Life Coaching Questions & Answers

Life Coaching Questions & Answers

Have questions about life coaching? This page covers everything you need to know before getting started.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Head over to my contact page and I’ll be happy to help.

Professional life coach Sara Silva Palm Beach County

What to expect from coaching

The Coaching Process

How does coaching work?

Coaching sessions are structured, intentional conversations. We clarify goals, explore patterns and beliefs, identify blind spots, and design practical next steps. Sessions may include reflective questioning, mindset work, strategic planning, and real-world experiments. Between sessions, you’ll have agreed-upon actions or practices. These aren’t about being perfect; they’re
about building awareness and momentum in real life.

Does the coach do the work for me?

No—and that’s a good thing. Coaching is not about being fixed or rescued. Your growth comes from your willingness to engage, reflect, and take action. My role is to walk alongside you: asking the right questions, offering perspective, helping you see clearly, and holding you accountable with compassion.

What if I don’t follow through on my commitments?

This happens more often than people admit. It’s not a failure; it’s information. When follow-through doesn’t happen, we explore why. Fear, overwhelm, misalignment, or unrealistic expectations often surface, and those insights become part of the work.

How many sessions will I need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some clients come for short-term clarity around a specific decision or transition. Others choose longer-term coaching for deeper identity, leadership, or life changes. The pace and duration depend on your goals, consistency, and readiness.

How long does coaching usually last?

Meaningful change takes time. Many clients work with me for several months to a year or longer. We regularly reassess progress and adjust as needed. Coaching is not about dependency. Coaching is about building skills and self-trust that last beyond our work together.

Sara Silva Life Coach Palm Beach Florida
Professional life coach Sara Silva Palm Beach County

What change really looks like over time

Results & Expectations

When will I start seeing changes?

Some shifts, like clarity or relief can happen quickly. Behavioral change, habit-building, and identity-level transformation take longer. Progress depends on your effort, honesty, and willingness to apply what we explore. Coaching accelerates growth, but it doesn’t bypass the work.

Can coaching guarantee results?

No ethical coach can guarantee specific outcomes. What I can promise is a thoughtful, committed partnership and a process designed to support real change. Your results are shaped by your choices, actions, and circumstances.

What if I’m afraid I’ll invest and nothing will change?

This fear is incredibly common and completely understandable. Most people who worry about this aren’t unmotivated; they’re cautious and self-aware. Coaching works best when you’re willing to show up honestly and try, even when you’re unsure. We address doubt openly rather than pretending it isn’t there.

What if past issues are holding me back?

If unresolved past experiences are preventing progress, I may recommend additional support such as therapy. Coaching works best when you’re able to stay primarily oriented toward the present and future. Your wellbeing always comes first.

Clear boundaries so you can feel safe being honest

Safety, Boundaries & Ethics

Are coaching sessions confidential?

Yes. Everything shared is confidential, with rare legal exceptions such as risk of harm or illegal activity. Confidentiality expectations are clearly outlined before we begin.

Will you ever tell me what to do?

No. I may offer perspectives, frameworks, or options, but decisions are always yours. Coaching is about strengthening your agency and self-trust; not replacing it.

Do I have to talk about things I’m not comfortable sharing?

No. You are always in control of what you share and how deep we go. Coaching respects consent and pacing. Trust builds over time, and depth unfolds naturally.

Professional life coach Sara Silva Palm Beach County
Personal transformation through professional life coaching

Scheduling, payments, and policies

Logistics & Policies

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?

Sessions must be canceled or rescheduled within the agreed notice period (typically 48 hours). Late cancellations are usually forfeited unless there is a genuine emergency. Consistency matters, but life also happens.

What payment methods are accepted?

Payment options may include credit card, PayPal, Stripe, Zelle, bank transfer, or other agreed methods. Invoices and receipts are provided. Payment plans may be available for longer-term engagements.

Do you offer reduced rates?

A limited number of reduced-rate spaces may be available depending on capacity. These are offered intentionally and assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Flexible options that support ease and access

Format & Accessibility

Is virtual coaching effective?

Yes. Research shows no meaningful difference in outcomes between virtual and in-person coaching. Virtual sessions allow you to work from your own space and revisit recordings, which can deepen integration.

Do you work with clients outside your local area?

Yes. I work with clients globally across time zones. Location and travel are not barriers.

Professional life coach Sara Silva Palm Beach County
Professional life coach Sara Silva Palm Beach County

How to know if this work is right for you

Fit & Readiness

Who do you typically work with?

I work with thoughtful, driven individuals, executives, entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders who are outwardly capable but inwardly feel stuck, unclear, or ready for their next level of growth.

What makes someone “coach-ready”?

You don’t need to have everything figured out. Coach-ready clients are willing to reflect honestly, take
responsibility for their choices, and experiment with new ways of thinking and acting.

What if I’ve tried coaching before and it didn’t work?

Not every coaching relationship is the right fit. Effectiveness depends on timing, trust, and alignment. A previous experience doesn’t mean coaching won’t work. It may simply mean that container wasn’t right for you.

Clarity for those still deciding

If You’re On the Fence

What if I’m not sure I’m ready?

Most people don’t feel fully ready. Readiness isn’t about certainty—it’s about willingness. If you feel a pull toward change, that’s often enough to begin.

What if I’m really busy right now?

Many clients start coaching because they’re overwhelmed. Coaching often helps simplify, prioritize, and free up time by addressing what’s draining your energy.

What if I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you or myself?

You won’t. Struggle, doubt, and backsliding are part of growth. Coaching isn’t about performing—it’s about being honest. You’re not expected to be perfect; you’re expected to be real.

How do I know you genuinely care about your clients?

I care deeply about the people I work with and the integrity of this work. I don’t believe in quick fixes or pressure-based selling. My intention is to support meaningful, sustainable change. That requires trust, respect, and mutual commitment.

Professional life coach Sara Silva Palm Beach County

For the Questions That Don’t Always Get Asked

Additional Questions You May Have

Do you offer support between sessions?

Depending on the coaching container, I may offer limited between-session support such as voice notes, messaging, or email check-ins. This support is designed to help you integrate insights and navigate real-life moments as they arise—not to replace sessions or create dependency. Details are clarified before we begin working together.

How often do we meet?

Session frequency varies based on the type of coaching and your goals. Most private clients meet weekly or biweekly. We’ll determine a cadence that supports momentum without creating pressure or burnout.

Are sessions recorded?

Virtual sessions can be recorded when appropriate and with mutual consent. Many clients find recordings helpful for revisiting insights they may not fully absorb in the moment. Recording expectations are discussed in advance.

Do I need to apply for coaching?

For certain coaching programs, yes. An application helps ensure alignment, readiness, and fit on both sides. This protects the integrity of the work and ensures clients are entering a space that genuinely supports them.

What happens after coaching ends?

The intention of coaching is not ongoing reliance. By the end of an engagement, clients typically have clearer self-trust, stronger internal tools, and greater confidence navigating challenges on their own. Some clients choose to return later for new chapters of growth as their lives evolve.

Are you trained or certified as a coach?

Yes. I have completed professional coach training and continue to invest in ongoing development. While certifications matter, effective coaching is ultimately about skill, ethics, presence, and the quality of the relationship—not just credentials on paper.

What credentials actually matter in coaching?

Training from reputable programs, adherence to ethical standards, and demonstrated experience all matter. Equally important are emotional intelligence, strong boundaries, and the ability to create a safe, honest, and challenging space for clients.

Why did you choose to become a coach?

I became a coach because I believe people are far more capable than they often realize. Having the right support can radically change how someone relates to themselves and their life. This work matters to me because it’s about helping people live with more clarity, agency, and integrity. You can find out more about why I became a coach here.

Do you coach people like me?

Clients come from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, ages, and professions. What matters most is not similarity, but resonance. If you feel aligned with my approach and comfortable being honest with me, coaching can be effective regardless of differences.

Is there an age limit for coaching?

I work primarily with adults. In some cases, coaching may be available to younger clients with appropriate consent and structure. Age alone is never a barrier—readiness and willingness matter far more.

What if we don’t share similar life experiences?

You do not need a coach who has lived your exact circumstances. My role is not to be an expert in your life, but to bring skill, perspective, and curiosity. If something feels misunderstood, I welcome direct conversation; mutual trust includes room for correction and dialogue.

Why does coaching cost what it does?

Coaching reflects the time, training, experience, and depth of attention involved, as well as the results-oriented nature of the work. More importantly, it reflects a commitment on both sides. The investment helps ensure that clients are genuinely ready to engage and apply what we explore.

What if my financial situation changes during coaching?

Life circumstances can shift. If something changes significantly, we can discuss options such as adjusting cadence or pausing the engagement, depending on the terms of our agreement.

Can I pause coaching if I need to?

Yes, within the boundaries of your coaching agreement. Coaching should support your life, not add strain. Clear communication is always encouraged.

Do you work with groups, couples, or organizations?

Depending on availability and fit, I may offer group programs or leadership-focused coaching. Individual coaching remains the foundation of my work. Any group or organizational offerings are clearly outlined separately.

Is coaching advice-based?

Coaching is not primarily advice-giving. While I may offer frameworks, reflections, or perspectives, the focus is on helping you think clearly, access your own wisdom, and make choices that align with your values.

What if I’m worried you’ll see parts of me I don’t like myself?

That concern is more common than people admit. Coaching isn’t about judgment or fixing what’s “wrong” with you. It’s about understanding patterns with honesty and compassion, and learning how to work with yourself rather than against yourself. You don’t need to be polished to be supported.

Getting Started

How do I begin?

Start by booking an initial consult. It’s a real coaching conversation designed to bring clarity and assess fit. Whether or not we continue working together, you’ll leave with insight and a clearer sense of next steps.

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