Frequently asked questions
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Clean Language coaching is a reflective process of discovery. The truth is that I will not know what is right for you, and you do not know yet. So I will be asking questions to direct your attention inwards and to aspects of your experience where new learning and insights can come from. The fundamental belief in this way of working is that each person knows exactly what is right for them, even if they don’t have conscious awareness of it yet.
This is a very effective way of clarifying your thinking and figuring out what you need to do. We all need this kind of support from time to time to get the clarity we need to more forward!
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Clean Language is a questioning method developed by psychotherapist David Grove to help people explore their inner experience without adding any ideas, assumptions or suggestions from the therapist, coach or the facilitator. This is the a very person-centred and holistic approach that fully respects the client and their unique experience.
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Symbolic Modelling is a technique developed by Penny Tompkins and James Lawley, which uses David Groves Clean Language questions and the metaphors and symbols that naturally occur in language to model out the experience of the client. These naturally occurring metaphors often hold deep wisdom about the current situation and client’s desired changes.
For example, if you describe feeling “stuck at a crossroads” we would explore that metaphor in detail - what kind of crossroads is it? What’s in each direction? Where is that crossroad as you’re stuck there? What kind of stuck are you? And when stuck what would you like to have happen? Through this exploration new insights and possibilities usually emerge.
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In psychology, individuals are viewed as complex interconnected systems where our biological processes, thoughts, emotions and behaviours interact dynamically. Meaning that we are one connected whole mind, body and psyche - with feelings, memories, emotions, sensations, aspirations, etc. What makes us unique individuals is the interplay of this ‘mind-body-psychic system’ in the present, our aspirations for the future and what our system holds from the past in the form of experiences, habitual patterns and even ancestral traumas.
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If life has suddenly changed or you are anticipating a change, transition coaching could help you make sense of what is going on and figure out what you need in order to adjust to the new situation.
For example, coaching is for you, If you:
Want to make sense of your emotions
Are interested in personal development and growth
Want to learn as much as you can from the current situation
Want to live in alignment with your values and grounded in your truth
Feel stuck or overwhelmed
Feel confused
Need clarity to move forward
Have noticed an unhelpful pattern and would like to change it
Are curious and open to going inwards and learning what you need to learn
Are ready to trust your own wisdom
Are interested in transformation
Something has ended and it hurts
You want to find meaning in what has happened
You feel lost and you want to find yourself
Things are up in the air
Feel like you are adrift alone on an empty sea
Want to clarify what you really want
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No. Coaching is different to therapy, although it can have therapeutic effects, the focus of coaching is different to therapy.
In therapy, the focus is on the past and healing or recovering from past events.
In coaching the focus is on the now (the current situation) and the future (what you actually want). And during the coaching process you can find out how to get there.
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Every person’s situation is unique. The number of sessions required will depend on the complexity of the situation and your own system. Sometimes one session is sufficient and sometimes several is needed. You will be the best judge of how many you will need.
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Absolutely not! I will never tell you what to do, because I will not know what it right for you. Instead, I will support you by asking appropriate questions so you can find out for yourself what you need to do.
I might suggest a task in between sessions that I think might support you in your process. This is just a suggestion and almost always related to something that has come from you in the session. It’s your choice to take it or leave it!
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I am not an advisor and coaching is different to advising or mentoring. I will not know what is right for you. My role is to support you to find out for yourself what will work for you. If you need specific advice I suggest that you seek professional advice from a qualified person.
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Life transitions are emotionally challenging times when we might need extra support. If you are experiencing acute depression, anxiety, intrusive or suicidal thoughts or struggling with daily tasks such as personal hygiene, homemaking, connecting with friends and family please seek professional help. Your first port of call should be your GP followed by an experienced and qualified therapist. Keep your friends and family updated and ask for their support.
If we start working together and it becomes apparent that you need more support than I am able or qualified to provide, I will discuss a referral with you.
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If you are interested in booking a session with me, the first step is to book a 30 minute discovery call, which I offer free. This call is an opportunity for us to connect, to find out more about you and your situation, to tell you more about how I work and answer any questions you might have. And if you want to proceed and book a session we can arrange that on the call.
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I offer a reduced rate of £110 per 90 minute session for a block of 4 or more one to one sessions booked at the same time. If you want to make a block booking, just let me know when we have our discovery call.
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I offer one to one sessions in-person as well as online via zoom. My London location is perfect if you are also London-based and prefer to meet in-person. If you are based elsewhere in the UK, the world, or prefer to meet online I also offer sessions via zoom.
Group coaching sessions and workshops ca be in-person as well as online. Each programme will be advertised with location details. If you want to stay up-to-date with upcoming offerings, you can sign up for my newsletter.
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Yes! I work with people from all over the world. Our sessions would be via Zoom at a time we schedule that’s convenient for both of us. Please get in touch! It would be pleasure to support you in your transition journey!