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What is Personal Coaching Psychology?

Personal Coaching Psychology focuses on the positive aspects of the human condition, concentrating on strengths and developing skills to help people achieve their goals, increase their sense of well-being, and improve their overall quality of life.

 

Usually when someone goes to see a psychologist it’s because there's a problem they want help with. Coaching Psychology supports people who are in a different place – and the starting point can be thought of as, “I’m doing ok, but could be better”. The ‘being better’ will be different for everyone, it could be wanting to feel more fulfilled with their lives, it could be having more direction and purpose, or wanting to live a more rich, full and meaningful life.

 

Personal Coaching Psychology can help people to understand what’s important to them, and how to live by their values. People aren’t always aware of their values, how to incorporate them into their lives, and how to manage seemingly competing values. The support needed might include learning new ways to respond to emotions or thoughts that could be holding them back, learning skills to put plans into actions, or finding how to break down barriers to achieving goals. This style of working aims to create and sustain change in clients lives.

My approach

I have worked as a psychologist for 15 years and a lot of my work has been based around supporting people to make behavioural changes, setting and achieving goals, and understanding how to deal with the emotions and thoughts that can often hold them back. I draw on a range of psychological theories and use an approach which best fits the client – I don’t practise from a ‘one size fits all’ approach.


I work with individuals on the issues they bring, and design every intervention for that individual. Work is carried out at the client’s pace, to focus on their goals, in a style that suits them, in a collaborative and outcome focused manner. The number of sessions someone attends depends on the goals they want to achieve. Frequency of contact and number of sessions is something I discuss with people before starting work, so they can make an informed choice of whether to engage in work with me.

Coaching Psychology isn't therapy

Coaching Psychology isn't therapy, and it's not the right place to go if you are in a crisis, if you are seeking assistance with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression or trauma related symptoms, or have high levels of distress.


Coaching Psychology mainly focuses on the present and the future, it isn't a form of psychotherapy that delves in to your past. 

How is it different from life coaching or counselling?

More so than ever, there are a range of services available to people who want to make changes in their lives. Whether its counselling, life coaches or a self-help book your friend recommends. There is a place for each of these, as long as they are a professional service, meet your needs and is not just out to make a quick dollar. Whatever service you choose to use, make sure you research it well before parting with any money, and speak to the person you're looking to work with before you commit to anything to make sure you gel with them. If intending to see a person (coach, counsellor etc) make sure they are a member of a professional body which has a Code of Ethics they must abide by, and which has a complaints process by which they can be held accountable if necessary. You might also like to check that that person receives regular supervision and attends ongoing professional development. 

How can it help me?

This are some examples of the areas that Coaching Psychology can help with:

  • Set and achieve goals 

  • Develop effective communication skills

  • Feel more engaged in your life

  • Feel more connected with friends and family

  • Identify and prioritise whats important to you

  • Flourish trough life transitions 

  • Live in accordance with your values

  • Build resilience

  • Take care of your wellbeing

  • Improve your confidence

  • Develop your self-awareness

  • Enjoying a rich, full and meaningful life

If you think this could be of help to you, what are the next steps?

Before I start working with anyone, I meet with people to discuss what they are looking for and what I can offer, to make sure I can support them with what they are looking for, and also that we are a good match personally. This is a free 20 minute session, and people are under no obligation to meet with me again after this session.

I mainly work with clients online (using Zoom), but I can meet in person in central Auckland (I can meet in your work place, location dependant).

If you would like to talk more about Coaching Psychology or working with me, click here for my contact details.

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