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 pressure or judgment. It’s entirely your choice.

  • Please don’t! Throw it in the bin.

    Expecting you to arrive with a neat, tidy list of goals is a neurotypical style of coaching that just doesn't fit here. Having to figure everything out beforehand 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, at your own pace.

  • Yes, frequently!

    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, definitely. In fact, a willingness to understand is the greatest gift you could give.

    Coaching isn't just for neurodivergent individuals; it’s also open to partners, parents, family members, or friends supporting someone in their life. We can look at practical ways to support your loved one while making sure your own energy, boundaries, and well-being are looked after, too.

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 you and me working at your pace.

  • Yes, if you're local to Nottinghamshire!

    While most coaching happens virtually, I also offer gentle, face-to-face sessions in Nottinghamshire.

    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, dealing with selective mutism, or experiencing 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 bespoke to you.

    No rigid templates or one-size-fits-all contracts here. Your agreement and delivery plan are built 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.

  • 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 thoroughly that you eventually don't need regular sessions to keep 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.

  • They’re in the works!

    I’m currently organising gentle, 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 click here to drop your email on the waitlist 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 zero 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.

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

  • Services: Free, confidential listening support for anyone struggling to cope, available 24/7, 365 days a year.

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.

  • Call: 0800 068 4141

  • 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