FAQs
Below are some questions we frequently get asked about Sanctus by individuals.
We also created a page for the questions we get frequently asked by businesses👈🏼
So what does a session look like then? Fortunately our very own George Bell was brave enough to have a Sanctus Coaching session live on camera.
How does the coaching work? We send a booking form to your company and you book a slot with your coach. You don’t have to ask to go or get referred, this is for everyone.
Do I need to have a problem to go? No, but if you do have one to talk through, then that’s fine. We encourage you to use Sanctus when you’re “fine” to prevent any surprises and for your personal development.
What do I talk about? Anything, just be curious. If you’re not sure what to say, then say that! Or, if you just feel something then start with how you feel — something may emerge from there.
What should I expect to get out of coaching? Don’t expect a quick fix or a magic pill which solves all your problems. Expect to become more aware of how you are, to reflect on your thoughts and to be asked questions to help guide you.
Will I be psycho-analysed? No, there’s no tweed jackets, corduroy trousers or references to Freud. The coach isn’t there to judge or diagnose you.
What should I expect from the coach? Expect a friendly face who’s there for you. Expect a non-judgmental atmosphere and someone who’s there to help you figure it out. You’re in the driving seat, our coaches are just there to help with directions.
When should I go? We believe in treating your mental health like your physical health. So, just like you shouldn’t just diet or exercise when you’re unfit, you shouldn’t just use Sanctus when you have a challenge or issue.
What do I do after a session? We don’t recommend jumping straight back into work. Have a walk around, or grab a drink, and just re-calibrate to your surroundings.
Where does Sanctus see itself in comparison to apps like Headspace, is it complimentary or an alternative approach? We definitely see mindfulness as complimentary to Sanctus. Sanctus provides the space for you to slow down and reflect, being more mindful and more present benefits and speeds up that process. So mindfulness techniques (maybe from apps like Headspace) is something you can definitely try alongside Sanctus, but like with everything — give yourself time to work out what’s right for you.
Are Sanctus Coaches healthcare or psychology experts? Sanctus coaches are either accredited coaches, therapists or both. All of our coaches abide to either the ICF (Coach Federation) or BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) code of ethics and standards. Our coaches are full time in what they do, they are coaches & therapists for a living. They are also in consistent supervision and coaching themselves, to assure the quality of their coaching.
How do you vet participants? There is no vetting process as such for Sanctus, the space is inclusive and for everyone with mental health (so everyone). If we feel like someone needs more support than Sanctus can offer in our timeframe, then our coaches will work with the individual to work out what approach is best for them.
How do you deal with confidentiality? Confidentiality is at the very foundation of what we do and we take it very seriously. It’s important to create trust with Sanctus so that people feel comfortable opening up. What’s shared in Sanctus is completely confidential at all times and the content of the sessions is never shared with Sanctus or with the company, unless it is shared by the individual. In extreme circumstances, if someone were to be a danger to themselves or others — we would break confidentiality, but the participant would be informed of our intention to do so.
Are there ways to measure mental health (and when it gets better or worse)? Measuring mental fitness is hard, because you can’t necessarily see results like in your physical health. We believe that a constant process of reflection, whether that is through Sanctus, through journalling or through sharing with people around you — is the best way to see progress. Only you can truly know if you feel better and whether you track it or not, you know when you just feel great or feel bad. If we’re honest, the thing we love about Sanctus is that there’s no pressure to perform or to make progress, it’s a space just to be.
How do you interact with the health service in the UK? Right now, we don’t. We don’t see it as our role to have conversations for people on their behalf (unless an extreme circumstance). We believe in coaching people to be able to take responsibility and ownership of their own actions. If someone wanted to talk to their GP, but was unsure for example, we would help them work it out — not have the conversation for them.
Are you just therapists that are branded for start ups? There’s no machine learning AI algorithm to Sanctus. We work with the best coaches in the world, create a safe space and educate coaches and individuals on how to use that space to help people grow. We sell a space, not a solution and by spreading a consistent message we encourage people to constantly invest in their mental fitness. So, in short — yes!
