Coaching -
Questions & Answers

Things you might be wondering before we chat.

Here are answers to help untangle any lingering worries before you take the next step. I hope this gives you the reassurance you need, but if there's anything else on your mind, please reach out via the form below. No question is too small.

Stella

Before we meet

  • No, absolutely not.

    Self-identification and self-diagnosis are completely valid here.

    You don't need a permission slip to deserve support. However, if exploring a formal diagnosis is something you feel curious about or want to look into, we can navigate what that looks like together with zero judgment. It’s entirely your choice.

  • Not at all! Unless writing things down helps you feel calm.

    You never need to prepare or perform before showing up. Expecting you to arrive with a list of goals is a neurotypical style of coaching that just doesn't work for everyone. For some, having to figure out all your goals in advance is unrealistic and only sets you up to feel like you've failed before we've even started. Bring your unedited self, a messy notepad, or just a quiet cup of tea - whatever it is that helps you feel safe, and we'll figure out what you need together.

  • Yes, absolutely!

    Many clients access coaching through workplace accommodations, professional development budgets, or government grants (like Access to Work in the UK). I can provide invoices and documentation formatted specifically to meet employer or grant requirements to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for you.

  • Yes, very much so.

    Learning how a neurodivergent brain processes the world can completely transform communication at home or work. Coaching gives you a safe space to ask questions, learn double-empathy strategies, and build supportive rhythms that protect both your loved one’s needs and your own capacity.

How We Can Work Together

  • Purely 1-on-1.

    You get my undivided attention and a dedicated, safe space built entirely around you. No uncomfortable group icebreakers, no forced participation, and no social pressure. It's just us working at your pace.

  • Coaching is primarily online, with in-person sessions available across Nottinghamshire.

    Most coaching happens virtually via video call, meaning you can join comfortably from your own home. But I also offer gentle, in-person sessions in Nottinghamshire if you prefer face-to-face support.

    Whether that looks like sitting in a quiet, low-sensory space or doing a walk-and-talk out in nature, we can choose an environment where you feel most comfortable and grounded.

  • 100% yes.

    Verbal communication can take massive energy, especially if you're burnt out, experiencing situational mutism, verbal shutdowns or dealing with speaking fatigue. I offer text-only and asynchronous coaching options (via text chat or voice note exchanges) so you can process at your own pace, take time to edit your thoughts, and communicate in the way that feels safest for you.

  • Yes, absolutely.

    Brains don't only work during our scheduled session time! If you hit a wall, have a sudden realisation, or just need to drop a quick text or voice note so you don't lose a thought, you are always welcome to send it over.

    I’ll reply during my working hours so you aren't left holding that mental load alone.

  • It’s completely flexible and built with you.

    No rigid templates or legal traps here. Your agreement simply outlines how we’ll work together, covering your communication preferences, session rhythm and boundaries. We will build it together around your actual life, energy, and needs.

    Before we start, you'll have full freedom to review, tweak, or question anything. If something doesn't feel right, we reshape it together until you feel 100% comfortable.

  • They’re in the works!

    I’m currently organising some low-pressure meetups for local neurodivergent adults right here in Notts! Think quiet walk-and-talks in nature or low-sensory coffee catch-ups.

    We don't have a date set for the first one just yet, but if you'd like to be in the loop, you can join the waitlist ‍here and I’ll reach out as soon as our first one is set up and ready to go!

Peace of Mind

  • Only if you want to.

    If turning your camera off helps you focus, reduces anxiety, or lets you move freely without feeling perceived, please do! You are also welcome to use text chat, toggle your camera on or off mid-session, or wear headphones. Your comfort always comes first.

  • 100% yes.

    You can sit on the floor, pace around the room, use fidget tools, eat a snack, go for a walk, or wrap yourself in a blanket. I love learning about what works best for you. This is a mask-free zone! Do whatever your body and brain need to feel grounded.

  • Take all the time you need.

    Long pauses and quiet moments are completely safe here. There is no pressure to perform, speak instantly, or fill the silence. If you process better by taking a minute to think, writing notes, or typing in the chat, we adapt the pace to match what works best for you - never the other way around.

  • Life happens! And brain battery drain is real!

    You will never receive shame, judgment, or guilt for needing to reschedule when you are overwhelmed.

    To protect both your commitment and my time, I just ask for 24 hours' notice if you need to adjust your session. Because that time is set aside solely for you, sessions cancelled with shorter notice or missed entirely will still be charged or deducted from your session block, but we will always navigate scheduling with kindness and free from judgment.

  • Yes, they complement each other brilliantly.

    Many people do both! However, your wellbeing always comes first. If at any point coaching feels like too much alongside therapy, or we feel therapeutic support is what you need most, we will gently pause and signpost you toward the right care.

  • It’s all about direction.

    Therapy generally looks backward - gently unpacking past experiences, processing emotion, and healing deep trauma.

    Coaching moves forward - from where you are today, helping you build practical, real-world self-accommodations and strategies that work for your brain right now.

  • Only for the block we agree on.

    Some people come for a few focused sessions to navigate a specific transition, while others prefer ongoing, regular support.

    My goal is to equip you so well that you eventually don't need regular sessions to stay afloat.

    If we agree on a specific coaching package together, you are expected to honor the payment for that agreed block. However, we will always regularly check in to see what serves you best, making sure the pace and package structure feel completely safe and manageable for you before anything is finalised.

An important note on crisis support:

Coaching and consultancy are not a replacement for clinical mental health treatment or emergency care.

If you are in crisis, please reach out to local emergency services or a crisis helpline.

24/7 Crisis & Emotional Support (UK)

If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or cannot keep yourself safe:

  • Call 999: For emergency services. (If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, you can text 999 via emergencySMS or use the 999 BSL service).

  • A&E: Go directly to your nearest hospital Accident & Emergency department.

  • NHS 111: Call 111 (and select Option 2 for Mental Health Services) for urgent, non-life-threatening mental health support.

International Crisis
Resources

If you’re visiting our site from outside the UK:

Immediate Emergency Services (UK)

Samaritans

Shout Crisis Text Line (Ideal for text-based support)

  • Services: Free, confidential, 24/7 text support for anyone experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, or suicidal thoughts.

  • Text: Text SHOUT to 85258

Papyrus Hopeline247 (For under-35s or anyone concerned about a young person)

  • Services: 24/7 confidential helpline offering support with suicidal thoughts.

  • Visit: www.papyrus-uk.org

  • Call: 0300 102 2470

  • Text: 88247 or 07860 039967

  • Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

  • Services: Support line and webchat for anyone feeling down or in crisis.

  • Call: 0800 58 58 58 (Open 5:00 PM to Midnight daily)

  • Webchat: thecalmzone.net