Do you offer a free consultation? How will we know if we’re the right client-coach fit?
I am very good at this work; people often feel better after one session. Maybe that’s all you needed me for this time, but now you know I’m here and can reach out if you need me again. It creates an open door dynamic that many people find comforting.
Coaches or therapists who give away their time upfront clearly assume there will be ongoing appointments coming out of it. I never assume anything about your time or finances and I’m not trying to sell you anything or “land” you as a client.
More simply, though, I prefer to be paid for my time and expertise when I dispense it. It helps me to stay in alignment and excited about the work, and it helps you to feel invested in what you’ve paid for.
Are you sure you don’t mind if I use the reduced fee option?
I am sure. Please use it if you need it. I’d rather you come see me, have a good experience, and tell your friends about it than have only one option for fees. If your situation changes, by all means, please pay my full fee then. But in the meantime, pay what you can and don’t feel bad about it.
Okay, so I scheduled my first session with you; now what happens?
You will get a confirmation email, and I will also get an email letting me know you’re on my calendar. For all new clients, I will also send you paperwork sometime before your session; it’s brief and includes basic demographic info and a contract/informed consent form for working together. I never require any payments beyond the next session upfront unless you’re buying a package, and I don’t keep cards on file. Your information is all confidential.
If it’s a virtual session, you will receive a link for the session in your appointment confirmation email and you’ll just hop on when it’s time! (Make sure you know how to use Zoom and that you have a solid internet connection.)
If it’s an in-person session, I will send you information about location and parking after you book. My office is in the Central West End of St Louis and does have off street parking; it’s all super easy and convenient.
Please note, however, that my office is on the second floor. The building does not have an elevator, so if you need accommodations, please let me know. Virtual might be a better option for us at this time.
The same process is in place if you schedule with Rodney, but he is only seeing clients virtually at this time.
Wait, so whose practice is this? I’m confused by the “I” and “we” stuff.
It’s my practice (Amy’s.) I’ve been working on it for years. My husband has a full-time job as a school counselor, but he also has the skills and education to be a wildly successful life + relationship coach, so I have convinced him to come on board very part-time and offer his services. It’s hard to figure out the right way to word everything, but hopefully this is clear enough. If he eventually comes on full-time, he will have his own section of the website to say things his own way.
How often and for how long am I supposed to keep seeing you?
That is your call. My approach is direct, practical, and results-oriented, and I never assume you will need a certain number of sessions with me. My goal is to get you feeling better ASAP. You are always free to come and go as is right for you.
That said, many people prefer to come once or twice a month (or even weekly) while they’re working on making big life changes. If you plan to do that, I’d suggest saving some money and purchasing a multi-session package. Occasional acute problem-solving sessions are also common.
What is your cancellation policy?
Up to 24 hours before your scheduled time, you are welcome to reschedule as needed. There’s an option to reschedule in the confirmation email you receive from Calendly and it doesn’t bother me if you use it. Note: if you choose “cancel” and it’s more than 24 hours before your scheduled time, you’ll need to follow up with me to request a refund; it doesn’t automatically refund. I can also hold your payment for a while if you do want to reschedule but don’t know when yet.
If you cancel or reschedule less than 24 hours before your scheduled time, or you miss your appointment, you forfeit the payment you made and will need to rebook. I have this policy so that I don’t have any feelings when people miss appointments. I’m not mad at you and you don’t have to feel bad. You paid for my time; I’m good. (That said, obviously there are exceptions and emergencies. I’m not unreasonable!)