Frequently Asked Questions | Headacity

Coaching FAQs

Questions, answered.

The things people most often want to know before working together. If your question isn't here, send me a message and I'll come back to you within one working day.

The free consultation

Everything about the first, no-cost conversation.

Is the consultation really free?

Yes. It's a genuine 30-minute conversation with no cost, no hidden charges, and no pressure to book anything afterwards. If coaching or mentoring isn't right for you, I'll say so.

What happens on the call?

We explore what you're experiencing and what you'd like to change, whether coaching or mentoring fits, and which service suits you. We'll also cover how the work runs and the practical details, so you leave with a clear view either way.

What if I don't know which service I need?

That's exactly what the consultation is for. Tell me what's going on and we'll work out the right fit together. If I'm not the right person, I'll point you towards who is.

Can I bring someone with me?

Of course. If it helps you feel more comfortable, let me know in advance and I can send them a link to join from their own device.

What if I'm running late, or need to reschedule?

Join when you can and we'll use the time we have; if you're more than ten minutes late we may reschedule so you get the full thirty minutes. To rearrange, use the link in your confirmation email, with a little notice where possible.

Coaching & mentoring

What the work is, and what it isn't.

What's the difference between coaching and mentoring?

Coaching is a structured partnership that helps you find your own clarity and solutions, drawing on established coaching practice. Mentoring is less structured and draws on lived experience, offering direction and candid guidance from someone who has walked a similar path. On the call we'll work out which suits you.

Is this therapy or counselling?

No. Coaching and mentoring look forward, to where you want to get to and how. They aren't therapy, counselling or medical treatment, which sit outside my remit. If you are in acute distress, please contact your GP or the NHS crisis services first; that support should always come before coaching.

Who do you work with?

Accomplished professionals, senior leaders and managers, and people building a career in education. I work with individuals investing in themselves and with organisations arranging coaching for someone in their team.

Are sessions confidential?

Yes. Sessions are confidential, save where there is a risk of harm or a legal requirement. A coaching or mentoring agreement is completed before we begin, and any notes are held securely and never shared without your consent.

If I use a note-taking tool to record, transcribe or summarise a session, that's only ever with your prior consent, which you're free to decline. With the same consent and confidentiality safeguards, an AI assistant (Claude) may help me work with those notes.

What are your qualifications?

I'm a PCI-accredited Health & Wellbeing Coach (NHS-aligned) and a UKIHCA member, working towards ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching and Mentoring. I hold a First-Class degree and a University of Cambridge PGCE, with experience spanning education, leadership and creative health. There's more on the About page.

Sessions & practicalities

How the work runs day to day.

How long is a session, and how often?

Sessions are 60 minutes, typically weekly or fortnightly, arranged around your schedule.

Are sessions online or in person?

Online via Google Meet, so you can be based anywhere. In-person sessions in Leicestershire are available by arrangement.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on what you're working on. Many people take a five or ten-session programme; most report greater clarity within the first two or three, with meaningful change building from around the fifth. Single sessions and follow-ups are also available.

How do I book my sessions?

Once your programme is agreed, you'll receive a private link to book your sessions at times that suit you.

Payment & policies

Clear and upfront, with no surprises.

How much does it cost?

Fees vary by service and by the programme you choose. We establish the right fit, and the investment involved, during the free consultation once it's clear what suits you. Payment options are available to spread the cost.

What payment methods do you accept?

Bank transfer, PayPal, and card via a secure payment system. Organisational invoicing is welcome for sponsored clients.

Do you offer discounts or payment plans?

Yes. Five and ten-session programmes are more cost-effective than single sessions, and payment plans are available to spread the cost, with discounts on programme bookings.

Do you take healthcare referrals or organisational sponsorship?

Yes to both. Healthcare referrals are considered, and I regularly work with professionals whose development is sponsored by their employer, with invoicing to suit.

How does it work when an organisation sponsors the coaching?

Sponsored coaching runs under a tripartite agreement between you as the client, the sponsoring organisation, and me. We put that in place before we begin, so everyone is clear on the scope, the confidentiality boundaries, and what is and isn't shared with the sponsor.

I also hold a separate conversation with the sponsor to agree how the sessions will run and what their involvement looks like, while protecting the confidentiality of what's discussed in your sessions. If you're considering arranging coaching for someone in your team, book a free consultation and we can talk it through.

What's your cancellation policy?

Sessions can be rescheduled with 24 hours' notice at no charge; cancellations within 24 hours forfeit the session. Five-session programmes expire after six months and ten-session after twelve, with extensions by agreement. Full detail is in the Terms & Conditions.

Still have a question?

The easiest way to find out if this is right for you is a free, no-obligation conversation.