START-with-Gudrun - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our resilience services

My approach combines evidence-based psychological techniques with practical lifestyle strategies. I use a blend of:

  • Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) methods, including the Ellis ABC model
  • The Transtheoretical Model for sustainable behaviour change
  • "The Perfect Day" methodology - implementing stress-reducing habits gradually

The goal isn't to eliminate stress entirely, but to help you develop resilience, change your relationship with stress, and build practical coping strategies that work in real life.

I offer two main ways to support your resilience journey:

  • Resilience Coaching (1:1 / 1:X) - Deep, personalised coaching for professionals and entrepreneurs who want to perform at their best without burning out. This is about building the foundation that makes everything else sustainable.
  • Workshops - Tailored seminars and workshops for teams and organisations, helping build a culture of sustainable performance, psychological safety, and collective resilience.

Every programme is personal, focused, and built around you or your team's specific needs.

"The Perfect Day" is my signature approach to implementing stress-reducing habits without overwhelming you further.

Instead of trying to change everything at once, you choose one day per week to practise new stress management habits. The key areas include:

  • Structuring your day with morning routines
  • Eating three balanced meals
  • Mindful beverage choices (reducing caffeine/sugar)
  • Taking dedicated time for yourself
  • Building energy through social connections
  • Practising gratitude and mindfulness

Over time, these habits naturally integrate into your other days, creating sustainable change without the stress of trying to be "perfect" every day.

The timeline varies depending on your individual needs and goals:

  • Resilience Coaching (1:1) - Typically 6 sessions, with each session consisting of two therapeutic units of 50 minutes each
  • Workshops - Customised duration based on your organisation's needs, from half-day sessions to multi-day programmes

Remember, building resilience is a marathon, not a sprint. I use the Transtheoretical Model, which recognises that lasting behaviour change happens in stages. Most clients see initial improvements within 2-4 weeks, with significant changes developing over the course of the coaching programme.

My programmes are designed for professionals and entrepreneurs experiencing high stress, overwhelm, and burnout who are still functioning in their daily lives. I work with:

  • Ambitious professionals in high-pressure roles
  • Leaders managing multiple responsibilities
  • Entrepreneurs feeling chronically overwhelmed
  • Those struggling with work-life balance
  • Teams and organisations investing in sustainable performance

Important: If you're experiencing severe depression, having thoughts of self-harm, or unable to function in daily life, I recommend seeking immediate support from a mental health professional or your healthcare provider first. My programmes complement but don't replace clinical treatment for serious mental health conditions.

Your first resilience coaching session is about understanding where you are now and creating a clear path forward:

  • Comprehensive stress assessment using tools like the "Live Chart"
  • Identification of your personal stress triggers and patterns
  • Understanding what's draining you and why
  • Creation of your personalised "Perfect Day" plan
  • Setting realistic goals using the SMART framework
  • Each session consists of two therapeutic units of 50 minutes each

The focus is always on building the inner foundation that makes everything else sustainable - not just pushing harder.

Yes! I include practical, accessible techniques that you can use immediately:

Meditation & Mindfulness:

  • Simple breathing meditations
  • Mindfulness exercises for daily situations
  • The "COLONS" technique for mindful walking

Physical Practices:

  • Movement and exercise as stress relief
  • Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
  • Accessible physical activities that work for different abilities

All techniques are explained in simple terms and adapted to your current abilities and experience level. No prior meditation experience is required, and all practices are designed to be accessible.

This isn't about pushing harder - it's about building the inner foundation that makes everything else sustainable:

  • Deep, personalised approach: Every programme is built around you and your specific challenges
  • Evidence-based methods: Using proven psychological techniques, not generic advice
  • Gradual implementation: "The Perfect Day" prevents overwhelm by starting with just one day per week
  • Sustainable habits: Focus on long-term behaviour change, not quick fixes
  • Professional experience: I have clinical experience including psychiatric ward admissions - I know when to refer for additional support

Many clients have told me they finally succeeded with my approach after trying other methods. The key is understanding that behaviour change takes time and working with your natural resistance rather than against it.

Workshops are designed for teams and organisations investing in the wellbeing and performance of their people:

What's Covered:

  • Building a culture of sustainable performance
  • Developing psychological safety within teams
  • Collective resilience strategies
  • Stress management for high-performing teams
  • Practical tools teams can implement immediately

Format Options:

  • Group workshops tailored to your organisation's needs
  • Keynote presentations
  • Online or in-person delivery
  • Half-day to multi-day programmes

Every workshop is customised to address your team's specific challenges and goals.

Investment in resilience coaching varies based on your needs:

  • Resilience Coaching (1:1 / 1:X): Personalised sessions - typically 6 sessions with two therapeutic units of 50 minutes each
  • Workshops: Custom pricing based on team size, duration, and specific requirements

For specific pricing and to discuss which option is right for you or your organisation, please book a clarity call. We can discuss your needs and find the right fit for your situation and budget.

Yes, all coaching sessions are delivered online, making them accessible from anywhere in the world:

  • Resilience Coaching: Conducted via secure video conferencing
  • Workshops: Available both online and in-person, depending on your organisation's preference

This online format allows for flexibility in scheduling and eliminates travel time, making it easier to fit resilience building into your busy life. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone.

This is a common concern, and there are usually specific reasons why previous attempts didn't work:

My approach is different because:

  • Deep, personalised focus: We identify what's specifically draining YOU and why
  • Gradual implementation: "The Perfect Day" prevents overwhelm by starting with just one day per week
  • Evidence-based methods: Using proven psychological techniques rather than generic advice
  • Shift ingrained patterns: We work on the root causes, not just symptoms
  • Sustainable foundation: Focus on building inner strength that lasts

Many clients have told me they finally succeeded with my approach after trying other methods. The key is understanding that behaviour change takes time and working with your natural resistance rather than against it.

Yes! I provide comprehensive materials and exercises to support your progress:

Written Materials:

  • Detailed stress management workbook with exercises
  • The Ellis ABC worksheets for cognitive restructuring
  • Daily gratitude journal templates
  • Progress tracking sheets

Practical Exercises:

  • Meditation and breathing techniques with instructions
  • Movement exercises for stress relief
  • Weekly "Perfect Day" implementation guides
  • Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations

The materials are designed to be practical and easy to implement, supporting your growth between our sessions and helping you build lasting habits.

Ready to Build Your Resilience?

Book a clarity call and discover how we can work together

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SMITH-Consult

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Kampstraße 6, 31275 Lehrte, Germany

+491608440738

G.Smith@Smith-Consult.de

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