Noémi

About

Support During Times of Change


Transitions (moving countries, changing direction or reassessing your path) can quietly create uncertainty, even when life looks stable from the outside.
 
You may feel
• unsure about your next step
• mentally overloaded
• slightly disconnected from yourself
• aware that something needs to shift
 
I offer a calm, confidential and structured space where you can slow down, drop the mask and think more clearly. Together, we bring clarity to your situation, strengthen confidence in your decisions and build resilience for what comes next.
 
Sessions available online or in person (Portugal), in English or French (Portuguese intermediate)

 

How Coaching Helps

Coaching is a professional partnership that supports clear thinking and grounded decision‑making.
It is not therapy, counselling or advice‑giving.
 
Coaching gives you space to:
• reflect on your current situation
• clarify what feels complex or uncertain
• explore options without pressure
• identify realistic next steps
 
The work often moves through three steady phases:
Clarity → Confidence → Resilience
You remain responsible for your choices.
My role is to support reflection, structure and sustainable progress.
 

Who I Work With

People navigating:
• personal or professional transitions
• cross‑cultural or expatriate life
• periods of inner questioning or re‑orientation
Clients often seek:
• clearer thinking
• steadier decision‑making
• confidence in their direction
• structured support during change
 

Accessible‑Rate Sessions

I offer a limited number of accessible‑rate coaching sessions for clients who face financial constraints. These sessions are specifically available for students, unemployed clients, and a small number of other cases where financial need is clear.
Accessible‑rate sessions are offered on a limited basis, depending on availability and individual circumstances. 
If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, we can discuss it gently during the Discovery Call.
 

About Me

I’m Noémi, a Certified Professional Coach (ICS, ACC; trained at PCC level) supporting people through moments of transition: when life or work feels uncertain, complex, and yet full of new possibilities. 
I help you gain clarity, regulate your emotions, rebuild your self-confidence, reconnect with your identity, strengthen resilience, and make decisions that feel grounded and authentic.

I bring over a decade of experience across psychology, trauma‑informed family work, corporate coaching and organisational wellbeing. 
At both McKinsey & Company and BNP Paribas, I supported Partners and senior leaders with multicultural team across the World.
I took part in the Coaching Community leadership, and led McKinsey's Mental Health Department within Lotus, the firm’s wellbeing initiative for the Lisbon office. 
Those environments taught me to stay calm, present and attuned while helping people navigate pressure, complexity and change.

Before entering the corporate world, I worked in child development, trauma‑informed programmes and community support, including leadership roles at Body & Soul in London. 
This foundation shaped my ability to work with emotional depth, human complexity and resilience.

My approach today is integrative and person‑centred. 
I adapt to each client’s needs, drawing from psychological insight, somatic awareness, coaching tools and relational presence. I work with authenticity, safety and empathy, creating a space where you feel supported, understood and able to drop the mask so you can explore what truly matters to you.
I bring a naturally positive and uplifting energy, a sense of lightness and cheerfulness that helps clients see possibilities even in challenging moments. I believe perspective shapes progress: we can look at a situation in a way that motivates and opens new paths, or in a way that weighs us down. 
My role is to help you access this perspective to give you strength, encouragement, hope and grounded direction.

As an Afro‑Chinese woman who has lived in France, the UK and Portugal, I understand how identity, culture and belonging shape our inner world and professional lives. 
This allows me to support clients navigating cross‑cultural transitions, identity shifts and life abroad with clarity, sensitivity and care.

I’m currently training as an Integrative Psychotherapist, bringing psychological depth, emotional intelligence and an uplifting presence to my coaching.

 
Next Steps

You can begin with a 60‑minute Discovery Call or explore the coaching packages.

Packages

60mn Free Discovery Call

Looking for a clear way forward? Let’s talk
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The Focus Session

 A single session to pause, step back, and clarify what feels most important for you right now.

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The Compass Session

 A single session to pause, step back, and clarify what feels most important for you right now.

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The Map Exploration Package

A supportive partnership to help you focus on yourself, gain clarity, and start moving forward with built confidence.

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The Steady Journey Package

Six sessions for a deeper, consistent space to understand yourself and create meaningful change. 

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The Path Session - Complimentary Intro Call

In person Walk & Talk Complimentary Intro Call

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Testimonials

"Working with Noemi was truly inspiring and uplifting. She has a special ability to ask the right questions at the right time, gently guiding me to reflect and find clarity on what really matters. Through her thoughtful direction and exercises, I was able to discover the best next steps toward my goals.

What I appreciated most is the safe, supportive space she creates. I always felt listened to, encouraged, and supported throughout the journey. Working with her has been a meaningful and empowering experience."

- Oksana

I started coaching with Noémi for support through a career and life transition: becoming a solo-entrepreneur while living abroad as a migrant.

What I appreciated most was the interdisciplinary lens Noémi brings, weaving together psychology and somatics as part of the coaching. She tailors her approach session to session, based on what I actually need in that moment. Alongside that, she's warm-hearted and her encouragement and positive motivation have kept me moving forward with my solo project, even in moments when starting a business abroad from scratch has felt overwhelming.

I'd recommend this kind of support to anyone navigating a major life or career transition, especially other migrants building something new!

- Carys


Noémi is a warm and grounded coach who truly understands what it means to build a life in a new country and culture. I always felt supported, understood and in good hands.
She creates space for genuine connection while also knowing when to challenge you. She isn't afraid to ask the difficult questions and holds you accountable with warmth and care. Her sessions are thoughtful, well structured and always left me with greater clarity. Her positive energy and cheerful "Happy Tuesday!" always brought a smile to my face. I highly recommend working with her.

- Marianne

Illiora sessions were very helpful to me!
After a big change in life, the coaching sessions helped me regain focus and motivation.
Most notably, I enjoyed the sessions that challenged my everyday thoughts. I was guided as I "de-layered" them until the core reason for their occurance was identified.

- Kamran

I'm really thankful for these sessions with Noemi.
She helped me a lot with her approach and her guidance. I was able to start the change that I needed, to feel more at ease with myself and my emotions. Because it's a work in progress, now I have tools and another mindset to accomplish what I want.
Thank you Noémi

- Fátima

Noemi was incredible in all sessions, she is very keen to listen and expose what she understands giving me back my own thoughts. This technique has helped me understand and realize the root of the issues and identify strategies to move forward.

- Natasha

Noemi provided me with support for relocation/job highlights.
Very interesting approach, which was mostly focused on me, not (only) in the search for a job.
The process helped me to understand myself in this moment of life.

- Miriam

Free Discovery Call

Looking forward to discussing Coaching with you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is coaching, in simple terms?
Coaching is a structured professional conversation.
Its purpose is to help you:

  • clarify what matters to you now
  • understand what feels unclear or heavy
  • explore options
  • decide next steps that make sense for you

Coaching is not advice‑giving and not therapy. The focus is on your current situation and your next phase.
Who is Coaching for?
Illiora Coaching is designed for people who are living abroad, returning to their home country, or navigating a major life transition linked to work, identity, or personal direction.

Many clients describe feeling:
  • uncertain about priorities
  • mentally overloaded
  • “in between” phases, roles, or cultures
You do not need to be in crisis. Coaching is appropriate when you want clarity, structure, and space to think.
What happens during a coaching session?
A session typically includes:

  • a short check‑in to clarify your focus
  • structured questions to explore your situation
  • reflection to identify patterns or priorities
  • time to define practical next steps, if relevant

Sessions are confidential and guided by your pace. You decide what you want to discuss.
How is coaching different from therapy or mentoring?
Coaching, therapy, and mentoring serve different purposes.

  • Therapy focuses on mental health, healing, and past experiences.
  • Mentoring involves advice based on someone else’s experience.
  • Coaching focuses on clarity, decision‑making, and moving forward

Coaching does not diagnose, treat, or replace mental health care.
Do I need to talk about very personal topics?
No.

Some clients focus mainly on:

  • work transitions
  • decision‑making
  • organisation and priorities
  • stress related to change

Personal topics may come up, but only if you choose to explore them. Boundaries are respected at all times.
I feel overwhelmed and have little mental space. Is coaching still useful?
Yes. This is a common reason people seek coaching.

Sessions are designed to reduce mental load, not add to it.
The goal is to slow things down, organise thoughts, and create breathing space.

Many clients report feeling calmer and clearer after sessions.
What is the difference between a structured packages and a single session?
Complex transitions rarely resolve in one conversation.

A structured package allows:
  • continuity
  • time for reflection between sessions
  • gradual clarification and integration
That said, single sessions are available for specific questions or decisions.

You are not required to commit long‑term.
I am unsure whether coaching would help me. Is that normal?
Yes. Uncertainty is very common.

Coaching does not guarantee specific outcomes. It offers a process: structured thinking, professional listening, and space for reflection.

Starting with a single session is often the best way to assess whether it feels useful for you.
What results can I realistically expect?
Clients often report:

  • clearer priorities
  • reduced mental pressure
  • improved confidence in decisions
  • renewed energy or direction

Results depend on your situation and engagement. Coaching supports insight and clarity; it does not make decisions for you.
What value does coaching offer, given its cost?
Coaching is not a product and does not deliver predefined results.

It provides a structured space for reflection, clearer thinking, and decision‑making during periods of complexity or transition.
Its value depends on your situation, expectations, and engagement.

You are encouraged to choose a format that feels realistic and appropriate for you.
There is no expectation of long‑term commitment.

 If the support is not helpful, it can be paused or ended.
How do I know if Illiora Coaching is the right fit?
Professional fit matters.

You are encouraged to:

  • read the approach carefully
  • ask questions
  • start with a low‑commitment session

Coaching works best when you feel respected, safe, and understood.
Can coaching be done through an exchange of services?
In some cases, yes.

Under the ethical framework of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), coaching sessions may be recognised as paid hours when they are part of a clear and agreed exchange of services, rather than a monetary payment.

For this to be possible:
  • the exchange must be explicitly agreed by both parties in advance
  • the value of the services exchanged must be clearly defined
  • the coaching relationship must follow the same professional and ethical standards as paid coaching
  • a written agreement must be in place

This option is considered on a case‑by‑case basis and is not automatically available.

The same boundaries, confidentiality, and professional responsibilities apply, regardless of the form of compensation.

If this type of arrangement is relevant to your situation, it can be discussed openly before starting any work.
Do I need to sign a Coaching Agreement?
Yes.

For first sessions, the Coaching Agreement is completed as part of the booking process. This ensures that we start within a clear and professional framework.

The agreement covers confidentiality, roles, and boundaries, and applies regardless of the session format.
À propos
Vivre dans un nouveau pays, ou traverser un changement personnel ou professionnel, peut être exigeant.
 Même lorsque la vie semble stable de l’extérieur, l’incertitude peut s’installer progressivement.

Vous pouvez :
  • hésiter sur la prochaine étape
  • vous sentir mentalement fatigué·e ou surchargé·e
  • vous sentir légèrement déconnecté·e de vous‑même
  • sentir que quelque chose doit changer, sans savoir quoi exactement

Je propose un espace calme, confidentiel et structuré pour ralentir et réfléchir plus clairement.
Le travail consiste à comprendre ce que vous vivez aujourd’hui et à soutenir une réflexion claire et posée, notamment lors des périodes de transition.
Les séances sont proposées en français ou en anglais, en ligne ou en présentiel (Portugal).


Ma façon de travailler

Le coaching est une relation de travail professionnelle et structurée.
Ce n’est pas une thérapie.
Ce n’est pas du conseil.
Ce n’est pas de la motivation.
On ne vous dit pas quoi faire.
Le coaching permet de :
  • examiner votre situation actuelle
  • clarifier ce qui est flou ou complexe
  • réfléchir aux options possibles
  • décider de vos propres prochaines étapes

Vous restez entièrement responsable de vos choix.
 Mon rôle est de soutenir la clarté et la réflexion, pas d’orienter ou d’influencer les décisions.

À propos de moi

Je m’appelle Noémi. J’accompagne des personnes qui recherchent plus de clarté, de direction et de stabilité, en particulier pendant des périodes de transition.
J’ai vécu à l’étranger la majeure partie de ma vie et je viens d’un environnement multiculturel. Je connais l’expérience du entre‑deux — entre cultures, rôles ou étapes de vie.
Avant de devenir coach, j’ai travaillé pendant de nombreuses années dans des environnements corporates internationaux, en tant qu’Assistante de Direction Senior et Coach/Mentor. J’y ai accompagné des dirigeants et des collègues dans des contextes exigeants et à forte pression.
La confidentialité, des limites claires, la fiabilité et la conscience émotionnelle étaient essentielles dans ces fonctions. Cette expérience influence fortement ma manière de travailler aujourd’hui.


Cadre professionnel & formation

Mon travail repose à la fois sur une expérience professionnelle solide et sur une formation formelle en Psychologie et en Coaching.

Je suis titulaire d’une Licence en Psychologie. Elle constitue une base solide pour comprendre le comportement humain, les émotions et les modes de pensée.
Ma pratique du coaching s’inscrit dans le cadre éthique de l’International Coaching Federation (ICF). Je suis formée par l’Institute of Coaching Studies, avec une accréditation actuellement en cours.

J’ai suivi des formations avancées en :
  • Thérapie Cognitivo‑Comportementale (TCC)
  • Programmation Neuro‑Linguistique (PNL)

Ce sont des approches structurées et pratiques qui soutiennent la prise de conscience, la clarté et les changements de comportement au quotidien.
J’ai également suivi une formation en approche trauma‑informée et trauma‑sensibilisée. Cela garantit un travail mené avec attention, respect et des limites personnelles claires.

En parallèle de mon activité de coaching, je poursuis actuellement une formation professionnelle auprès de l’ACCPI (Association of Integrative Research, Counselling and Psychotherapy), en vue d’une qualification comme Psychothérapeute agréée.
Cette formation approfondit ma compréhension clinique tout en maintenant une distinction claire entre coaching et psychothérapie.


Ce que vous pouvez attendre

Les personnes accompagnées constatent souvent :

  • une pensée plus claire
  • une meilleure compréhension de leur situation
  • davantage de confiance dans leurs décisions
  • un soutien structuré pendant les périodes de changement
  • une relation de travail calme et respectueuse

Les séances sont confidentielles et centrées sur la personne accompagnée, conformément aux standards éthiques de l’International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Est‑il possible de réaliser des séances de coaching dans le cadre d’un échange de services ?
Dans certains cas, oui.

Selon le cadre éthique de l’International Coaching Federation (ICF), des séances de coaching peuvent être considérées comme des heures rémunérées lorsqu’elles font partie d’un échange de services clairement défini, et non d’un paiement financier.

Pour que cela soit possible :
  • l’échange doit être explicitement convenu à l’avance
  • la valeur des services échangés doit être clairement définie
  • la relation de coaching doit respecter les mêmes standards professionnels et éthiques qu’un coaching payé
  • un accord écrit doit être établi

Cette possibilité est étudiée au cas par cas et n’est pas automatique.
Les mêmes règles de confidentialité, de cadre et de responsabilité professionnelle s’appliquent, quel que soit le mode de compensation.

Si ce type d’arrangement correspond à votre situation, il peut être abordé en amont, de manière transparente.
Dois‑je signer un contrat de coaching ?
Oui.

Pour une première séance, le contrat de coaching est complété lors de la prise de rendez‑vous. 

Cela permet de démarrer dans un cadre clair et professionnel.

Le contrat précise notamment la confidentialité, les rôles et le cadre de l’accompagnement, quel que soit le format de séance.

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