My coaching approach

I’m a bookworm who loves learning. I’ve read a multitude of self-help, coaching and psychology books both for my qualification and for fun (yes, I really find it fun!). What struck me was how desperate people are to offer a single solution that works for all. A ‘magic’ pill or approach that will address universal ills. Whether CBT, Mindfulness, NLP, Transactional Analysis., positive psychology – each expert wants their way be the path for all. Increasingly, many seem to create a cookie-cutter scalable program that can be sold online to multiple clients.

I don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. There are over 8billion unique individuals on this planet. It would be a miracle if there was one magic answer for all. Every journey is personal and unique because you are the only person that has lived your life. There may be similarities to others but you are you and a cookie cutter approach is unlikely to generate sustainable results.

I see myself in variety of roles as your coach: 

Listener

The world is busy and so are all the people in it. Sometimes we need to be heard. To be acknowledged. To have the opportunity to work through our experiences in a supportive and impartial environment filled with compassion and understanding. Frequently we have the answers to our dilemmas inside of us but we need space and encouragement to find those answers and change direction. 

Supporter

I am always on your side. Particularly in times of stress and challenge, the world can seem like a lonely and critical place. It can be hard to retain perspective when we feel sad and under threat. 

Companion

The Doctor has an assistant; Frodo had Sam; Batman has Robin. Throughout literature the hero has a sidekick to help them battle through and achieve great things. We are social creatures who often do better when we share experiences. Change isn’t easy. You are responsible for the work of change, for setting your goals and taking the actions to move toward them. However, it can help to have a companion on the journey to listen when it’s challenging, remind you of the light at the end of the tunnel and cheer when you succeed. 

Challenger

My role is not to mollycoddle you and agree with everything you say. Often in life we get stuck in our story. Our brains like certainty and often what is familiar feels safe even when it’s unhelpful. We can’t change what we don’t acknowledge and change is hard work. It is often easier to blame others for doing to us than to take responsibility and control what we can. In my view, compassionate challenge is a key part of coaching. I will always be on your side but will not enable continuation of unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that stand in the way of the successful future you seek.

Read a bit about me here