What is coaching? And what is counselling?

Coaching is purposive conversation where the coach facilitates the client’s discovery journey in which the client works towards a set goal most often aiming to actualize their personal and professional potential. Counselling is a purposive conversation in which the counsellor facilitates the client’s reflection on underlying patterns with the aim to build awareness about how these may be informing the client’s current behavior.

Why both?

Depending on the client’s particular challenge, I adjust my approach. There are times when the challenge calls for building an action plan and following upon it as the client works towards a specific goal. At other times, the challenge might be to better understand the influence of past experiences on our current behavior. Often a combination of the two can be helpful. For instance, when clients feel stuck in a current situation due to underlying patterns. In those situations, reflection on those patterns and their origins in past experiences can build understanding of how these contribute to the maintenance of the currently ongoing challenge as well as allow for exploration of alternative coping strategies.

How is this different from psychotherapy?

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychotherapy is defined as “the informed and intentional application of clinical methods and interpersonal stances derived from established psychological principles for the purpose of assisting people to modify their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and/or other personal characteristics in directions that the participants deem desirable (Norcross, 1990, p. 218-220 )." APA further refers to psychotherapy as “any psychological service provided by a trained professional that primarily uses forms of communication and interaction to assess, diagnose, and treat dysfunctional emotional reactions, ways of thinking, and behavior patterns.”

If during the coaching & counselling process, the need arises for alternative or complementary means of professional support (e.g., therapy, support groups, mentoring), I will bring this to the client’s attention and offer assistance in exploring available services and resources.

Will you give me advice and tell me what to do?

No. My role is to facilitate your own efforts to build awareness and clarity, and explore and test out alternative ways of approaching a situation you are dealing with - not to prescribe. You are the expert on your life. I am here to help you listen more closely to yourself.

What is your approach like?

My approach to coaching & counselling blends positive psychology, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and personal vision-based coaching and counselling. I focus on offering support in building awareness of your values, wants, needs, feelings, and qualities, and on facilitating the actualization of a life informed and driven by these. All with the same aim - to support your reconnection with yourself, so that you can dare to lead a life from a place of strength, authenticity, and confidence.

Is this for me?

At sunflowerful, I primarily partner up with individuals in high autonomy, high aspiration, and high pressure lines of work to support them in shaping both more sustainable and constructive day-to-day work experiences as well as more meaningful career paths.

I supportjunior scholars who feel overwhelmed by navigating multiple work demands, high time pressure and performance standards by building awareness about their available cognitive, emotional, and somatic capacity so that they can develop sustainable work habits and maintain their academic performance while also honoring their boundaries and wellbeing.

I support professionalswho feel stuck, demotivated or disconnected from their sense of purpose in their current line of work by clarifying their values, qualities, and desires so that they can craft their career paths from a place of confidence and authenticity and ultimately experience a stronger internal alignment and fulfillment.

I support aspiring entrepreneurs who have a business idea, but they hesitate to make the first step by clarifying their vision, translating it into a concrete action plan, and challenging underlying limiting beliefs so that they can move from idea to action and ultimately feel empowered to create a business that is sustainably woven into a life aligned with their priorities, values, and wellbeing.

I support organizations in building work cultures that promote well-being, resilience, and authentic contribution, enabling people to align their strengths, values, and work in ways that benefit both the individual and the organization.

How long is a session and how often do we meet?

Each coaching & counselling journey is unique, just like the person walking it. While some clients may benefit from just a few focused sessions, others choose to engage in a longer process of reflection and change.

On average, a trajectory consists of 6 to 12 sessions (60 minutes each), the first several sessions typically spaced a week apart, with that time in-between sessions usually increasing towards the end of the trajectory (2 to 4 weeks apart), depending on your goals, availability, and personal rhythm.

Together, we will regularly evaluate your needs and progress to ensure that the process remains aligned with what is meaningful and helpful for you.

Do you offer a free introduction or discovery call?

Yes! You are welcome to book a free 30-minute discovery call to explore if we are a good fit and ask any questions you may have. There is no expectation that you will commit to the process following this call. The discovery call serves the purpose of getting to know each other, explore briefly the theme you would be interested in discussing, and answering the questions you may have.

Are sessions in-person or online?

Sessions can be arranged either in-person or online depending on client preferences and location. The practice is located in Rotterdam, Netherlands. To book an online session, you do not need to live in the Netherlands.

What languages are the sessions in?

Sessions are offered in English and, upon client request in Serbian.

How much do sessions cost?

Rates can be found below the description of possible services.‍ ‍

Can I cancel or reschedule a session?

Yes, up to 48 hours in advance. Late cancellations incur a fee. For more details, please see sunflowerful’s Terms and Conditions.

Is everything I share confidential?

Yes. Everything you share is held in strict confidence, within the ethical guidelines of the coaching and counselling profession (Code of conduct for LVSC members). For more details, please see sunflowerful’s Privacy Statement.