Mindset Coaching: FAQs

1.  How is mindset coaching different from practical training when learning new skills?

Mindset coaching and practical training, while both beneficial for improving skills, are different in their focus and approach.

1. Practical Training:
   • Focus: Practical training is primarily skill-based and hands-on. It focuses on teaching you ‘the how’.  They will also encourage you and provide advice and support on how to progress with your training, and continually risk assess you. 
   •  Approach: In practical training, you’re taught by an instructor who gives you exercises, drills, and structured lessons. They will also chat with you about your learning needs and ensure your training is going to meet your needs.
   • Goal: The aim is to get the rider comfortable with the bike and the essential mechanics of riding and roadcraft.
2. Mindset Coaching:
   • Focus: Mindset coaching is more about the mental side of developing new skills. It focuses on helping you build the psychological tools you need to feel more self-assured and calm while learning or practicing.
   • Approach: Coaches in this area typically work on mindset, overcoming fear, managing anxiety, and developing a positive and confident approach to learning. They may use techniques like visualisation, NLP techniques, relaxation exercises, hypnotherapy or addressing self-doubt and limiting beliefs.
   • Goal: The aim is to help you feel more mentally prepared for learning and practicing , which, in turn, can enhance your practical skills. It’s about building trust in yourself and your abilities, especially in stressful or challenging situations. 

In short, practical training focuses on “how to do the activities, and practice-based confidence building” while mindset coaching is a talking session to help you further address any residual mental barriers that might hold you back from performing to your full potential, so you can attend your learning and practice feeling more relaxed and able to learn.

Many people can benefit from combining both approaches – practical skills for physical proficiency and confidence, and mindset coaching for enhanced mental resilience. 

Mindset coaching and practical training share some similarities, but they focus on different aspects of learning. Here’s how they differ:

Teaching Methods

• Confidence Coaching:
  • One-on-one coaching or small group sessions, online or in a classroom.
  • Uses positive reinforcement, visualisation techniques, hypnotherapy 

• Practical Training:
  • Mostly practical instruction with direct feedback.
  • Uses set drills and exercises to build skills.
  • More structured and required for licensing in certain activities eg motorcycling and driving.

3. Who It’s For?

• Mindset Coaching: Ideal for those who already know how to perform or are new to the activity, but struggle with fear or hesitation and are reluctant to practice or seek further practical support. 
• Practical Training: Essential for beginners and those preparing for a test. Also good practice for advanced training and to continue to build confidence. 

A person might benefit from both practical training for skills and mindset coaching to ensure they feel comfortable and in control on the road.

2. Is mindset coaching a replacement for practical training?

Absolutely not! Think of it as a compliment to your practical training. If you need to develop fundamental skills or prepare for a test, practical training is essential, and the more you practice the more competent and confident you will get. 

However, mindset coaching can make that training far more effective by reducing anxiety, improving focus, and helping you approach your learning with a positive mindset.

3. Who can deliver mindset coaching?

Mindset coaching can be delivered by professionals with expertise in riding skills and/or the mental aspects of learning, or both.

This includes:

• Qualified Motorcycle Instructors: responsible for preparing motorcycle riders for their CBT, Full Licence and Advanced Training 
• Sport Psychologists & Mindset Coaches: Professionals trained in performance psychology who help riders manage fear, anxiety, and mental barriers. 
• Experienced Riders with Coaching Credentials: Riders who have personally overcome confidence struggles and gained qualifications in coaching, mentoring, or sport psychology.
• Life Coaches: Certified life coaches who are skilled in confidence-building. 

It is important to know about the professional background and experience of your chosen training provider so you know what is within their scope to deliver.

For example:

Only motorcycle instructors are qualified to deliver the actual motorcycle training so you can prove your competence.

All other professionals listed are qualified to support you in developing the mindset skills and resilience you need to be a confident and safe rider but cannot teach you how to ride. It is vital that you also work with a qualified instructor. It is ultimately their opinion that will determine if you are a safe and competent rider. 

Mindset coaching can be delivered through one-to-one or small group online sessions, keeping costs down and making it accessible to riders everywhere as you won’t need a motorbike to do it.

4. Is  mindset coaching a form of mental health service or a therapy?

No it’s not.

While mindset coaching and mental health therapies or strategies both focus on building mental resilience, they are not the same.

Mindset coaching is specifically designed to help riders develop strategies to stay calm and relaxed, while mental health strategies address broader emotional and psychological well-being.

Here’s how they differ:

1. Focus and Purpose

• Mindset Coaching helps riders feel more relaxed and able to focus and learn. 
• Mental Health Strategies address deeper emotional challenges, such as chronic anxiety, depression, or trauma, which may affect multiple areas of life beyond riding. These are typically used to improve overall well-being, emotional regulation, and long-term mental resilience.

2. Target Audience

• Mindset coaching is for those who struggle to remain calm, and perhaps lack self-belief, self-compassion and patience.
• Mental health strategies are for anyone dealing with emotional or psychological challenges, whether related to riding or other aspects of life.

4. Who Delivers It?

• Mindset coaching is delivered by experienced coaches who understand the psychology and experience of learning and managing nerves. 
• Mental health strategies are often provided by licensed therapists, counsellors, or medical professionals who focus on broader emotional well-being.

5. When to Seek Each One

• If you feel nervous, hesitant, or anxious about riding, but you still want to ride and just need mental resilience-building strategies alongside your practical training, motorcycle confidence coaching may be a good fit.
• If you experience or have been diagnosed with severe anxiety, panic attacks, depression, or past trauma affecting multiple areas of life, including riding, seeking mental health support from a licensed professional may be more beneficial.

Can They Work Together?

Absolutely!  Mindset coaching can help riders them overcome specific riding fears, while general mental health strategies support their overall well-being. If riding anxiety is tied to deeper issues (e.g., past trauma or generalised anxiety), combining coaching with mental health support can be a powerful approach, alongside practical instruction. It is your instructor’s role to determine if you are competent. 

Would you like help determining whether mindset coaching is a helpful addition to your training? Book a free chat here.

5.  How much does mindset coaching cost? 

The cost of mindset coaching in the UK varies based on factors such as the coach’s experience, qualifications, session length, and location.

Here’s a general overview:

Average Rates

Per Hour: Rates typically range from £50 to £300 per hour. Entry-level coaches may charge between £50 and £100 per hour, while more experienced or specialised coaches can charge £200 or more per hour.Per Session: Some coaches offer 80-minute sessions for around £135.

Factors Influencing Cost:

Experience and Qualifications: Coaches with extensive experience or advanced certifications often charge higher fees.
Specialisation: Coaches focusing on niche areas or specific challenges may set higher rates due to specialised expertise.
Location: Coaching services in major cities like London may be priced higher than those in smaller towns or online.
Session Length and Format: Longer sessions or in-person meetings can impact the overall cost.

Pricing Models:
Pay-per-Session: deal for flexibility; prices typically range between £50 to £300 per session.
Monthly Packages: any coaches offer packages that include several sessions and additional support, starting at £400 for 5-6 sessions, with high-end packages reaching £2,000 or more.

It’s important to research and connect with potential coaches to find one that aligns with your goals and budget.

Some coaches offer introductory sessions or packages that can provide a more comprehensive understanding of their services and how they can assist you in building confidence.

Some coaches can also deliver small group workshops online which can bring the cost down significantly.

6.  Is mindset coaching good value for money? 

Yes. If you’re struggling with self-doubt and remaining calm in situations, mindset coaching can be an excellent investment. Coaching may give you structured, personalised support to overcome mental roadblocks faster and more effectively.

Here’s why mindset coaching is worth the money:

1. It Helps You Get More Out of Your Riding Experience
If being unable to remain calm is holding you back, you might avoid certain situations (e.g., riding in traffic, group rides, higher speeds, or cornering). Mindset coaching alongside your practical training may help you enjoy riding fully—so you feel in more control, relaxed, and able to handle challenges safely.

2. It Saves You Money in the Long Run
Many riders spend hundreds (or even thousands) on gear, training, or bike upgrades but still feel nervous on the road. Mindset coaching helps you get the most out of your existing skills, training, and equipment by improving the mental side of riding—which is often the missing piece for many riders.

3. It Can Prevent Costly Mistakes
A lack of confidence can lead to:
❌ Hesitation at critical moments, increasing the risk of accidents.
❌ Poor decision-making in traffic.
❌ Avoiding practice, leading to slower skill development.
By addressing these issues early, mindset coaching alongside your practical training may help you ride safer and smarter, potentially avoiding costly repairs, insurance claims, or even injuries.

4. It’s Not Advice—It’s Tailored Support
Unlike watching YouTube videos or reading generic tips or getting advice in informal communities , one-to-one or small-group coaching is personalised to your specific mindset struggles. You get:
✅ Practical mindset techniques to handle nerves.
✅ Step-by-step strategies to build your resilience at your own pace.
✅ Support from an expert who understands what you’re going through. They may also be happy to liaise with your instructor.

Would you like help finding a coaching option that suits your needs and budget? Book a free chat here.