Your Questions Answered: Coaching and Supervision FAQs
FAQs
Where do the sessions take place?
I can travel to you if you have a private and quiet space at work (depending on location). Alternatively, we can meet online. If an online arrangement is preferable, I am keen to meet in person at least once (my shout for coffee!) as this will enhance the communication when we are on screen. If you want to combine sessions with exercise, check out my “walk and talk section”.
What is your availability for sessions?
I am available before or after usual working hours on a Monday, Tuesday and Friday. I am also available during most weekends. Timing is flexible so when we have our first conversation we can decide on a time that will suit.
How long do sessions last?
Coaching and supervision sessions last 50-60 minutes.
I don’t live on the Sunshine Coast, can you still be my coach or supervisor?
Yes, absolutely. Although being able to meet in person is preferable, sessions online can be extremely effective. I have previously been coached online myself and it was excellent.
Do you keep notes during the session?
I will provide you with a notepad and pen so that you can keep notes along the way, if you wish. There is also an option to record the session using Otter AI/other technology - this will be discussed during our initial conversation or during the first session.
Are completed coaching and supervision sessions refundable?
No.
I have signed up to a coaching program but can no longer complete the sessions. Can I get my money back?
Usually, we will be able to complete your program even if this means changing format (e.g. moving to online sessions). If this is not possible then unless there are exceptional circumstances the sessions are not refundable.
Do you offer a Medicare rebate for these sessions?
Unfortunately not.
Can I use my private health fund for coaching or supervisions?
Unfortunately not.
Are coaching and supervision sessions tax deductible?
Most likely yes. However as with any deduction, please discuss with your accountant.
Do coaching and supervision sessions attract CPD points?
Most likely yes. If you are with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), CPD can be claimed under category 2 “reviewing performance”. There is likely to be a similar category with other colleges but please check this as needed.
I don’t work in palliative care or general practice, can I still work with you for coaching and/or supervision?
Of course. The beauty of both coaching and supervision is that they are focused on the human factors of our role as doctors, rather than the clinical content. It should not matter at all if we work in different areas of medicine.
I work with you as a colleague already, can you still be my coach or supervisor (or both)?
Yes!
Dual relationships can be hard to avoid though they can lead to challenges during coaching or supervision sessions. If we were to work together we would discuss this openly prior to commencing to ensure boundaries are set and each party feels comfortable. In both coaching and supervision, it is important you feel able to be fully honest and allow yourself to be vulnerable. If the dual relationship precluded this then I will encourage you to engage with someone else.
I am a doctor as well, can you give me a collegiate discount?
No. As I only coach doctors there is no negotiation on the fee.
What is the difference between coaching and supervision?
Coaching is all about clarifying your vision of how you want to live your life and then setting goals and action points to get you there.
Supervision provides an opportunity to reflect on aspects of your professional role which have been challenging (e.g. a difficult or emotional interaction with a patient or colleague) and identify ways to grow from these challenges.
It may be useful to discuss this further during our initial conversation.
Can you be my coach as well as my supervisor?
Yes. During the development of our coaching contract and Supervisory Working Alliance we would set boundaries for this dual relationship and ensure that the purpose for each session was clearly identified at the beginning.
Can I refer a patient to you during or after the session?
No.
Can you also act as my GP/Palliative Care Doctor?
No.
In an emergency, can you write a script for me?
No.
