Question 1

what is coaching?

Accepted Answer

Coaching is a structured conversation that helps you step back from everything that's going on and look at your situation more clearly.Together, we explore what feels difficult, what is influencing your thinking, and what matters most to you right now. Rather than telling you what to do or giving advice, I help you think through your situation in a way that makes it easier to make decisions and move forward.

Question 2

how is coaching different from therapy?

Accepted Answer

Coaching focuses on where you are now, where you want to go, and how to move forward.Therapy often focuses on understanding and healing emotional difficulties, mental health concerns, or the impact of past experiences.If at any point I feel that another type of support would be more appropriate for your situation, I will always discuss that with you openly.

Question 3

how do I know if I am ready for coaching?

Accepted Answer

Most women come to coaching feeling unclear, stuck, or unsure about what they want next. You do not need a clear plan before you start. Often, clarity develops through the coaching process itself.Coaching isn't only for times when something feels wrong. Some women come because they want to build on what is already working, make more intentional decisions, pursue a new goal, or create a life that feels more aligned with who they are becoming.What matters most is your willingness to look honestly at your situation, take responsibility for your choices, and take an active role in the process. If you're open to exploring new perspectives and putting your ideas into practice, you're ready to begin.

Question 4

do I need to prepare for a session?

Accepted Answer

helps to arrive with a topic, question, situation, or decision you'd like to explore. If you're not yet sure exactly what you want to work on, that's completely fine too. Sometimes clients come simply knowing that something doesn't feel right, and part of coaching is helping them work out where to begin. You don't need to prepare anything formal in advance.

Question 5

will you hold me accountable between sessions?

Accepted Answer

Part of my role is helping you stay connected to what matters most to you. I may ask about your progress, what helped, what got in the way, and what you want to do differently next time.What happens between sessions often gives us valuable information about what's working, what isn't, and where to focus next.At the same time, what you choose to do between sessions is always your responsibility. Coaching helps you make sense of your thinking. It doesn't make decisions for you or manage your choices.

Question 6

how do coaching sessions take place?

Accepted Answer

All sessions take place online via video call. Regular coaching sessions last 50 minutes.

Question 7

how often will we meet?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are usually scheduled once every 7 to 10 days. This gives you enough time to apply what came up in the session, notice what changes, and bring those experiences into our next conversation. Meeting too frequently can sometimes get in the way of that process.

Question 8

is everything we discuss confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything shared in our sessions is strictly confidential. I am a certified coach with Level 2 coaching education and more than 147 hours of coach-specific training. I work in accordance with the ICF Code of Ethics, which includes clear standards for confidentiality, client welfare, and professional conduct. If you have specific questions about confidentiality before we begin, you are welcome to raise them during the discovery session.You can also read the current ICF Code of Ethics on the ICF website.

Question 9

is coaching available in languages other than English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sessions are available in both English and Russian.

Question 10

what if I decide to stop before my package is finished?

Accepted Answer

Coaching is always your choice. If at any point you feel you have what you need and would like to continue on your own, we can review your progress and talk about the best way to bring our coaching to a close. Any unused sessions will be refunded.

Question 11

can you refuse to work with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If I believe your situation falls outside the scope of coaching or outside the areas I work with, I'll tell you honestly and, where appropriate, recommend a more appropriate form of support.Coaching also works best when there is trust and a good connection between coach and client, so both of us need to feel comfortable working together.

Question 12

do you work with women who are not living abroad?

Accepted Answer

My work is specifically designed for women navigating life abroad, so the context of living in a country that is not your own is an important part of what we work with. If you are not currently living abroad but feel that the challenges I describe resonate with your situation, you're welcome to get in touch, and we can talk about whether coaching would be a good fit.

frequently asked questions