Client Feedback

My expectation of coaching was to explore what my future plans might be – when I began, I was very frustrated with work and didn’t feel valued or listened to. I expected at that time to look at different employment options. 

During the sessions, I have been able to set goals regarding other areas of work/interests/hobbies; we have also discussed my frustrations and challenges and how this was impacting on me both physically and emotionally.  

Francesca enabled me to dig deeper and really think about the reality of changing my situation and to think about ‘Me’ and what I really wanted from life; I found this difficult at first as work has been an integral part of my identity for nearly 40 years and I couldn’t really imagine doing anything else. 

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Francesca helped me to think about my skills and interests but also what I wanted from my relationships at home and family life generally. This eventually led me to thinking about leaving work and the possibility of retirement. This was quite a scary but liberating prospect.  

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Francesca was very pragmatic and persistent in terms of really getting me to think about what this would look and feel like. She enabled me to see that my goals could be a reality. This helped me to take action and be proactive rather than just ‘daydream’ about the possibility.  

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I was encouraged to write things down and reflect on my thoughts...this helped me to visualise change and make it tangible. The coaching sessions have had a really positive impact on my current situation and my future aspirations. At work I am more confident in expressing myself and feel more empowered. 

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The coaching experience has helped me to channel my frustrations and challenges in more productive ways rather than negatively internalising them. 

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... work is no longer the 'be all and end all' of everything. 

 

I have also learned that I am the one who can make changes, no-one else will do this for me. I want to spend more time looking after myself and spending more time with my family and friends and having fun again! I also have an alternative future to what I thought I had prior to these sessions 

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I have actually taken action. This may have turned my world upside down, but it has done so in a wonderful way! I feel more in control, happy, and optimistic – things I haven’t felt for a very long time. Many thanks 

My experience 

I can’t put into words the difference our sessions have made. You gave me space, supported me to find space, shared your wisdom and kindness. I am forever grateful. 

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My expectations  

I don’t think I knew what to quite expect from the sessions – I had never had any coaching before so didn’t really have a frame of reference.  

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I just know I felt very stuck, had tried to make changes myself but felt overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start. I needed structure and couldn’t put this in place for myself.  

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Actions I have already taken and the benefits of these actions 

Better diary management, provide a structure... less chaotic, so I don’t miss things, ensure I have breaks, provide space for emergency responses and this is planned for rather than having to squeeze things in and make work more stressful/difficult to manage and now I Plan annual leave in.  

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The chance to rehearse what to say before meetings/ have contingencies for when things don’t go to plan!  

I have had the space to think about what work I want to do, what I like or don’t want.  

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The space to think about barriers to change.  

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Recognise my transferrable skills, and the opportunity to prepare for the future by planning for change so it doesn’t feel too big, overwhelming and impossible.   

 

What have I learnt about myself as a result of coaching?  

That I need a structure and space to think about things.  

That if I don’t make time, things don’t happen.  

That I’m not very good at putting myself first 

That I can make changes, and even small things make a huge difference. 

It’s okay when things don’t go to plan and there is learning from this!