Questions to ask before you choose an online coach.

What would we work towards?

Describe your topic in a few sentences and ask how you would agree a useful focus. A goal might be a decision to explore, a pattern to understand or a practical step to take. Ask how the focus can change if you learn something new. Be cautious about promises of a guaranteed transformation or a fixed result for every client.

What does your approach involve?

Ask what a typical conversation looks like and which methods might be suggested. If an exercise involves movement, body awareness or another specific technique, ask what you would be invited to do and how it connects to your goal. You should be able to ask questions, decline an exercise or discuss an alternative.

What experience is relevant to my topic?

Ask about relevant training and experience, and how the coach keeps their practice informed. A title alone does not tell you how someone will work with your particular question. Ask for clear explanations rather than assuming that a coaching qualification is a clinical licence.

What are the boundaries of coaching?

Ask what the service can and cannot provide. At The Ground Within, coaching focuses on reflection, goals and next steps. It does not provide medical diagnosis or replace psychotherapy. If your request is outside the service, the introductory conversation is a place to identify that before proceeding.

How is confidentiality handled?

Ask who can access information you share, whether any notes are kept, which communication services are used and what limits apply to confidentiality. Avoid sending a detailed personal history before you understand those arrangements. If your employer is involved, clarify what, if anything, would be shared with them.

What will I pay and how are sessions arranged?

Check the session length, fee, payment arrangements, cancellation policy and whether a package is required. Confirm the time zone and how the appointment is agreed. At The Ground Within, a session enquiry is non-binding; we arrange the time and further details with you before it becomes a confirmed appointment.

Give yourself space to decide

After the introduction, consider whether the answers were clear and whether you felt able to ask questions. A useful fit includes the approach, the scope and practical availability. Our free introduction lasts 15 minutes and does not oblige you to continue.

• Can I describe what we would work on?
• Do I understand the methods and boundaries?
• Are the costs and arrangements clear?
• Do I feel comfortable asking for clarification?