What To Expect In Our Sessions

This is coaching for people who are ready to do the work. It’s structured, personal, and transformative—without being dramatic or performative. The change is real. And it lasts.

  • Direction First, Then Clarity

    We begin by getting clear on what you actually want—before the pressure, before the performance, before the roles you’ve outgrown took over. Maybe it’s a sharper sense of direction. Maybe it’s something you can’t name yet—just the feeling that this version of life doesn’t fit. That’s enough to start.

    We’ll slow things down and map the gap: between where you are and where you want to be. We’ll name the habits, fears, beliefs, and expectations that are keeping you stuck. That process alone brings relief. It gives language to the quiet discomfort you’ve been carrying.

    By the end of this phase, you’ll have a grounded, honest picture of what you want to create—and what’s in the way. Most people feel calmer. More focused. More themselves. Because you finally stop spinning and start seeing clearly.

  • Connect To What Drives You

    Once we’ve cleared the noise, we get to work on what really matters: what drives you, what energises you, and what kind of life would actually feel aligned—not just successful on the surface.

    This is where your values come in. Your sense of purpose. The way you want to feel—not just the outcomes you think you’re supposed to want. Together, we rebuild from that place.

    You’ll begin making decisions that feel right in your bones. Not because you’ve been told they’re right—but because they match what matters to you. Tangibly, this often looks like more confident choices, clearer boundaries, and fewer moments spent second-guessing everything.

    Intangibly? There’s often a sense of coming home to yourself. Of getting your footing back. Clients describe feeling lighter, more motivated, more honest—with themselves and others. You start showing up differently, because you’re no longer trying to prove anything. You’re just living in alignment.

  • Build From There, For Real

    This work leads somewhere. The final phase is where we build your next chapter—step by step, with structure and intention.

    There’s no generic plan. What we build depends on you. But by this point, you’ll be ready to move with clarity and purpose. You’ll know what matters. You’ll know what’s been in the way. And you’ll have the tools to navigate whatever comes next.

    The tangible results here vary—career shifts, renewed relationships, major life decisions made with calm and confidence. The intangible gains are just as powerful: a sense of agency, a steadier nervous system, more capacity to handle life without tipping over.

    You leave this work not just with insight, but with evidence. Of your strength. Of your progress. Of what’s now possible.

    Because when you’re clear on who you are and what you stand for, you stop chasing and start choosing. That’s what this coaching offers: a return to clarity, a plan that fits, and the confidence to follow through.

You'll feel the freedom of knowing your fears no longer define you and the quiet confidence of trusting your own inner strength

FAQs

  • Coaching is a collaborative, solution-focused process that helps you discover your inner strength and unleash your full potential. Unlike advice-giving, coaching is built on the belief that you already possess the wisdom and resources you need. My role is to create a safe space, ask powerful questions, and guide you toward discovering your own answers. While I primarily use coaching techniques, I may occasionally incorporate mentoring elements (sharing relevant experiences) when it would benefit your journey. I'm committed to meeting you where you are and adjusting my approach to best serve your growth.

  • Coaching is ideal if you're facing life changes, recovering from life events, rebuilding your life, feeling stuck despite having "checked all the boxes", or sensing a disconnect between your current life and your potential. It's particularly effective if you're ready to break free from limiting beliefs, reconnect with your authentic self, or build a fulfilling new chapter. The best candidates are those open to self-examination, willing to be challenged, and ready to look within for answers rather than external solutions. If you value both practical solutions and emotional intelligence, and you're prepared to take consistent small steps toward transformation, coaching with me will likely be a good fit.

  • Coaching is not therapy, counselling, or clinical treatment. While coaching addresses emotional barriers, it focuses on forward movement rather than healing past trauma. Coaching is also not training or consulting, where the expert provides the answers. Though I may occasionally use mentoring elements with your permission to accelerate progress, the core of our work centres on your self-discovery. If during our sessions we determine that coaching isn't the right support for you at this time, I'll discuss this openly and help identify more suitable resources for your journey.

  • My coaching approach creates transformation through a proven process:

    1. We begin by mapping your current challenges and fears, gaining clarity on what's truly blocking your progress

    2. Together we break overwhelming obstacles into manageable steps using the "One Day at a Time" methodology

    3. We transform limiting beliefs into new perspectives through powerful questions and gentle challenges

    4. We build confidence through small, consistent wins that create evidence of your capability

    5. Throughout our work, we access your inner wisdom and celebrate every step forward

    This blend of emotional understanding and practical action creates sustainable change that lasts beyond our sessions together.

  • Sessions are conducted via Zoom or face-to-face and last 60 minutes unless otherwise arranged. After our initial connection, we'll spend a few minutes checking in and establishing the focus for our time together. The bulk of our session involves deep exploration through powerful questions, perspective-shifting exercises, and occasionally useful analogies or examples. We'll close by identifying concrete next steps and commitments. I manage the timing to ensure you receive full value from each session. The specific content varies based on your needs and goals, which we can discuss further in our discovery call.

  • Our coaching relationship is built on complete confidentiality. I adhere to the International Coaching Federation's Code of Ethics and will only break confidence in extreme circumstances: if there's intent to harm yourself or others, in cases of criminal activity, or when legally required. During coaching supervision (a professional practice ensuring quality coaching), I may discuss aspects of our work without revealing your identity. Your privacy and trust are paramount to our coaching relationship.

  • To maximise our time together, please come to each session prepared with a goal or challenge you'd like to address. Spend 15 minutes before our meeting finding a quiet space where you won't be disturbed, with water or tea ready, and allow yourself to mentally transition into a coaching mindset. Have a notebook and pen available to capture insights, and be willing to engage honestly and openly. The most successful clients approach coaching with curiosity, courage, and commitment to taking action between sessions. Your active participation is essential to the process.

  • Transformation often begins subtly and builds over time. Early signs include new perspectives on old problems, increased self-awareness, and small behavioural changes. You might notice reduced fear around specific challenges, more confidence in decision-making, or finding yourself responding differently in familiar situations. I encourage tracking your progress through regular reflection. We'll periodically review your initial goals and celebrate both tangible outcomes and internal shifts. The most meaningful measure is your increased capacity to trust yourself and navigate challenges with greater ease.

  • Between our coaching conversations, you'll have the opportunity to put insights into practice through agreed actions. These aren't "homework" but rather experiments in living differently. Small, consistent steps often create the most significant transformation. I offer email support between sessions for questions or to share breakthroughs. Clients who maintain momentum between sessions typically experience the most powerful growth. I may also provide resources or reflection questions to support your continued exploration.

  • Coaching relationships vary based on your goals and circumstances. Many clients find that 8-12 sessions over 3-4 months provides sufficient structure and support for meaningful transformation. Some prefer ongoing monthly coaching for continued growth and accountability. After an initial package, we'll evaluate progress together and determine the best path forward. There's no long-term obligation, though transformation does require commitment to the process. We'll discuss timeframes during our discovery conversation.

  • I am committed to creating a safe, supportive environment for all clients. If you're experiencing severe emotional distress, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or facing issues that would be better addressed by a mental health professional, I'll help you connect with appropriate resources. I maintain professional boundaries and regular supervision to ensure ethical practice. For clients with physical, cognitive, or emotional vulnerabilities, I take special care to provide appropriate support while encouraging autonomy. If safeguarding concerns arise, I will discuss them openly while prioritising your wellbeing. I carry professional liability insurance and am committed to continuous professional development.

Sophie C

“Iain is a brilliant listener, as of course a coach should be!

But more than that, the warmth and empathy he brings to coaching makes for a secure space to reflect and really be honest with myself.

He asks insightful questions that bring out aspects of the situation that I hadn't thought of, or needed to see in a different light, which has been incredibly valuable to me over the months we've worked together.

Iain is a great all-around coach, and I can really recommend him to anyone looking for direction, trying to find a way forward on a goal, or just needing to figure themselves out!”