Your questions,
answered.
Clear answers about coaching, how it works and what you can expect. Still unsure about something? Bring it to your free chemistry call.
If you don't see what you're looking for, you're welcome to ask on a free chemistry call.
About Coaching
What is life coaching?
Life coaching is a collaborative process that gives you time and space to think more deeply about where you are, what you want and what may be getting in the way.
It can help with goals, priorities, decisions, values, beliefs, patterns, confidence, relationships, career direction and transitions.
Is coaching the same as therapy?
No. Coaching focuses on where you are now, what you want and what may help you move forward. We may explore past experiences where they’re relevant to what’s happening for you today, but coaching is not therapy, counselling or mentoring, and Simon does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. He also does not provide medical, legal or financial advice. Coaching can sometimes run alongside therapy, counselling or mentoring where appropriate, with each serving a different purpose. You may know where you are and where you want to end up; coaching can help you find clarity through the messy middle — less confusion, less procrastination, more purposeful progress.
Will Simon tell me what to do?
No. Simon doesn't give you his answers or make decisions for you. His role is to listen, ask thoughtful questions and help you think more clearly, so the choices you make are genuinely your own.
The Chemistry Call
What is a chemistry call?
It's a free, relaxed, no-pressure 30-minute conversation. It gives you and Simon a chance to meet, talk about what you might want from coaching, and decide whether working together feels like a good fit.
Do I need to prepare anything beforehand?
No formal preparation is needed. It can help to have a rough idea of what's brought you to coaching, but you don't need a defined goal or a perfect answer. You can simply arrive as you are.
Is there any obligation after the call?
None. At the end, Simon will ask how you'd like to progress. You can go ahead, take time to think, or decide not to continue. No pressure, no hard sell.
Sessions
How long is a session?
A standard session is 60 minutes. Shorter sessions can be arranged where appropriate, by prior agreement.
How are sessions delivered?
Normally via Zoom. Face-to-face coaching is available by prior agreement, subject to location. Where Simon needs to travel, an additional charge may apply depending on the location and circumstances. Any additional travel charge will be discussed and agreed with you in advance.
How often will we meet?
Weekly coaching is generally recommended, as it provides momentum while giving you time between sessions to reflect. Other arrangements can be discussed if that suits you better.
How many sessions will I need?
There's no fixed number everyone needs. Simon generally recommends starting with five sessions, which gives a natural point to review progress and decide whether to continue.
What happens if I'm late to a session?
The session still finishes at its originally scheduled time.
Can I contact Simon between sessions?
Yes, by email. Simon aims to respond within 24 hours where possible, unless he's away or an exceptional circumstance prevents it.
Email is for practical matters or flagging something for next time — it isn't a substitute for a session.
Confidentiality
Is what I say confidential?
Yes, subject to the limited exceptions set out in the coaching agreement and Simon's professional responsibilities. Your name doesn't appear on coaching notes — a coded reference is used instead, and notes are stored securely.
Are there any exceptions to confidentiality?
If Simon has a serious concern about potential harm to you or someone else, or another safeguarding or legal responsibility arises, he may need to share information with an appropriate professional or authority.
Where possible, he'll speak to you first and explain his concern.
How long do you keep my coaching notes?
Coaching notes are kept to a minimum and identified using a client reference code rather than your full name. Simon retains access to the information linking that code to you.
Notes are normally kept for 12 months after the coaching relationship ends, then securely destroyed or permanently deleted. Records may be kept longer where necessary because of an ongoing complaint, dispute, legal obligation or insurance requirement.
Other business records, such as contracts, invoices and financial records, may be retained separately where required for legal, accounting or insurance purposes. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Pricing & Payment
How much does coaching cost?
Pricing is tailored to you and the coaching arrangement you agree with Simon, rather than a fixed rate.
Your fee will be made clear before any paid coaching begins — this is best discussed directly with Simon, including on your chemistry call.
Is there a discount for booking multiple sessions?
Yes. If you book and pay for five sessions in advance, a 10% saving applies to the agreed fee.
When do I pay?
Single sessions are paid in advance of the scheduled appointment. Five-session packages are paid in advance in full.
What's your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or rearrange a session. Late cancellations are normally charged at the agreed rate, or treated as a used session if prepaid. A no-show is charged in full.
If Simon needs to cancel or rearrange, there's no charge to you and any prepaid session remains available.
Can I get a refund on unused sessions?
Yes, eligible unused prepaid sessions can be refunded. Simon aims to process this within five working days, though your bank or payment provider may take a little longer.
Can I transfer unused sessions to someone else?
Yes, once, with Simon's prior agreement. The new person would need their own chemistry call, and no coaching notes transfer across.
Getting Started
How do I get started?
Start with a free 30-minute chemistry call. If you and Simon decide you'd like to work together, you'll agree the practical details — fee, payment, frequency and session arrangements — and sign the Shifting Coaching Agreement before paid coaching begins.
What happens in the first session?
It begins the coaching relationship properly: how you're arriving that day, agreeing what you need from the relationship, and deciding together where it would be most useful to start.
Still have a question?
If you can't find what you're looking for here, you're welcome to ask on a free chemistry call, or get in touch directly.
Book a Free 30-Minute Chemistry Call