Coaching to build clarity and confidence
For over 24 years, Kate James has been offering leadership coaching in Melbourne. She works primarily with women who are successful on the outside but often struggle with self-doubt, perfectionism, or a quiet sense of “not being enough.”
Her clients include leaders, business owners, and women navigating career transitions or life direction. Many are thoughtful, sensitive, or creative, and are seeking a more aligned and sustainable way to live and work.
Almost all of Kate’s clients experience some level of self-doubt or inner pressure, even when things appear to be going well externally.
Working together can help you to:
- deepen self-awareness and understanding
- feel more grounded, calm, and emotionally steady
- develop greater self-compassion and reduce inner criticism
- set clear, healthy boundaries
- restore energy if you’ve been feeling depleted or overwhelmed
- navigate change with clarity and courage
- create a life and career with greater meaning and alignment

“For the first time in my life, I felt truly seen.”
Andrea

Who I work with
I work with women navigating transition, uncertainty, or a sense of being stuck in their careers or personal lives. My clients are leaders and business owners and those approaching retirement. Many are at a point of re-evaluating how they want to lead their lives from here.
A lot of my clients describe themselves as sensitive, thoughtful, introverted, creative, or perfectionistic. Many also experience self-doubt or imposter syndrome, even when they are outwardly capable and successful.
I welcome clients from all backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals, especially those who value inner growth, creativity, and living with intention.
You may recognise some of the following in yourself:
- You function well in the world, but sometimes feel something is missing
- You have a strong inner critic and tend to put pressure on yourself
- You think deeply and often reflect on your direction and decisions
- You are drawn to living more consciously and leading your life with intention
- You care about living and working in alignment with your values
- You want your life and career to feel meaningful, not just successful
- You are less driven by external achievement and more by authenticity
- You feel restored by nature and care about the wellbeing of the planet
- You may identify as spiritual, or are exploring what that means for you
What people say about working with Kate
Shannon
‘What I gained from spending this time with Kate was immeasurable. I felt completely relaxed with her, enough to speak openly about matters I was finding difficult and confusing – within the first thirty minutes she had me pegged! Her exercises were incredibly valuable and something everyone should do regularly to remind themselves of what they believe is important. Kate refocused me, helped me make some decisions I had been struggling with and gave me tools and resources to continue my learning and development. I knew I had her undivided attention for the duration of the session and that she was purely focused on helping me. The combination of discussion and meditation was ideal and the environment in which our session was conducted was serene and beautiful. Thank you, Kate.’
Audrey
“Kate worked with me in a very powerful and honest way that helped me to leave the session empowered and with a completely different outlook on my future. She helped me to realise my true potential and to work with what I know and am very good at. At the moment I am working on my new own business, and am very confident about my choices. Kate is very professional, wise and grounded and when working with you she is fully present and committed to you.”
Lisa
‘The discovery session was extremely beneficial as I’m at a point in my small business where I need to focus more on marketing but I’m also hamstrung by limiting beliefs and self-sabotage. We spent quite a bit of time exploring these limiting beliefs and ways I can overcome them. The meditation and the values mapping also helped bring it all together and the clarity I felt when we finished up was more than I’d had for a long time. I left with some very achievable action steps and have already begun implementing them. I would highly recommend the discovery session for any small business owner looking to make some changes.’
Alison
‘Thank you for the discovery session this morning. The process of doing the strengths tests beforehand, the reflection in order to fill in the questionnaires, then spending a few hours with someone focusing purely on my needs has been totally indulgent and amazing. You are an excellent listener who has carefully guided my thinking and pulled it all together in the resources you have just sent me. I have always been my own ‘ analyst’ or ‘friend’, along with my partner, but to have someone else listening properly, without judgement, to what I really think/ feel/ want has been wonderful. I feel I have a real platform to launch my next 50 years (or more!).’
Anita
‘I’d first seen Kate when she ran a meditation workshop at a retreat I attended. Her calm manner and positive energy spoke to me so when I was at a career/life crossroads and finding it hard to find clarity I booked a discovery session. I was looking for a holistic approach and a life plan, not just a career plan and that’s exactly what I got. Kate has a way of understanding people so she can work with them in exactly the way they need. From start to finish the whole process was a pleasure. It’s a few months down the track now and instead of procrastinating as I have a tendency to do I’ve implemented a number of actions from the session. Go me! And thanks Kate.’
Karen
‘The transformation of how I was feeling from the start of the session to the end of the session was amazing. My reason for seeing Kate was to help determine my next career move. Working with Kate has helped me identify a direction to move into and the steps required. But it’s not only my career that requires changes; I also need to tweak my personal life. Kate helped me see the “whole” picture. I’m now in the process of setting some key goals, which are the foundations to the next exciting chapter in my life, one that is filled with love, fun, tenacity and self-respect. Thank you Kate!’
AJ
‘I don’t know how you manage to say everything that needs to be said in such a new, clear and fresh way. You really find a way to cover so much of the human experience. Today’s discovery session was really eye-opening for me and certainly gave me clarity. I look forward to being proud of myself because I am living in alignment with what feels authentic and true to my natural calling.’
Ella
‘I recently did the discovery session with Kate and found it an invaluable experience that went beyond my expectations. I have always struggled with recognising my strengths and overcoming behaviours that have stopped me from achieving what I want and finding my purpose. The session with Kate gave me clarity and I learnt a lot more about myself that I don’t believe I would have discovered on my own. Kate has a caring nature and an amazing ability to read people. The session really opened my mind to my true self, I feel I have found my purpose and how I change my behaviours and use my strengths to achieve my goals. I left the session feeling inspired and mindful. I recommend the discovery session to anyone struggling with reaching their goals and wanting to discover their purpose.’
Danielle
‘I attended a half-day session with Kate over six months ago. I found her to be warm, caring and very intuitive. She knew more about me than I knew of myself. Kate has helped me grow and feel grounded in mind and body. She has an extraordinary view on a range of things and I can say without any hesitation that she is very good at what she does. I hope to do another session with Kate in the future where I share with her experiences of wonderful change in my life, giving a great deal of credit to her. Thank you.’
Catherine
‘I’ve just experienced the profound effects of a Total Balance discovery session and would highly recommend this experience to anyone who is creating and growing a business enterprise or making changes in their personal and professional life. Kate James offers an enjoyable, uplifting and powerful coaching session in a serene, nurturing and beautiful environment. Creative time focused on your plans, needs and goals – this inspiring few hours resulted invaluable insights and action steps, providing time to self-review and recalibrate. Kate offers useful insights and resources and I look forward to continuing this creative and practical journey with her over the next few months.’
My approach
My approach is kind, empathic, encouraging and grounded. My intention is that you feel the coaching sessions are centred on you, and that you feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported.
We focus on whatever is most important to you in the moment, with an emphasis on clarity, insight, and forward movement. At times, our conversations may feel reflective and similar to therapy, but the focus is always on helping you move forward rather than staying stuck in the past.
Each session will include practical reflection and agreed action steps. I may also offer worksheets or resources between sessions. We move at a pace that feels steady and manageable, so you feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
Appointments are available over Zoom or in-person (I am based on the Mornington Peninsula).
Before we begin
We start with a brief conversation to ensure we are a good fit. From there, you may begin with a single session or move into a structured coaching program. Before your first session, I’ll invite you to complete a short questionnaire to clarify what you most want from the coaching process.
Once we have established your focus, we’ll discuss the number of sessions that may best support you. You are not required to commit to a program — many clients prefer a more flexible, session-by-session approach.
How often do we meet?
We usually meet weekly or fortnightly, depending on your goals and capacity. After completing a program, many clients choose to continue with monthly or quarterly sessions for ongoing support, reflection, and leadership alignment.
About Kate
Like many of my clients, I spent my younger years in pursuit of perfectionism and people-pleasing, without yet understanding concepts like mindfulness, introversion, or self-compassion.
I went on to study coaching and establish a practice where I could integrate my business background with my interests in psychology, creativity, and mindful leadership, alongside a love of deep conversation and purposeful living.
Today, my work focuses on leadership and confidence coaching for women who value depth, self-awareness, and meaningful change. My clients are often thoughtful, curious women who are seeking to live and lead their lives with greater clarity, intention, and alignment.

Coaching fees
Single coaching session
Single 60-minute appointment, held online via Zoom or in-person on the Mornington Peninsula.
Fee: $275 AUD
Three session coaching program
3 x 60-minute appointments held online via Zoom or in-person on the Mornington Peninsula.
Fee: $795 AUD
Five session coaching program
5 x 60-minute appointments held online via Zoom or in-person on the Mornington Peninsula.
Fee: $1,250 AUD
(or 3 instalments of $450)
Book a call
Get in touch to ask a question or discuss coaching and what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Mary Oliver
Frequently asked questions about leadership coaching
What is your background?
I founded Total Balance in Melbourne in 2002 after two decades working as business manager for filmmakers, architects and designers. After studying business with a major in marketing, I changed direction and enrolled in a PCC Level Certification with International Coach Academy. I was one of the first Australian coaches to achieve a PCC accreditation with International Coach Federation in 2005.
My journey with meditation began in the early 1990’s and I have had a daily practice for over 30 years now. I began teaching meditation in the summer of 2003 in-person and in 2015, joined the world’s leading free meditation app, Insight Timer as an instructor, which is now home to over 30 million meditators.
I have trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Russ Harris, taken the Mindful Self-Compassion Intensive for Professionals (developed by Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer) and Internal Family Systems by Dr Richard Schwarz.
Do you only work with women?
While my work is especially tailored to support women, particularly those who identify as sensitive, thoughtful or high-functioning, I also work with men and people of all genders who resonate with my approach. I welcome clients from all backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals, especially those who value creativity, inner growth and living with intention.
What's your coaching style?
My coaching style has been described as kind, calm, intuitive, wise, nurturing, non-judging and practical. My role is to be a great listener and to ask questions that will help you discover your own answers. I’ll share resources and therapeutic approaches that have worked effectively for me and other clients. My aim is to support you and help you believe in yourself so that you have the courage and confidence to move forward in your life.
Do I need to enrol in a program?
Not if you prefer not to. My clients begin with a single session to make sure we’re a good fit for one another and after that, you’re welcome to continue on a casual basis or enrol in a coaching program if you like the idea of ongoing accountability.
I'm not that interested in mindfulness. Does that mean you're not the right person for me?
Not at all. Not everyone we see is interested in mindfulness. Being mindful is really just another way of saying being present, curious, self-aware and non-judgmental. If those qualities appeal, you’ll enjoy working with Kate.
How does leadership coaching work?
The objective of our work together is to help you define your own version of great leadership. I’ll help you to understand your values and strengths, clarify your direction, create a clear vision, cultivate a positive mindset and we’ll work together to develop your sense of self-belief.
We begin with a single 60-minute session. For some people, a single session is enough while others engage in a longer-term coaching program or book follow-up sessions as they need them. I keep it all very flexible and don’t lock you into any contracts.
Isn't coaching all a bit 'ra ra' and how you are different from those kind of coaches?
I have a low-key style and attract clients who say they’re not usually drawn to coaching. I’m not a high motivation, ‘high fiving’ kind of coach. Having said that, most people find that seeing a coach does motivate them to create change in their lives.
We’ll set some tangible goals and action steps that will help you to achieve your vision. For many people, change takes time and I respect that you’ll want to work at your own pace.
For the most part, my role is to support you. I’ll listen and empathise, but I’ll also help you to understand what gets in your way. My aim is to create a space where you feel listened to and understood, and one where you can start to imagine, and begin to create, a life that is more fulfilling.
I'm feeling a bit nervous. Is this normal?
It’s common for people to feel nervous about life coaching (or seeking any kind of support). Some clients worry about whether their issues are normal, whether it’s ok to speak about certain things in the coaching sessions or if they’ll appear silly for raising minor worries.
Please don’t be concerned at all. I’m and open and non-judgemental person and I’m here to support you in any way that I can. If something comes up in a session that I don’t feel I can help with, I’ll help to direct you to the right kind of support.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for 48 hours notice to change or cancel an appointment to give me time to find someone else to fill your place.