Frequently Asked Questions About Coaching Psychology
What is Coaching Psychology?
Coaching psychology is an evidence-based approach to development and change. It draws on psychological theory — including positive psychology, adult learning models, and the science of behaviour change — to help people grow, solve problems, and achieve meaningful goals. As a Chartered Coaching Psychologist, I work to the doctoral-level standards published by the British Psychological Society. That means the coaching process is grounded in research, not guesswork. If you're curious about what that looks like in practice, I would love to have a conversation with you.
How is coaching different to therapy or counselling?
Coaching and therapy are both valuable, but they work differently. Therapy typically focuses on processing past experiences, managing mental health conditions, or healing emotional wounds. Coaching psychology is a development practice focused on learning and change. I work with people who want to think more clearly, change habits, navigate a challenge, or build on their strengths. If I ever felt that therapy would be a better fit for someone, I would say so.
Who is coaching for?
Coaching is for anyone who wants to develop — personally, professionally, or both. I work with individuals across a wide range of backgrounds and life situations: professionals navigating career transitions, people who want to build on their strengths, parents navigating the unique demands of their situation and anyone who feels a bit stuck and wants to think differently. There is no requirement to have a particular problem or goal in mind before reaching out. Coaching psychology is for people who are curious about themselves and ready to explore.
How many sessions will I need?
This genuinely depends on what you bring to coaching and what you want to achieve. Some people find that a single focused session gives them exactly the perspective they need. Others benefit from a programme of four to eight sessions, which allows us to develop deeper insights and sustain meaningful change over time. Some of my clients choose to work with me over a longer period of time. I always start with a free discovery call so we can talk about what would work best for your situation. You are never locked in — we review progress as we go and shape the work together. My goal is for coaching to make a real difference, not to extend the engagement unnecessarily.
Do you work online or only in Norfolk?
I offer sessions both in person and online. Face-to-face sessions take place in a private coaching room in Norfolk. Online sessions are delivered via video conferencing and are available to clients anywhere in the UK. Whether you are in Norwich, across Norfolk, or anywhere else in the UK, I would love to hear from you.
What is EMCC Senior Practitioner Accreditation?
The EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) accredits coaches at different levels based on their training, experience, and practice quality. I hold accreditation at the Senior Practitioner level. This is the second-highest accreditation available and represents a significant investment in professional development and evidence of sustained, high-quality coaching practice. It means my work has been independently assessed against rigorous professional standards. Choosing a coach who holds a recognised accreditation is important — it gives you confidence that I practise ethically, reflect regularly on my work, and am committed to continuous development.
What is the difference between a Coaching Psychologist and a life coach?
The coaching field is unregulated, which means that anyone can call themselves a life coach without any formal training or qualification. As a Chartered Coaching Psychologist, I am a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society. This award recognises that my practice is grounded in psychology with a commitment to ongoing learning, supervision, and ethical accountability. My training is at masters level, and I have been awarded Chartership because I have demonstrated that I work to BPS-published level 8 doctoral level standards. Choosing a Chartered Coaching Psychologist gives you an additional layer of rigour and professional protection that the unregulated coaching market cannot guarantee.
How do I book a session?
The first step is a free, no-obligation discovery call. This is a chance for us to talk about what you are hoping to get from coaching, ask any questions, and get a feel for whether working together feels like the right fit. There is no pressure and no commitment at this stage. If you decide to go ahead, we will agree a programme that suits your needs. To arrange your discovery call, simply complete the contact form on this website. I look forward to hearing from you.