Should I continue with self-help techniques or seek professional help?

Deciding to seek help is not always easy. The fear of being criticised or stigmatised could lead people to avoid seeking help. However, seeking help and support is a sign of strength and the first step to a better life.

Don’t hesitate to seek help if you are not feeling “yourself” or feeling unreasonably sad, angry or anxious. You need to seek help if you find yourself abusing drugs, alcohol, food, or sex to muddle through. Read more about seeking help.

What types of people ask for coaching?

People from all walks of life who want a positive change in their lives find coaching effective. My clients are mainly aged between 25 to 65 and are often ambitious individuals aiming to achieve a personal or professional goal that they highly value.

People who suffer from mental health problems would also benefit from personal coaching, often as an adjunct to their treatment. Positive psychology coaching would bring added value to their recovery plan and expedite their healing process.

What are the most common reasons for coaching?

These are the most common reasons behind my clients’ request for personal coaching: Dealing with change. Handling criticisms. Stress management. Body image satisfaction. Learning to be assertive. Dealing with perfectionism. Learning to relax (self-soothing). Seeking true happiness and contentment. Boosting self-esteem and self-confidence. Crisis management (handling grief and loss). Overcoming common phobias (e.g. public speaking). Overcoming performance anxieties (stage fright). Discovering the meaning and purpose of life. Developing self-discipline and time management. Read more on my blog about seeking help.

What is the difference between executive coaching and other types of coaching?

Coaching skills and processes are almost the same regardless of coaching purpose (e.g. achieving assertiveness, preparing for promotion, etc.). However, coaches use different titles to show their areas of experience and expertise. For example, coaches who call themselves an 'executive coach' try to convey the fact that they have experience and knowledge to help top business managers and high performing executives who often have complex personal and professional lives. In comparison, a life coach (like me) prefers to be involved with relationship issues or emotional problems that accompany significant life changes. Usually, most coaches feel confident to engage in a few different types of coaching despite their preferred title.

Do you follow a specific code of conduct?’

I am a member of the International Association of Coaching (IAC), and strictly follow their code of ethics and coaching.

Will you keep the coaching process fully confidential?

Of course, successful coaching requires mutual openness and trust. It is also unethical and illegal to divulge clients’ affairs. So, everything will remain completely confidential, unless there is a legal obligation to divulge something to the relevant authorities.

How do you coach?

• I typically coach in person (face-to-face) at an agreed venue (usually) in central London where it is convenient for me and most of my clients.

• Alternatively, some clients may find it more convenient to have video coaching (virtual or remote) which is more economical but not necessarily most effective.

• My clients are always welcome to call or send e-mails between the sessions to ask a question or clarify a point while working on their action plan.

Note: For your convenience, I will travel to the venue of your choice, at no extra cost, if your chosen venue is in central London. Otherwise, there would be a commuting cost, depending on the location of your selected venue. Of course, you are always welcome to come to my preferred place, if it is convenient for you to travel to central London.

How do I get the most from my coaching?

You must be willing to stretch yourself, to make time for your improvement and to try new ideas. You should attend each coaching session prepared, thinking deeply about what you want to achieve. You must be willing to learn and be committed to taking the necessary actions.

Is coaching the same as therapy or counselling?

Coaching, counselling and therapy share many core skills. However, the key difference between coaching and therapy or counselling is that coaching does not involve medical care or treatment and does not seek to resolve old underlying issues. In other words, it does not often look into the past. Coaching programmes are generally more concerned with the practical issues of changing perceptions or attitudes, setting goals, and achieving results within specific time frames.

What is a complimentary session?

You probably have lots of questions to ask, and want to see me in person before you decide. Therefore, when you request my support, I offer you a complimentary session (a free fifty minutes session with no-obligation). So, you can see me, learn about my credentials, sample my work, and continue with confidence and conviction.

How much does coaching or private training cost?

• The cost of a standard face-to-face session (90 minutes) is £135 for individuals and £195 for couples (both are applicable to all on-going sessions).

• The standard hourly rates for video coaching (remote coaching) is £85 for individuals and £115 for couples.

How should I pay?

The coaching fees are payable on a monthly basis, in advance (at least a week before the first session) by bank transfer or Standing Order.

How can I cancel a session?

If a client wishes to cancel or reschedule a coaching session, they must notify Reza (the Licensed Confidant) at least 48 hours before the session is due to take place. When a session is cancelled within 48 hours of the scheduled time, it will be charged in full.

How many sessions do I need?

Every client is different with their own individual needs, so the number of coaching sessions needed for an individual is different in each case. Start with a few, and later decide to take more sessions if the coaching process has made a notable positive difference for you.

How do I book my first coaching session?

Simply use the contact form to request a complimentary session.