Therapy explores the past as a means to change. Discussing past experiences is an inevitable and valuable part of coaching but it’s not where we linger.

Coaching is predominately forward-focused and solution-based. It’s about identifying where you want to change and supporting you as you take practical steps to make that change.

It can be helpful to think of a life coach as you would a sports coach: someone in your corner, committed to you performing at your best – physically and mentally.

The clue is in the name: life!

I taught for a total of 10 years at 3 reputable, high-pressured schools. Those hot-house environments proved to be invaluable self-esteem training: I had to have confidence in my ability to cope with all the challenges that come with teaching. And I had to develop confidence in my right to be happy so I could live a meaningful existence in and around work.

From early on in my career, I coached and mentored students – sharing my own practices and toolkit, and checking in with their progress. Many of them stayed in touch during their time at university so I was able to fine tune my strategies for that context.  

After leaving teaching, I trained and was certified as a life coach at the Pure Coaching Academy. I also did some supplementary NLP training at the NLP School. I have, by this point, consumed numerous academically-acclaimed books and podcasts related to the field of neuroscience and mental health.

Since founding Ithaca Coaching UK in May 2023, I’ve worked with a diverse range of wonderful clients. I started out life coaching more generally, helping clients strive towards identified goals, until I realised what was the essential core at the heart of every goal, every struggle.

Gently thought-provoking questions, a warm non-judgemental space to speak your mind and heart, my total attention, genuine care, well-recognised neuroscience-based techniques, some mindfulness practices, and even a pinch of philosophy to get you contemplating the meaning of a happy life!

All conversations are confidential. Only in very specific circumstances am I obligated to break confidentiality (of which I’ll make you aware).

Sometimes clients bring up confidentiality when wondering about referring a friend. So it’s important to stress how seriously I take confidentiality.

The frequency of sessions varies from client to client. How often we meet will depend on the level of support you need and your situation. I do, though, suggest clients commit initially to fortnightly minimum, if possible, to help build and sustain momentum.

Some types of coaching such as career coaching, for example, can prescribe a set number. Coaching with an intention to build self-esteem means helping clients to master a new toolkit for anxiety-management, dismantle hard-wired outdated beliefs and habit-loops, and rewire them to be aligned with who they want to be. That all takes time! And commitment since the real change occurs in between sessions, in clients’ dedicated efforts to their personal growth.