Frequently asked questions…

What is coaching?

Coaching is an open space for you to work through any issues that may be on your mind. My job as your coach is to get you to where you want to be, whether that’s taking a new step in your life or healing from something more emotional.

Is coaching the same as therapy?

Coaching can feel similar to therapy in format however coaching tends to be more focused. We don’t necessarily go into your entire life history but focus on getting you where you need to be. I am a sexuality specialist so bring a more specialised approach than would be expected with a regular therapist.

Do you just cover sexuality, gender and identity?

The vast majority of my clients come to me for my expertise in sexuality, gender and identity, however I am fully trained to support you with any issue you might be dealing with.

What if I need to reschedule?

You can reschedule by clicking the option on your confirmation email up to 24 hours before a session. Unfortunately I cannot reschedule with less than 24 hours’ notice.

I can’t find a time that’s suitable for me on the booking calendar?

Just give me an email with your time zone and availability and we can find a time together.

How do I book a follow up session?

I will ask you at the end of the session when you would like to meet next and then send you a confirmation with payment link. Alternatively, you can book multiple sessions at once through the website. Once you click on the time slot, there is an option for this.

Do you do in-person sessions?

All of our sessions are online and conducted over Zoom.

Do I need to pay for 4-6 sessions at once?

No. If you book them all at once through the website then yes, but otherwise you can just book your first session and book in your next ones as we go.

What is the best frequency of sessions?

It’s up to you but normally weekly or fortnightly works well for most people.

Can I carry on with coaching after 4-6 weeks?

Yes, many people come to me regularly or choose to come back from time to time. Once you have done the 4-6 weeks you can then book in a 1:1 coaching session whenever you like.

Are our sessions confidential?

Everything we discuss is 100% confidential. This includes the content of any emails. I sometimes take notes. These are stored securely and kept for a maximum of 6 years then destroyed. The client is welcome to request to see notes at any time.

Can you work with trauma?

Yes, trauma is often a reality for many of us and can prevent us from reaching our fullest potential. I am trauma trained and experienced working with different trauma modalities. However, a psychiatrist or psychotherapist would be most suited to the standard treatment of trauma or mental health conditions.

Will you give advice?

In the one-off consultation I will tend to give more guidance. In coaching I tend to be less directive, unless the client specifically asks for it. My role is to support you in exploring and figuring things out for yourself so that you are empowered to move forward. I always take my cue from you.

Can I talk about sex or use swear words in the session?

Yes! I encourage you to be as open as possible.

I’m worried about not using the right LGBTQ+ terminology.

Please don’t worry. There is absolutely no right or wrong in our sessions and I encourage you to speak freely as feels natural to you.

Can I ask Mark questions about his life and experiences?

Yes, you are more than welcome to ask anything you like and I will answer as openly and as helpfully as I can.

Can you diagnose conditions?

No. A psychiatrist, psychologist or medical doctor would normally be responsible for diagnosis of mental health conditions.

Do you provide couples coaching?

I don’t take on couples’ sessions at the current time however I can refer you to one of my trusted associates who will have similar expertise to myself and who can take couples.

Can you coach my partner or can my partner join me for a session?

Due to ethical reasons I am not able to take on a partner either individually or with you if I have first started coaching with you. I am happy to refer them to a trusted associate.

What if we meet at an event in person or see each other in public?

That’s okay, I would be delighted to see you. However I will not address you unless you address me. This is common practice for confidentiality reasons. We can say hello and have a chat if we bump into each other, however I am ethically restricted from forming friendships or arranging to meet existing or former clients socially.

Can you tell me if I’m gay/straight/trans/bisexual etc.?

No one can tell you definitively what you are, however I can support you to explore your identity and provide insight and perspectives based on my work with many people across the spectrums of sexuality and gender.

I’m not part of the LGBTQ+ community but I’d like some support, can you help?

Of course, absolutely. You are warmly welcome.

I have a therapist / counsellor / psychologist already. Can I do coaching at the same time?

Yes, it is quite common for people to have different forms of support. I will ask about this ahead of the session and am always happy to tailor coaching to ensure it compliments the other forms of support you may be receiving.

Do you take clients from any country in the world?

Yes, I am fully licensed and insured to take clients from any country.

Can I claim coaching against my health insurance?

Sometimes, depending on the insurance provider, this is possible. Drop me an email and I can provide any info you might require.

How will you use my contact details?

Your contact details will be used solely for the purpose of arranging and confirming our sessions. On rare occasion, I may send out information about an upcoming change to the booking system or something like that, or a feedback form.

I can’t afford the coaching fee, but really need support.

I would advise you to join us on patreon.com/notdefining. I can provide you with mentoring support through written message, and may then be able to suggest some different options for ongoing support from there.

If I choose the 4-6 week session option, do I have to do all the sessions?

Coaching is a process so it normally takes some time to see results. If you’re not sure about committing to 4-6 weeks, try booking a one-off consultation first. If you choose the 4-6 week option and it’s really not working out for you of course just let me know.