Question 1

What is mindfulness?

Accepted Answer

Mindfulness is a set of skills that you learn, through meditation and other practices, and apply to your life. Over time, these skills enable you to be more present, less reactive, kinder to yourself and others and more self-aware. This is Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition of mindfulness (Kabat-Zinn is the founder of secular mindfulness): “Mindfulness is paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and without judgement.”

Question 2

What is coaching?

Accepted Answer

Coaching is a process whereby the coach helps you to explore ways that you can move forward with particular aspects of your life, and supports you to do that. So you may be identifying or refining what you want to change, or bring about; looking at what you need to do and how you can do it; identifying any obstacles and how you can work with them.

Question 3

What is the difference between Coaching and Therapy?

Accepted Answer

While therapy tends to look at past events that affect you adversely in the present, coaching is more present and future focused. What would you like your future self to be/what would you like your future life to look like, and how can you bring this about?

Question 4

What happens in an individual mindfulness session?

Accepted Answer

While sessions vary depending on each individual, generally we start with a mindfulness meditation, then explore how it went for you. Then we'll discuss how you got on with your mindfulness practice since the previous session. After that, I'll introduce an aspect of mindfulness that will be particularly helpful for you. Finally, we'll discuss and agree what mindfulness practise you'll do until the next session.

Question 5

Can anybody do Mindfulness?

Accepted Answer

There are some situations where it's not advised to start learning mindfulness. These include a recent close bereavement, an episode of schizophrenia or bipolar, clinical depression, active drug or alcohol addiction. This is because mindfulness can bring you closer to your experience, and if you're having a particularly difficult time, it may be too overwhelming for you. However, every situation is unique, so if you're unsure if mindfulness is appropriate for you at this time, do get in touch and we can discuss it.

Question 6

Who can do coaching?

Accepted Answer

Anyone, as long as you are open to looking at yourself honestly and to making changes in your life. You'll be supported in this exploration, and in the process of implementing positive changes by me. If I feel that therapy would be better for you, I'll recommend this in the discovery call.

Question 7

Why have a discovery call?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, it allows you to get a sense of me and whether you'd be happy to work with me. Secondly, it gives you the opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns you have. Thirdly, it helps me to see if coaching or mindfulness are the right thing for you at this time. And finally, talking to you before we start any sessions helps me to get a sense of you and how I can best tailor the sessions to you so you get the most benefit from them.

Question 8

How many coaching or mindfulness sessions should I do?

Accepted Answer

That is up to you and can depend on a variety of factors, but I recommend that you commit to a minimum of 4-6 sessions, as this is how you’re most likely to experience positive change. Eight sessions is probably what works best, though many people choose to continue to have regular mindfulness or coaching sessions as a way of continuing the motivation and support to sustain either their mindfulness practice or the new habits they’re implementing in coaching. I suggest that you do one session to start with and then you can decide if you want to continue, and for how many sessions.

Question 9

What is Coaching in Nature?

Accepted Answer

This is often called ‘Walk and Talk’. When we’re outdoors, in nature, our bodies and minds tend to be more open and more relaxed, and this helps us to reflect more deeply and honestly. This process is helped further by being in motion, with people finding that their thought process flows more easily while they’re walking. You get fresh air, gentle exercise, beautiful surroundings and a way of clarifying your thoughts - win win all round! During a Coaching in Nature session, we stroll around the beautiful grounds of Russborough House in Co. Wicklow, while exploring whatever it is you’re bringing to coaching.

Question 10

What is Mindfulness in Nature?

Accepted Answer

Much of mindfulness is being more aware of your senses - what you see, hear, smell, taste and feel in each moment. This allows us to be more fully present in the moment, to be more appreciative of our surroundings, and to be more tuned into our bodies and how we’re feeling. This is all enhanced when we practise mindfulness in natural surroundings. During a Mindfulness in Nature session, you’ll be guided in ways that you can connect to your senses, including mindful walking, and letting your surroundings slow you down and connect more deeply to yourself and to the beauty around you.

Question 11

Can you do Mindfulness and Coaching in the same sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. The process of coaching is enhanced by mindfulness, because mindfulness develops self-awareness and self-compassion. The one-to-one mindfulness sessions involve some coaching, to help you establish a mindfulness practice and implement your mindfulness skills in your everyday life. Get in touch with me if you’re not sure if Coaching or Mindfulness, or a combination of both, is most suitable for you.

Question 12

How much does it cost to do mindfulness and coaching sessions or courses or workshops?

Accepted Answer

Online sessions cost €75 per hour and in-person sessions cost €85 per hour. Discounts apply for booking and paying in advance for 4 or more sessions. Prices for courses and workshops vary, so please contact me with your requirements.

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