Frequently Asked Questions

 Val Gilman coach for artists


What is coaching?

​At its most basic, coaching is support for you as you move toward your goals, define your direction and create a more satisfying and richer life. The way I coach is through one-to-one confidential conversations. It is a relationship intended to help you get where you want to go. It is different from therapy in that it is focused on your goals and desires, though we may find it useful to delve into areas that may look like therapy—we are not there to work with serious psychological issues. It may sound like talking to a good friend at times, because it is supportive and caring, but it is a one-way relationship—I am here to help you, and you can explore things that you would rather not share with friends and family.

How do I choose the right coach?

I recommend that you do some comparison research. Ultimately you will know your right coach because they feel right to you. And these are practical steps:
Do a comparison of the websites first.
  • Do you respect this person in terms of their experience and training?
  • Do you have confidence that they know what they are talking about?
  • Are they addressing issues that are related to your own?
  • Are you comfortable with the way the coach uses language and what issues come to the surface?
  • Pay attention to the look of the site because it communicates a lot about the personality of the coach.
  • Your gut feeling is essential- you need to feel like you can trust the coach, and that ultimately they will help you hear and respect your own internal wisdom.
​Then talk to them- if they offer a free initial consultation take advantage of it! Trust your impressions- either you click or you do not. It is essential that you find the one that feels like a good fit for you- so do not feel obligated to work with a coach just because you had a free consult.

What happens in the Free Consultation for coaching?

Once you have looked over the website, if you feel like I might be the right coach for you, the next step is to talk to each other on a zoom call. When you make the appointment there are some questions to answer that allow you to explain what is going on and what you are hoping coaching might be helpful with. This gives us a good starting place for a deep conversation about what you want, why it is important to you, what makes it challenging and where your next steps might be. It is a very rich conversation and generally there is a lot of clarity and insight that comes just in that first conversation.  I find these conversations inspiring and exciting, and I am happy to offer them with no obligation for any further professional relationship. If it feels to both of us like it is a good fit, I will ask you if you would like to talk about what it would look like to work together. If the answer is yes- then I will get down to the nuts and bolts.
If you are ready to make that appointment now- this is the link for it.

Where do we meet?

Most of my clients don't live where I do, so the phone or Zoom is our meeting room. ​I also have a lovely private office in Shutesbury MA where we can meet.

Do you do studio visits?

Yes! I will come to your studio if you live in Western MA, or we can talk about work that you share with me digitally. The kind of feedback that I offer is not classic critique or art-speak. Instead it is an exchange of what I see in the work and what you see. It is a great way to get a better understanding of what you are doing in your work, uncovering the layers of meaning, and learning how to talk about it. I ask questions, listen, reflect and offer observation. I do not try to direct your work in any way—this is up to you. Studio visits energize the work that you are doing and help you clarify where you want to go with it; they are really fun. I often have clients comment on how they are better able to discuss their work with others after our exchange.

Why did you become a coach?

Huge question—in a nut shell, I have always wanted to help people do the things they are most passionate about, so it seems like a natural for me to coach. I am also passionate about how important the creative process is to our wellbeing as individuals and as cultures. I think if more people were following their impulse to make art, there would be a whole lot less fighting and strife in the world.  I have had a coach and it has been enormously helpful. So I know it works.

What is your training to become a life coach for artists?

Click here for a full description on my bio page. In short, I studied Psychosynthesis as my coach training. I also have 14 years as a college professor teaching visual art, with a primary focus in sculpture and ceramics. I have been a professional artist for many more years (click here for a link to my art web site). I have been a professional massage therapist, which included training in health and diet. And I study and practice authentic movement.

What is your coaching fee?

My base rate is $610/ month for 3 sessions in the month or $420 for 2 sessions in the month. Usually I work with clients for a program that extends at least 6 months. Each client is different, and if we decide to work together, we will establish a program together based on your own coaching goals. After reaching your initial goals, if new ones emerge and it still feels like it is helping, we can extend the program.

What if I can't afford your fee?

I am committed to always having at least one scholarship client slot. I have been deeply grateful in my life to professionals who have worked with me in this way and I am extremely pleased to be able to pay it forward.