Frequently asked questions

We begin with a complimentary 30-minute clarity conversation on Zoom. This is a calm, low-pressure space to talk about what’s feeling unclear or unsettled and to see whether working together feels like a good fit. Schedule (https://calendly.com/franbellcoaching/30mincuriosity)here.

We’ll spend time talking through what’s been feeling unclear, unsettled, or hard to make sense of lately. I’ll listen carefully and reflect back patterns, themes, or perspectives that can be difficult to see on your own, especially in the middle of a transition. The focus is on understanding what’s really going on and helping you feel more oriented. If it feels appropriate, I’ll also share what support could look like moving forward, whether that’s a Clarity Intensive, ongoing coaching, or something else entirely. There’s no expectation to decide anything during this conversation. Its purpose is clarity and understanding first, so you can take any next step - or no step - from a more grounded, authentic place.

Our sessions are a thoughtful, grounded space to slow down and understand what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Depending on what you’re navigating, we may work with: • reflective dialogue to untangle overthinking and self-pressure • perspective-shifting questions that help you see things more clearly • gentle awareness practices that help you reconnect with your own internal signals • simple, practical experiments in the form of action steps that support building clarity and self-trust between sessions There’s no set formula - the work adapts to what you need in the moment. Each session is 50 minutes.

Therapy and coaching serve different purposes although there is some crossover. Therapists are licensed mental health professionals who diagnose and treat psychological conditions and disorders, often using a medical or clinical framework. Therapy frequently involves exploring past experiences to support healing. Coaching is not mental health treatment. As a coach, I don’t diagnose or treat conditions or disorders. Instead, I partner with clients to focus on present-day clarity, awareness, and forward movement - especially during periods of change or transition. Coaching and therapy can be complementary, and some clients choose to engage in both, depending on their needs.

You don’t need to prepare in any special way. If you have a general sense of what’s been feeling unclear or unsettled, that’s helpful, but not required. If you’re unsure where to begin, we’ll take time together to identify what feels most relevant to explore. The work unfolds collaboratively, at a pace that feels manageable and supportive.

Weekly sessions tend to be the most supportive for continued growth and momentum, especially during a period of change. That rhythm allows insights to build, patterns to become clearer, and self-trust to deepen over time. That said, weekly sessions aren’t always possible for everyone. Some people choose to meet bi-weekly or adjust pacing depending on their capacity and circumstances. But weekly is optimum for timely results. We’ll talk together about what rhythm feels both supportive and realistic. The work is most effective when it fits into your life in a way that feels sustainable rather than overwhelming.

I am a certified professional coach with training in coaching, mindfulness, and trauma-informed approaches. Formal Certifications: • International Coaching Federation (ICF) – Earned the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential • Advanced Certification in Coaching Mastery (ACICM) – Lindsay Dotzlaf • Martha Beck Certified Wayfinder Coach • Mindfulness Meditation Teaching Certification Program – Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield (includes DEIA training) Ongoing Education: I continue to deepen my coaching practice through studies in mindfulness, trauma-informed approaches, and related modalities. Writing & Publications: My writing has appeared in Newsweek and Grown and Flown, exploring themes of transition, meaning, and change. Read selected essays here: • Learning to Live With a Pet's Death -(https://www.newsweek.com/my-turn-online-learning-live-pets-death-107393) Newsweek • Best Parenting Decision I Ever Made Was During My Son’s Junior Year (https://grownandflown.com/best-parenting-decision-junior-year/) -Grown and Flown • Four Steps to Surviving and Thriving in the Empty Nest (https://grownandflown.com/four-steps-surviving-thriving-empty-nest/)- Grown and Flown