FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
THE SERVICE
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On my home page, I ask the question “Are you feeling stuck?” I think we can all relate to the idea of getting stuck in a rut. Quite often, it feels easier to stay in that rut (and just complain), but sometimes we realize just how bad things really are and decide we’re ready for a change. This is where coaching has a role.
Maybe you want to apply for a new opportunity in your organization but are worried you don’t have the right qualifications. Maybe you are struggling in your current job and are feeling frustrated and burned out. Or maybe you want to improve your communication or conflict management skills to be a more successful leader. Perhaps you had always dreamed of doing something else, but don’t know where to start. Or perhaps you are embarking on a natural career transition (e.g. graduation or retirement) and need some help to get ready.
Whatever the situation is, working with a coach means getting some help to problem-solve and develop an action plan. And along the way, we will uncover any assumptions that are getting in the way, build on your existing strengths, and align your values with your personal goals and aspirations.
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This was one of the questions that my very first coaching client asked me.
The reality is that there might be some things you can’t share with even your closest friend, whether it is because you feel it is too sensitive or are afraid of being judged. As a coach, my role is to be an objective sounding board to help you freely explore possibilities and shift your thinking, maybe revealing some blind spots that are getting in the way of your success. Our relationship is professional, not personal, and I am bound by the coaching profession’s code of ethics, which includes maintaining confidentiality.
What happened to that first coaching client? At the end of our coaching relationship, they were blown away by what had changed in their thinking after just a few months of working together.
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Coaching does have some overlap with other professional services, including counselling, psychotherapy, consulting, and mentoring. There are a few things that distinguish coaching from other services:
There is no inherent power imbalance in the relationship - we work with you as an equal partner.
Coaches don’t operate from the assumption that there is something wrong with you.
Coaching is focused on your present situation and future goals. If we talk about the past, it is to create awareness and learn from those experiences (both good and bad).
We believe that you are the expert in your life and work and already possess the answers to your problems (but perhaps you need some help to uncover them).
We hold you fully responsible and accountable for your own actions.
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My standard rate for a 60-minute coaching session is $300. I offer the flexibility of time-based contracts or pay-as-you go options. Contact me and we can discuss payment options. I also offer special rates for not-for-profit organizations and students.
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I’d say that once you figure out that you are ready to invest the time and energy required to make the most of coaching, just reach out. I offer a 30-minute complimentary consultation before you make any commitments. Like with any relationship, you need to feel comfortable with my communication style and to feel safe in sharing your personal thoughts with me. I will also be honest with you if I think another coach would be a better fit for you, as we all have different areas of expertise.
E POWER COACHING
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My first name starts with an ‘E’ and I am a former math geek. Those of you who enjoyed high school math will get my reference to the mathematical constant e and natural logarithms.
The coaching program I completed at Royal Roads University was based on the Excelerator CoachingTM framework – Engage, Enlighten, Empower, Excel and Evolve.
While there are 5 E’s in this coaching framework, the one I feel is central to my coaching style is ‘Empower’. I draw from my professional and personal backgrounds to guide clients through a pure coaching approach that includes space for discovery and holds people capable. I will not diagnose your problems or prescribe solutions, but rather guide you in a creative, non-directive way to help you to discover your own truths, possibilities, and choices, which may perhaps even change your life.
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I am a retired physician who was in academic clinical practice (pediatric critical care) for over 20 years. My practice included mentoring and supervising medical learners, and I also taught bioethics at Queen’s University. I ended up experiencing burnout, which contributed to a professional crisis, and I hired a professional coach. In 2012, I left clinical practice to be a bilingual physician educator at the Canadian Medical Protective Association, and from 2019-2025 I was the physician lead for a program that offers collegial support, educational advice, and coaching to physicians across Canada.
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I completed the Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching Program at Royal Roads University and did additional training through the Physician Coaching Institute. I am credentialed as a Professional Certified Coach (500+ hours of coaching) with the International Coaching Federation. I am a member of the Associate Faculty for the Royal Roads CEC program.
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Coaching has been shown to have a positive impact for individuals, including:
increased self-esteem and improved relationships
enhanced communication and interpersonal skills
greater productivity and personal satisfaction
Major corporations like IBM, Nike, Verizon and Coca-Cola have turned to coaching to increase employee satisfaction, improve output and strengthen their bottom lines. During the course I took on creating coaching cultures, we learned about how coaching can help to shift the organizational culture away from top-down decision-making to promoting collaboration and creativity. This increases engagement at all levels and ensures that there is a shared mental model due to effective leadership and open communication.
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Think of it as an investment in yourself. The cost isn’t that different from signing up to join a fancy gym. Sure, it’s possible for you to achieve your goals without a coach. However I believe that I can help you to get there more quickly and easily, and you might even learn some interesting things about yourself along the way.
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1) I’ve been coached. I understand what works based on my own experience as a client.
2) I have always been an introvert. I have spent my whole life listening to and observing other people from the sidelines. I also spent a lot of time integrating that experiential learning with other sources of knowledge, including formal education and self-guided reading. As a result, I often see connections that other people might miss.
3) I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. As a physician, I spent years helping people from all walks of life. Even if you don’t have an advanced educational degree, that doesn’t mean you aren’t smart. I am able to quickly establish rapport with most people and earn their trust.
4) I’ve worked in a variety of settings. I have worked on big teams and little teams. I have led people, projects, and programs in the healthcare sector and in a corporate environment. I have had real-life experience managing, mediating, and teaching about conflict resolution.
5) I am a lifelong learner. I am always pushing myself to improve and constantly think about how I could be an even better coach. I enjoy reading about topics like procrastination and being imperfect, which I apply to help my clients reframe their thinking and act differently.
6) Finally, I have a great sense of humour. No, that doesn’t mean I am laughing at you. Humour can provide relief when we are going through a difficult time and help us to be more open to new ideas and feel optimistic about the future.
HAVE YOU LEARNED ENOUGH ABOUT COACHING?
Ready to take the next step with me?
Voulez-vous changer votre avenir?