My journey into the world of coaching did not begin with a specific challenge but rather with a profound experience during clinical supervision with a nurse and psychotherapist. This moment of self-reflection set me on a path of exploration, leading me to research the differences between counselling and coaching.
In my search for the ideal training provider, I reviewed all UKIHCA-accredited options. Wellness Professionals at Work (WPAW) emerged as the perfect fit. What set WPAW apart was its unparalleled flexibility: I could enrol at any time, study at my own pace, and complete the course within a timeframe that suited me—whether that meant finishing quickly or taking up to two years.
Through the supervised coaching practice I gained invaluable confidence, both in coaching others and experiencing coaching myself. The feedback I received was transformative, helping me refine my skills and adopt the mindset necessary for effective coaching.
Since completing the course, my personal and professional life has been enriched in ways I never anticipated. Applying the TGROW model to my own challenges has enabled me to dig deeper into personal growth, while my role as a nurse has evolved significantly. I’ve shifted from taking charge of my patients’ health to empowering them to set and achieve their own health goals—a pivotal change that has become central to my emerging respiratory health coaching practice.
The models I learned during the programme, including TGROW, ACHIEVE, and OSKAR, have become essential tools in my coaching practice. These goal-setting frameworks not only benefit my clients by fostering meaningful progress but also guide me in building my coaching business. They’ve been instrumental in helping me adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, strategically plan my business, and maintain a client-focused approach.
Wellness Professionals at Work provided me with more than just technical skills. It equipped me with the emotional intelligence and practical tools needed to excel as a coach in a safe and encouraging environment. For anyone seeking to learn what it truly means to be a coach while maintaining proper boundaries, I wholeheartedly recommend WPAW. This programme has been the foundation of my transformation, both as a professional and as an individual, as I continue to empower others on their health journeys. Following completion of the course I then became a UKIHCA Full Member through their Portfolio route.
