Richard Beecham
Personal and Executive Coach
FAQs
What happens in a coaching session? Typically, a client will come with a specific issue they want to work through. We’ll spend some time initially getting some clarity about what you want to achieve through coaching. Thereafter, I’ll invite you to really explore what’s currently going on for you in relation to your issue; to reflect on what options might be available to you; and to consider what practical steps you’ll take to move towards your goal. Throughout, I’ll be listening deeply and empathetically to what you say; I’ll be asking powerful questions to help open up your thinking; I may suggest some tools, exercises and resources to help raise your awareness; and I’ll offer up observations and intuitions in response to what surfaces in the session. Ultimately, my job is to facilitate your independent thinking, so that you’re able to help yourself on your own terms.
What is the difference between coaching and therapy? Coaching is usually goal-oriented, future-focused and concerned with helping the client to make positive change in their personal and/or professional lives. By contrast, therapy is typically concerned with exploring the past in order to promote psychological and emotional healing in the present. That said, coaching - where a client is fully seen and heard by their coach in a safe, non-judgemental space - can certainly be therapeutic, boosting confidence, motivation and well-being.
What is the difference between coaching and mentoring? Mentoring is usually done by people who are experts in the same field as the person they are mentoring. They give advice and impart knowledge from a place of seniority, based on their own personal experiences. Coaches, by contrast, are experts in holding space for you to explore your own independent thinking. We don’t, as a rule, give advice or share our own personal experiences. We are focused exclusively on you and your agenda.
How long is a coaching session? The first ‘Discovery Session’ is usually 90 to 120 minutes in order to give us time to get to know each other and to really explore what you want to get out of coaching. Thereafter sessions are typically 60 - 90 minutes, depending on your preference and needs. One-off sessions, for example to prepare for an interview or a high-stakes conversation, can be longer.
How many coaching sessions will I need? Everyone’s needs are different. A typical coaching package consists of 6 sessions, starting with a longer Discovery Session, a follow-up session soon after, and then the remaining sessions spaced at intervals of about 4 weeks to give time for reflection and application. Some clients like to use coaching as a regular space for deep thinking at intervals that suit them (perhaps once a month), whereas other clients like irregular, one-off sessions to address specific issues and needs, as and when they arise. I’m happy to flex to your needs and preferences.
Where will the coaching sessions take place? Most of my coaching is online, largely because I am based in London whereas my clients are based all over the UK and abroad. If it’s possible, I like to meet in-person for the first Discovery Session – if you have a suitable place at work I can come to you, or we can find a mutually agreeable location. I also offer in-person coaching ‘Walk & Talks’ on Wandsworth Common, South-West London (meeting point Balham Tube/Overland or Wandsworth Overland) as some clients do their best thinking side-by-side in nature.
How much does a coaching session cost? I operate a sliding scale depending on your circumstances; for example, if you are an individual self-funding your coaching, or whether your employer is covering the costs. If your company is covering the costs, I have different rates for the not-for-profit and commercial sectors. Costs also vary depending on the length of the session. I’m happy to have a conversation about rates.
How do I know if I’m choosing the right coach for me? Finding the right fit of coach and client is so important because coaching is a deeply personal encounter between two human beings. I offer a free 30-minute chemistry call to all potential clients. This is an opportunity for you to get a feel for me and to ask any questions you may have about the process. Should you decide to choose me as your coach, I’ll regularly check-in with you about how the process is going, what you’d like me to do more of and want you’d like me to do differently. Looking after the coaching relationship is part of the process.