You might be a bit cynical about parting with cash for a professional relocation coach to tell you why you should move to France. Here, we ask what they actually do for their money.

Q. What is a life coach?

Put simply, a life coach helps to get you from where you are to where you want to be, geographically, emotionally or practically. A relocation coach specialises in helping people turn their place-in-the-sun-pipedreams into real-life projects by giving support, encouragement and new perspectives.

Q. Can’t friends and family do that?

Of course, but friends and family are seldom objective, especially when faced with the prospect of a loved one moving across the Channel.

Q. Does it matter what stage I’m at in the moving process?

No. A relocation coach can help you make the decision whether or not to move in the first place; make sure you are moving for the right reasons; help you to prepare emotionally for a move; help you to set criteria for location hunting; give you hope when the planning is taking over, and help you settle in to your new life in France.

Q. There are plenty of services offering advice on moving to France – how is this kind of coaching different?

Coaching bridges the gap between reading magazines like this one to fuel your dreams and calling the agences immobiliers advertised in it. Coaching deals with the personal side of moving – it is not about how to buy property or arrange removal firms, although it offers support for you to be able to plan your way forward through the practical side of your relocation.

Q. What about when I get there?

It’s great to continue your coaching relationship after you’ve made your move, as you will have a regular, supportive call (in English!) about how you are getting on which does not have the drawback of making you homesick as calls with loved ones can do.

Q. What does a coaching session involve?

Coaching sessions normally last between 45 minutes and an hour and take place over the telephone. Your coach will review with you your activities since the last call and help you to determine your course of action for the next week and will always work to your agenda. You will be asked questions that will help you to consider your situation in ways that perhaps you wouldn’t have done otherwise, and you may be given ‘homework’ of exercises or tasks.

Q. On the phone? Isn’t that a little unusual?

Perhaps, but it means that you can be totally comfortable in your own surroundings (you could be in your pyjamas in bed if it suits you!) and distractions are kept to a minimum. It also means that your geographical location is irrelevant, so you can continue with your coaching sessions after you have moved.

Q. Won’t I have enough to do without homework?

It’s entirely up to you whether you want to do any work outside the call, but any tasks set will always be relevant to your situation and will further your understanding about yourself in relation to your move or will help you to manage your relocation workload.

Q. How long does it take?

It depends on your circumstances. Most coaches give complimentary consultation sessions for you to discuss your needs, expectations and budget and work out a programme that is suitable for you.

Q. How much does it cost?

Most coaches charge between £50 and £100 a session.

Q. Isn’t that a bit expensive?

Not when you consider the value of the support to help you make your dream of living in France a reality (not to mention potential costs of making the wrong location decision, not thinking a move through properly or getting there and realising you were trying to run away from yourself all along…)

Q. Is relocation coaching suitable for couples and families?

Yes. A programme is worked out so that each individual has some sessions on a one-to-one basis and some sessions are together via teleconference call.

Q. How do I find a relocation coach?

Life coaches are numerous and a glance on the internet will reveal thousands. Those specialising in relocation are scarcer, but typing ‘relocation coach’ into a search engine should find a handful.

Q. What should I look for in a coach?

Most importantly, good rapport and a sense of being really listened to – most coaches give complimentary consultation sessions and it is important that you use these to find a coach that you really ‘click’ with. Look for a professional coaching qualification and ask how long your coach has been practising.

Q. What should I expect from a coaching session?

Clarity, motivation, challenge, laughter and a safe space to try on new ideas and beliefs about yourself.

Claire Bradford of Straightforward Coaching is a life coach specialising in relocation.
Please click to Contact Claire Bradford