Essential Journeys Coaching FAQ

Please use the Contact Page for questions not answered below.

  • Coaching is forward-looking, strengths-based, and focused on growth and action. It’s about building on what’s working, setting goals, and creating strategies to move forward. Therapy, on the other hand, often addresses mental health, healing, and the past. Coaching is not a substitute for therapy.

  • Academic Coaching is designed specifically for high school and college students. It focuses on time management, study strategies, motivation, goal-setting, and navigating academic challenges — all through a strengths-based lens. It is not subject tutoring, but holistic support for student success.

  • Strengths Discovery is a focused session designed to help you understand and apply your CliftonStrengths results. We’ll walk through your themes, explore how they show up in your daily life, and identify ways to use them more intentionally.

  • I use an honor-system sliding scale based on self-reported income. Coaching is about honesty and growth — and since we’ll often be talking about your career, it will be clear if you’re stretching the truth. The goal is accessibility, not gatekeeping.

    • Student Discount: Any high school or college student (with ID) automatically qualifies for the lowest rate — and if that still feels like a stretch, we’ll work together to make it doable.

    • Referral Discount: If you refer a new client, you get one free session, and your referral gets 10% off all sessions and packages — forever.

    • Strengths Discovery Clients: If you complete a Strengths Discovery session, you’ll also receive 10% off all future coaching.

  • I coach individuals at all stages of life and career — from students to seasoned professionals. Coaching is flexible and adapts to wherever you are in your journey.

  • The Fit Session is a free 30-minute conversation (Zoom only) where you can share your goals, ask questions, and get a feel for my coaching style. It also gives us both the chance to confirm if coaching is the right fit. This session is required before beginning any coaching services.

  • Each session is client-led, meaning we focus on what matters most to you. We’ll explore your goals, identify your strengths, and create clear, practical next steps. Sessions are not “cookie cutter” — they are tailored to your unique journey.

  • Standard sessions are 60 minutes. Fit Sessions are 30 minutes.

  • Packages include 4 coaching sessions for the price of 3. They’re designed to provide continuity, accountability, and momentum toward your goals.

  • If you haven’t taken the assessment yet, you’ll receive a code to complete it. The cost of the assessment is offered at a discounted rate for both Individual sessions and Strengths Discovery. If you only have your Top 5 results, you’ll be encouraged to upgrade to the full 34 for deeper coaching at a discounted rate, but this is not required.

  • Payments are due before sessions begin. For 4-session packages, renewal is due at the end of the 4th session if you’d like to continue. Payments are handled through my secure online platform.

  • Sessions may be rescheduled or canceled up to noon on the day of the session without penalty. Cancellations after that time or no-shows will be charged as a session.

  • All sessions are offered via Zoom for convenience. Limited in-person sessions may be available in the Austin area, to be discussed individually.

  • Once you complete your Fit Session, you can usually begin coaching within 1–2 weeks, depending on scheduling availability.

  • Yes — but that falls under my Coaching for Teams. If you’re interested in group or workplace coaching, let me know during your Fit Session and I’ll guide you to the right option.

Individual Coaching FAQ

    • Consultation Fit Session (a required, free, one-hour consultation) to determine the best approach for your organization’s needs.

    • Team Strengths Training (half-day, full-day, or multi-day workshops) to help your team understand and apply their CliftonStrengths in the workplace.

    • Leadership & Culture Consultations for executives and managers who want to strengthen organizational culture, improve communication, and lead with clarity.

  • The Consultation Fit Session is a complimentary one-hour conversation (usually over Zoom) where we discuss your team’s goals, challenges, and desired outcomes. It gives you a chance to ask questions and ensures the services are the right fit before making a commitment.

  • Team Strengths Training is interactive, practical, and tailored to your group. Participants complete the CliftonStrengths assessment ahead of time, and in the session we explore how their individual strengths contribute to the team, uncover dynamics, and build strategies for collaboration. Workshops can be customized for teams of all sizes.

  • These sessions are designed for executives, managers, and leadership teams. We’ll focus on topics like culture-building, communication strategies, leading with strengths, and navigating organizational challenges. Consultations are strategic, forward-looking, and tailored to your context.

    • Half-Day (4 hours) → $1,500 base

    • Full-Day (6–8 hours) → $2,500 base

    • Multi-Day → Custom pricing based on scope and needs

    Note: These rates are for session delivery only and do not include travel or assessment codes (if needed).

  • I work with teams of all sizes — from small groups to entire departments. Workshops and consultations are customized to meet your specific needs.

  • Yes. For team-based Strengths Training, each participant will need a CliftonStrengths code to complete the assessment, if they have not already completed it. Codes are included in training fee proposal at a discounted rate.

  • Team sessions are best delivered in-person. I work in the Austin, Texas area or for an additional travel fee elsewhere.. Zoom sessions may be available for organizations where travel cannot be accommodated.

  • Team sessions may be rescheduled with at least two weeks’ notice. Cancellations within two weeks may be subject to a partial fee to cover preparation time and reserved dates.

  • For best availability, schedule at least 4–6 weeks in advance. This ensures adequate time for participants to complete assessments and for me to customize the workshop or consultation to your needs.

  • Yes. While I have deep experience in higher education, my coaching and training services are valuable in corporate, nonprofit, and community-based organizations as well. The principles of strengths and culture apply across industries.

  • Every workshop or consultation is tailored. During the Fit Session, we’ll discuss your goals, whether that’s improving collaboration, addressing turnover, strengthening culture, or boosting leadership capacity, and then design the session accordingly.

  • Yes. Many organizations choose to pair team sessions with one-on-one coaching for managers or key staff. If you’re interested, we can add individual coaching packages alongside team training.

Coaching & Team Development FAQ

  • These are one-on-one or small-group sessions designed for leaders, executives, and decision-makers who want to strengthen organizational culture, improve communication, and lead more effectively. They combine strengths-based coaching with strategic consulting to help you navigate complex challenges.

  • Individual coaching is focused on personal growth, goals, and strengths application. Leadership & Executive Consultations are more organizational in nature — looking at how you lead others, influence culture, and address systemic issues. They’re designed for people who are responsible for shaping teams, departments, or entire organizations.

  • Consultations are fully customized but often focus on:

    • Leading with CliftonStrengths

    • Building or repairing organizational culture

    • Communication strategies across levels of staff

    • Supporting change management

    • Strategic decision-making

    • Leadership development for you and your team

  • It’s strongly recommended. CliftonStrengths provides a framework for identifying natural leadership patterns and building strategies based on your strengths. If you haven’t completed it yet, I can provide a discounted code.

  • This is to be determined during the Consultation Fit Session and varies by needs and goals.

  • Executives, senior leaders, department heads, or emerging leaders preparing for higher-level roles. Anyone in a position to influence culture or guide others will benefit.

  • Yes. While my background is in higher education leadership, the principles of strengths-based leadership and culture apply across industries, including corporate, nonprofit, and community organizations.

  • If your primary focus is on your own leadership, strategic decision-making, or executive-level challenges, consultations are the best fit. If your goal is to strengthen collaboration and performance across a whole team, Team Strengths Training may be a better option. We can sort this out during your Fit Session.

  • Yes. A complimentary 1 hour Fit Session is available for executives and leaders considering consultation. This gives us both a chance to identify your goals and confirm that my services are a good match for your needs.

  • Absolutely. Many leaders choose a combination — for example, starting with executive consultations and then scheduling a team training or individual coaching for staff. We’ll design an approach that meets your goals.

  • Payments are due before sessions begin. Ongoing consulting relationships may be billed monthly. Custom contracts are available for long-term engagements.

  • Consultations may be rescheduled or canceled up to noon on the day of the session without penalty. Later cancellations or no-shows will be charged as a session. For organizational contracts, cancellation policies will be outlined in the agreement.

  • After your Fit Session, you can usually begin within 1–2 weeks, depending on scheduling availability.

Leadership & Consultations FAQ