What is Coaching?

So often I am asked, what is coaching and how does it work?  It can be hard to describe as everyone want something different, so I was delighted that this client was happy for me share their experience of coaching and the time we spent together earlier this year.  

If you think coaching might be for you then please do reach out, I’d love to hear from you.

"From the start you were very approachable, and I found that we clicked pretty early on – which really put me at ease and helped me to feel safe to open up fully.

What I really liked is that you were empathetic and sensitive in your approach, and provided so much guidance and useful insight, whilst also being clear that the responsibility of what we manage to achieve throughout the process sits with me – in that it was up to me to identify the areas which to work on, and then do the work. This, to be honest, felt overwhelming at the start – as I think everyone kind of hopes someone will wave a magic wand and solve all issues with minimum input. Once I got past the initial shock, I felt really empowered to make a change.

What surprised me the most is that one of the most reassuring things about the whole process was getting an understanding that actually, none of the things I struggle with are unique or unusual – that everyone deals with this – to some extent at least. And that the difference is what we do to manage these things when they do come up.

I said this in our last call, and a few months on this feeling has solidified further – your support has really been life-changing. 

It’s difficult to quantify, but if nothing else – it both gave me the understanding and knowledge to notice things and the tools to manage whatever I have noticed.

Recently, the more intense negative thoughts we talked about have started cropping back up for me again – but this time it’s been different – as I have been able to notice and intercept immediately. It’s felt something like a circuit breaker to a life-long habit.

One of the things I have been practicing the most have been the breathing exercises – feet on the floor, hand on chest… And I have shared this with others when I noticed them feeling overwhelmed.

I have been able to be more present, my relationships at home and with co-workers have improved – because my relationship with me has been better. This has made me more effective and ready to take on challenges at work. I still struggle – but I think that’s okay, we all do"

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