From setbacks to comebacks: Build resilience with coaching

My journey into coaching was deeply personal. I have lived with a condition called ankylosing spondylitis for the past twelve years, and during that time, I’ve faced challenges that reshaped my perspective on resilience, self-belief, and growth. Living with chronic pain forced me to re-evaluate what it means to move forward in life. Coaching became a natural extension of this journey. I wanted to firstly help myself navigate the challenges associated with persistent pain on those darkest of days.

My Pivotal Turning Point  

I guess the pivotal moment was in the Autum of 2021 when my flare-ups became their most extreme and debilitating. I quickly realised that my successful career in the corporate world, would shorty be coming to an end given the near impossible task of maintaining success in that environment when my body was literally working against me. So, I began exploring personal development and discovered coaching as a powerful tool for change. Having quickly seen the impact that coaching had on my own mindset made me want to offer that same transformation to others. It was a shift from simply enduring life to actively living it.

The Joy of Empowering Clients

That moment when a client realises they have more power over their life than they thought, that’s what excites me the most. When chronic pain has ravaged their life and has sucked all the fun things away, it’s an absolute privilege to be able to support them on their journey to reclaim their life in the way that they want to live it despite their pain. It is inspiring to see, every single time!

Highlights from My Coaching Training  

Training with The Coaching Academy was an eye-opening experience. The most rewarding part was seeing my own growth throughout the process, not just as a coach, but as a person. The training challenged me to confront my own limiting beliefs, refine my listening skills, and develop a coaching style that truly aligned with my values. I also loved connecting with other coaches-in-training, some of which I still keep in contact with today.   

I came across The Coaching Academy while researching accredited coaching programs. I was drawn to its strong reputation, structured training, and focus on practical application. The flexibility of the training also appealed to me, as I was balancing my studies with work family life and persistent pain!  I completed the Life & Performance Coaching Diploma. The blend of life coaching and performance coaching was a perfect fit for my approach, allowing me to work holistically with clients.

Building My Coaching Business  

I run my own coaching practice, Your Life Matters, where I specialise in working with individuals living with chronic pain. I help clients redefine their relationship with pain, build resilience, and create fulfilling lives despite their physical challenges. My approach is a blend of mindset coaching, goal-setting, and practical strategies tailored to each person’s needs.

Many of my clients struggle with identity and purpose beyond their pain. Chronic pain often leads to feelings of frustration, self-doubt, and isolation. Clients come to me because they want to regain a sense of control over their lives, but they don’t know where to start. My role as a coach is to help them uncover new possibilities, set achievable goals, and shift their mindset from limitation to empowerment.

Clients often express how much lighter they feel after our sessions. Many tell me that they have gained new perspectives, discovered strengths they didn’t realise they had, and finally feel heard in a way they hadn’t before. One client described our work together as "a turning point" in how they approach life with pain, rather surviving, they started thriving. That kind of feedback is incredibly fulfilling.

Looking Ahead

I see my coaching business continuing to grow, reaching more people who need support in navigating life with chronic pain. I’m also exploring ways to expand my impact beyond 1:1 coaching, such as group programs, workshops, and online content. My goal is to make coaching accessible to more people, regardless of their financial situation.

I’m currently developing a 'Walk & Talk' coaching service, which combines coaching with movement in outdoor settings. This approach not only encourages open conversation but also promotes physical and mental well-being. I’m also exploring digital content creation, including YouTube and online courses, to provide valuable insights and strategies to a wider audience.

My Advice for Aspiring Coaches

Start with your ‘Why’. Be clear on who you want to help and why it matters to you. Then, commit to it! Immerse yourself fully in the process. Coaching is about transformation, and that includes your own growth. Be open to learning, seek feedback, and practice as much as possible. Also, don’t rush, take the time to integrate the skills and principles into your own life. The more you embody coaching, the more effective you’ll be at helping others. 

And finally….trust the process. Coaching has the power to change lives, including your own!