Lifecoaching FAQ’s
How do we get started?
Email me at info@marksamwell.com and tell me a little about yourself. What areas of your life would you like to work on? Some of the most common coaching issues are poor self-esteem and/or self-confidence, unsatisfactory relationships with partners, siblings, parents etc, and dissatisfaction with a job or career choice. I will then arrange for us to have a free no obligation 45 minute chat to ensure we both think we will work well together. My coaching hours are flexible to suit your needs, you won’t get if you don’t ask!
Is life coaching like counselling?
No. Counselling concentrates on healing the past, while life coaching works on two levels: practical action planning to achieve goals, and helping clients understand themselves so life gets easier. WHO you are determines how well what you DO works and most of us have behaviour that holds us back from living our best life. I have many life strategies to help my clients understand what is behind their actions.
What are the benefits of Coaching by Phone?
The main benefits of telephone coaching are the same as you get from any good coaching, regardless of how it’s delivered.
There are, however, some specific advantages that phone coaching can bring.
- Concentration – both client and coach find great concentration without the drawback of visual distraction
- Convenient and Relaxing – choose your own safe haven to work from
- Easier to ‘Open Up’ – the unusual blend of anonymity and intimacy that comes from telephone coaching helps clients to more fully open themselves to the coaching process
- Time Efficient – there’s no travelling for phone coaching (so it’s environmentally friendly too). The opportunity is there to fit your coaching into the busiest of schedules
- International Coaching – it doesn’t matter where you are in the world, so long as you have a good phone connection. I’m based in the UK but have coached clients throughout the world. Time differences are not a problem, my years of international travel helps me to empathise wherever you are, whatever your time of day.
Isn’t it a lot of money to spend?
Coaching is an investment, and there’s no better investment than in yourself. Take a minute to think about what you would like to achieve in the next three months. A life coach will help you reach all your goals, plus design a life that brings you the most happiness and satisfaction. Only you can decide how much this is worth to you. Check out the testimonials.
What is one to one coaching?
Life coaching is about making choices rather than unconscious decisions, so you cause what happens to you rather than doing what other people think you should. Just by helping you understand your belief system is negotiable (ie you’re not locked in for life) can totally change your perspective. Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. I want you to realise you have choices and how good it feels once you start making the right ones. I help clients discover exactly what will bring them the most happiness and satisfaction, and then we work together to achieve it as quickly and easily as possible.
Isn’t life coaching similar to talking to my best friend?
No. Friends have a vested interest in remaining your friend so they may not always be fully honest or push you. A coach is unconditionally constructive which means only saying things that further your life. Part of my job is to make requests and elicit suggestions, but I’m more than happy for you to come up with alternatives! I will not offer advice unless specifically asked, your decisions come from within.
What do I talk about with my life coach during the session?
Your welcome pack contains a call preparation sheet to e-mail me before each call. This asks about your opportunities, challenges, what you’ve accomplished since our last session and how you want to use your coach on the call. All of which shows me exactly what we need to concentrate on during our time together.
Isn’t it strange telling so much to a stranger?
A life coach is trained to understand a person very quickly so you will probably be surprised how well I know you after only a short time. And a life coach will never gossip. I will never discuss or even hint at what we have talked about. And my client list is confidential too so the only way people will know you are working with me is if you tell them. (Please read the code of ethics page) I am extremely perceptive and am trained to read between the lines, to listen closely to what you tell me, but to challenge you to bring out what you are not saying.
How can I get the most out of one to one coaching?
By being willing to experiment and try out new things. I will help you re-look at old assumptions and expectations, stop tolerating and suffering stuff in your life, and encourage you to achieve goals that are bigger than you thought possible. To get the most out of our time together, please come to the call with enthusiasm. It’s your time so make it work for you.
How long will it take?
The first consultation of up to 45 minutes is free, enabling you to get to know me and the coaching arena. By listening to what you tell me we can then get a feel for what you would like to achieve and some idea of the time period required.
A good coach does him/herself out of business! Think about it. If you come to me with a challenge, the sooner I resolve it to your satisfaction the happier you will be! I get the satisfaction of another happy client, who can either return at a later time, discuss and improve another situation, or recommend me to their friends!
From previous experience it generally takes 5-6 sessions to achieve desired results, many things can be a lot shorter. A lot depends upon your personality style, motivation and desire to succeed. If, during a follow up session it transpires that you have not carried out any actions previously agreed, it is not for me to hold you accountable, but you must realise that it will take longer to get results.
How do I pay for sessions.
Payment is made prior to the session. Preferred method is by Paypal request or bank transfer, although cheque payment (cleared) is acceptable. Cancellation with less than 36 hours will be chargeable.
What does it cost?
Please see the fees and guarantee section.