How Does Professional Coaching Work?

FAQs for Creatives

How do I know if coaching is for me?

As a creative, you wear many hats, like writer, director, producer, creator and you’re often your own best/worst critic of your work.

You’re thinking you need an ally to be your thinking collaborator, goal setting and accountability partner, and champion to help you stay on your creative path.

This is where professional coaching comes in.*

(*Read about what coaching is not.)

Who will you be working with:

Hi! 👋🏻 I’m Sloane Miller.

I’ve performed both improv and musical improv for the last 12 years, in and around NYC. I’ve been on several improv teams, house teams, and am the co-founder/producer of the notable Star Trek-based musical improv team, Redshirts, who have enjoyed performances at conventions across the galaxy.

I have my MFA in writing and literature. I’m a published author in nonfiction (Wiley & Sons, 2011). I was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. I wrote an award winning blog for 16 years. I’m finishing up a novel right now that we hope to submit to the Big 5 publishers this year.

I teach writing workshops and improv workshops, and I apply my writing and improv methodology to facilitate workshops for professionals in non-creative industries.

I’ve been a licensed social work for over 20 years, and I’m an ICF-certified professional coach.

I use my creative and organizational skills daily in my professional and personal life. I want to apply the same techniques to your creative projects.

How does this help you?

Creativity is woven into my daily life, whether it’s working with clients uncovering creative solutions (or creatively uncovering solutions); performing; writing or editing; cooking. I also know the challenges of creating: staring at the blank page or walking out onto an empty stage. I have decades of experience helping people get unstuck and I can help you too!

Why come to a professional coach?

Professional coaching offers a structured, goal-oriented approach to personal and professional growth. Whether you’re building a unique career for yourself as an artist, navigating the balance between your creative practice and your survival job, overcoming creative blocks, or working toward personal development, a coach helps you clarify your vision, develop actionable steps, and stay accountable to your goals. It’s about unlocking your potential and empowering you to create the changes you desire.

In other words from ICF: “Professional coaching is a self-directed process by which clients uncover their solutions to their challenges with a facilitator. Any professional or personal topic can be explored in this unique process.” Learn more about ICF coaching here: https://experiencecoaching.com/ 

What can you expect from your coach, me (my commitment to you)?

You can expect me to be an active listener, facilitator, and partner in your growth. I’ll ask thoughtful questions, and challenge you when necessary — all with the goal of helping you achieve what matters most to you.

I will never tell you what to do or set goals for you – I will facilitate a process where you discover your own solutions and take ownership of your progress.

My role is to support you, provide insight, and hold space for your development.

What do I expect from you as a client (your commitment to coaching)?

Coaching is a partnership, and your active participation is the cornerstone – without it, coaching doesn’t work. I ask that you come prepared to explore, reflect, and take action between sessions. You’ll set your own goals, and the work we do together will depend on your dedication to making progress and figuring out where your path is taking you next. I hope you’ll be honest about your challenges, celebrate your successes, and stay engaged in the process, with openness, curiosity, and commitment.

What are the fees for creatives?

I understand that many artists work on variable incomes. Therefore, I offer a sliding scale** for creatives, artists, and writers/authors. Why? I know how deep the struggle can be and don’t want financial stressors keeping you from achieving your goals. Sliding scale fees are my way of giving back to these communities and being of service.

**Generally, my 2024 fees are $1,000 for 4 sessions per month for a 3-month retainer. Please let me know what fee you can afford in order to work together consistently. You cannot “offend” me with a number. Let’s talk it through, together.

What is the first step?

If this sounds like you, let’s jump on a 30 minute Zoom Discovery Call. For this Zoom call, we’ll get to know each other, talk about what you’re hoping to get out of coaching sessions, and logistics.

What will the first session be like?

The first session (60-90 minutes) will be different from successive sessions as I will be steering our conversation and I will set the session agenda. Moving forward you will set the agenda.

For that first session, we’ll focus on:

  • Who you are and your unique goals

  • Where you are now

  • Where you want to be

It's a chance for us to create a foundation of trust and collaboration. I’ll ask questions to understand your situation and help clarify your objectives. We'll also discuss how fast or slow you want to go (for example: how many sessions per week or per month) and fees. By the end, we’ll identify some potential areas to work on and establish the next steps for your journey.

Have more questions? Email me!

Ready to go? Set up a 30 minute Zoom Discovery Call!