Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between coaching and counselling?
I have had coaching/counselling before and it didn’t work. How do I know this will be any different?
What kinds of things do people seek coaching for?
What types of things do people seek counselling for?
How long does a session go for?
How many sessions should I book in for?
Where is Life Matters Based?
I live outside of New Zealand, can I still make an appointment?
I work full time, can I book an appointment outside work hours?
I’m struggling financially right now, how do I know it’s worth it?
How do I book an appointment?
How much does a session cost?
What is the difference between coaching and counselling?
In a nutshell, counselling is recovery work and focuses on healing the past or dealing with a challenging situation in the present so that you can be more clear, grounded and whole.
Coaching is future focused and will look more specifically at the gap between your present situation and your future goals.

There is a small degree of overlap between the two modalities - Life Matters was created to cater for the need of balance in the helping profession; whether you are wanting to break free of the past or catapult into the future, Kristie has a broad range of skills to support you in achieving your goals with maximum successes.
I have had coaching/counselling before and it didn’t work. How do I know this will be any different?
The value of your sessions will depend very much on how you relate with your coach/counsellor. Think back to when you were in school, there may have been some teachers you connected with and enjoyed their classes and others with whom you had a different experience with.
If you didn’t feel like you could connect with your last coach or counsellor you were probably right.
Finding someone to support you in your life can be like shopping for new shoes, they are going to be with you on your journey so they need to feel right. Take the time to research a number of professionals and experience a session with whom you feel most comfortable with. If the first person you try doesn’t fit with you, try communicating your needs and if the ‘shoe doesn’t fit’ keep trying until you find one that does.
What kinds of things do people seek coaching for?
Some of the reasons people seek coaching are:
• Looking for direction, passion, or purpose
• Relationship Coaching
• Business Coaching
• Support with limiting beliefs or behaviours
• Self esteem, self worth, and self confidence
• Making an important decision
• Financial matters
What kinds of things do people seek counselling for?
Some of the reasons people seek counselling are:
• Stuck in an emotional pattern eg. Depression, grief, or anger.
• For support in moving through past, present or future events that present as challenging.
• Eating disorders, self-harm, substance or alcohol abuse.
• Physical, sexual, psychological abuse.
• Family or relationship issues
• Health challenges
How long does a session go for?
Whether you choose to experience counselling or coaching with Kristie, you can expect your session to go for an hour unless otherwise specified. If you feel you would like a longer session, please let Kristie know when booking your appointment.
How many sessions should I book in for?
This will depend on your individual situation and your goals. Some people require just one session to obtain what they need; others find that coaching or counselling on a regular basis supports them to get the most out of life.
Most people find that a weekly or fortnightly session for 6-8 weeks allows them to obtain maximum results.
Where is Life Matters based?
Life Matters is based in Greymouth, New Zealand.
I live outside of New Zealand, can I still make an appointment?
Absolutely. Kristie successfully offers phone sessions to international clients.
I work full time, can book an appointment outside work hours?
Yes, speak with Kristie when you make an appointment – she can see you outside work hours by arrangement.
I’m struggling financially right now, how do I know it’s worth it?
Life Matters was created, like it sounds – on the belief that your life does matter. Look behind the reasons you are struggling financially right now – if some of those could be resolved would your life be a little easier, more fulfilling?
Work out what you can afford, whether you can do a session a fortnight, a month, or every three months – Kristie will work with you to achieve the greatest benefit in the timeframe that you have.
How do I book an appointment?
Call or email Kristie to arrange a time that works for you.
How much does a session cost?
A session would typically go for an hour and costs $120. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, or bank transfer.