Back to coaching

FAQ

Before we begin

01What is life coaching, and how can it help me?

Coaching is a process of conversation, awareness and practice that helps you understand yourself, find direction and take a next step.

You bring your experiences, questions and hopes. I offer listening, questions, space to reflect and a structure for making sense of things. Together, we explore what matters to you, what feels stuck and how to bring new understanding into everyday life. Your choices and decisions remain yours.

02What can I bring to a life coach?

You can explore career and life transitions, communication, feeling stuck, identity and values—or a feeling you cannot yet put into words.

Perhaps you know you want change but keep delaying action. You may overlook your own needs in relationships, or wonder whether a life that looks good on paper is really the life you want. We can start with whatever matters most to you right now.

03Can I book if I cannot clearly explain my concern?

Yes. You do not need a neatly defined problem or a clear goal before we talk.

“I have been feeling exhausted” or “I want something to change, but I do not know where to start” is enough. We can discover the important threads together.

04What happens in a session?

Each session is 50 minutes. Through conversation and reflective questions, we identify what you most want to explore, then look at your experiences, feelings, needs and ways of understanding the situation.

With your agreement, we may include a short body-awareness or reflection exercise. Before we finish, we gather your insights and choose a small action to try in everyday life. The pace follows what you bring.

05Will Tina tell me what to do?

I help you see different perspectives and possibilities. When useful, I may share observations, tools or relevant experience and check whether they help. Together, we explore the needs and trade-offs behind your options, so you can develop your own judgment and choose a next step you feel ready to take.

06How is coaching different from therapy?

InnerMove coaching focuses on self-understanding, life choices, relationships and action. It does not diagnose or treat mental illness. If you need a mental health assessment, treatment or crisis support, contact a qualified mental health professional. If you are already in therapy, you can discuss with your therapist whether coaching might be a suitable additional form of support.

07How soon might I notice change? How many sessions do I need?

Everyone’s situation and pace are different. One conversation may bring new understanding; turning that understanding into lasting change often takes practice and reflection. You can begin with one session and decide whether to continue. We will also reflect together on what is changing and where you still need support.

08How do I get started?

You can book a free 15-minute discovery call to share what you would like to explore, learn about my approach and see whether we are a good fit. It is a chance to get to know each other and begin building trust. Bring your questions, and take time afterward to decide whether to book a full session.

09How often should we meet?

We can agree on a frequency that fits your goals, schedule and everyday life—for example, weekly or every other week.

Time between sessions gives you space to notice patterns and try small actions, bringing more concrete experiences into our next conversation.

10Can we meet online?

Yes. Online sessions let you set aside focused time for yourself in a familiar setting.

Choose a quiet space where you are unlikely to be interrupted, and check your internet connection, microphone and headphones beforehand. Please check the time zone shown when booking.

11How should I prepare?

You might ask yourself: “What has been on my mind most lately?” and “If this conversation is helpful, what would I like to take away?”

You do not need a complete story or prepared answers. Find a quiet, comfortable space and come as you are.

12Will what I share remain confidential?

I respect your privacy. Session content will not be used for public sharing, testimonials or promotion without your explicit consent.

Before we begin working together, we will explain the confidentiality agreement, possible exceptions and how booking information and session records are used, so you understand how your information will be handled.

13What is embodied awareness? Do I need to dance?

Embodied awareness means noticing your body—your breathing, tension or ease—and exploring how those experiences relate to your emotions and situation. It does not require any particular physical performance. An exercise might involve pausing to feel your feet on the floor or noticing your body’s response as you discuss something. You can participate, adapt an exercise or skip it.

14Do I need to know about Zen, psychology or adult development?

No. You do not need a theoretical background or any particular religious belief. These areas of study inform my listening and questions. Our conversations begin with your real life and use language and approaches that make sense to you.

15Can I book just one session? Do I have to buy a package?

You can start with one session to see whether this kind of conversation suits you.

If you would like to explore a topic over time, you can also learn about multiple-session options. You can decide whether to continue, and at what pace, after your first experience.

16Can I pause or end early if I feel upset, stay silent or do not want to answer?

Yes. You can pause, remain silent or say that you do not want to explore a question right now.

We will respect your pace and consider together what feels appropriate next. You do not need to push yourself to share simply to finish the session.

17What does it cost? Can I reschedule or cancel?

Fees, session options and rescheduling and cancellation policies will be clearly provided before you book.

If you have questions about the arrangements, contact your coach before booking.

18Have another question?

Leave a question or contact Tina to share what you would like to explore.

You do not need answers in advance. We can start with a question, an uncertainty or a feeling.

This opens your email app. Please review and send your message. You can also contact tinayang@gse.harvard.edu.