health professional.If I notice you might benefit from additional support: I will gently share that observation with you. The final decision is always yours.Can you do both at once? Working with a therapist and engaging in mind-body integration and/or coaching simultaneously can be a powerful combination. If you choose this path, I simply ask that you inform your therapist in advance to ensure a supportive, aligned approach.

Question 8

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

Unburden does not provide a diagnostic service or medical treatment. You will not be provided with any medication or medical advice.However, because you will be learning to use your body in new ways and exploring better alignment, you may experience some physical discomfort as your muscles adapt. This is a normal part of the process.You are always in control of your movement and we will explore at your pace. Learning to lean into this discomfort, notice where you are holding tension, and practice letting it go to move more freely is a core part of the work.

Question 9

Are there side effects?

Accepted Answer

Pilates and coaching can seriously improve your wellbeing and lead to a reduction in discomfort, frustration and unnecessary suffering 😉.

Question 10

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 11

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.   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 refer to the Service Agreement for more information.If you work with me through the Pilates Center of Cincinnati I will share information with other instructors there that I deem necessary to ensure you work safely and are appropriately supported.

Question 12

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 me 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 13

How long is a session?

Accepted Answer

Movement sessions are typically 50mins.Coaching sessions are 90 minutes.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 Fees and Services pages.

Question 14

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

All prices are shown on the website.  Fees are payable in advance.

Question 15

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 me and discuss your objectives.  If we are both happy this would be an appropriate approach for, you will be able to book either a single session or 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 16

Do you have a license?

Accepted Answer

There is no licence requirement or licensing body for Life Coaches or Pilates Instructors. It is important to me that I work to the highest standards and I adhere to the Ethical standards of both the ICF and BACP.  You can also find details of my qualifications, credentials and insurance on the website

Question 17

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes I have Professional Liability Insurance you can  download and view a copy of my cetificate of insurance here.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

If after a single session you are not happy with the service you received please let me know before you leave the session and I will, at my discretion, give you a full refund. If you paid for a package and 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 Service Agreement

Question 19

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 on the website.

Question 20

Where can I get a copy of your service agreement?

Accepted Answer

You can download a copy of the Service Agreement.  You can also view the Website Terms & Privacy information here

Question 21

Where did you train as a Pilates Instructor?

Accepted Answer

I trained at the Pilates Center of Cincinnati with the amazing Sheila Khun.  You can take  one of my classes here or schedule a private Pilates session with me at the studio.  For prices, shedules and terms refer to their website.

Question 22

Where did you train as a Life Coach?

Accepted Answer

I trained with the International Coach Academy - this is a global online coaching program.

Question 23

Where did you train as a therapeutic counsellor?

Accepted Answer

I trained in Bedfordshire in the UK at Barnfield college from 2006-2008 and then with the wonderful Lorna Marchant at  Independent Counselling Training from 2011-2013

Question 24

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 25

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

Accepted Answer

I have limited experience working with this community. If you are looking for someone with experience and/or specific training for working with this community please refer to the ICF register of Coaches or BACP register of therapists

Question 26

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

Accepted Answer

If you want coaching then I can work with you via Zoom wherever you live, provided you are able to speak English and have a safe and uninterrupted space to work in with a good internet connection. It is unusual but there is a possibility prices may be subject to an increase to cover local sales tax.It is not feasible to do movement work online, this service is only available in person.

Question 27

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 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 28

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

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 29

Do you work with couples?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can coach couples who wish to improve their relationships and/or create Pilates based movement sessions for you and your partner together.

Question 30

Do you keep client records?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to the privacy policy 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 31

Do you record sessions?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 32

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. This agreement is given on the understanding the recording is for your own personal use and will not be shared publicly or used for financial gain.

Question 33

Do you provide training courses?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 34

Who created your website?

Accepted Answer

The wonderful team at SETDesign London in the UK

Question 35

What languages do you speak?

Accepted Answer

I only speak English if you prefer to work in another language please refer to the ICF for other coaches.

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 and what challenges you would like to address. Every conversation is different but may cover what experience you have with Pilates and other movement practices, 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 this services is the right approach for you at this moment in your life.This is not a coaching or movement 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 Service Agreement for the cancellation policy.

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 sessions?

Accepted Answer

Whether you are having coaching or movement sessions, your mind and body will continue to work between sessions. I may suggest intentionally exploring or practicing in between our meetings but this is not mandatory, just an invitation for you to connect a little deeper with the work and yourself in your own time.

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.If we are working on movement I will need to know about your physical challenges, surgical histories, treatment and current medication as these can all impact the safety and efficacy of our work togehter.

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 and 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 or movement work 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 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

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.  You may also choose to pause, continue or end our work whilst you do this.

Question 48

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, a belief or pattern of movement, and it's not always obvious. Coaching and Pilates 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 49

What time zone are you in?

Accepted Answer

USA - EST (Eastern Time)

Question 50

Where do you live?

Accepted Answer

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Question 51

Are you currently offering therapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 52

Do you accept digital currency?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 53

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

Accepted Answer

Please share your testimonial with me by emailing claire@unburdennow.com

Question 54

Can I pay with my HSA account

Accepted Answer

No.

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