As a coach, I support people through life changes and challenges. In addition to this, I also provide a specialist coaching service for people with long-term or complex physical health conditions.
I have my own lived experience of a long-term condition and understand the significant impact a change in health can have on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Some people who develop health problems may experience feelings of grief, anger, shame or helplessness when they become ill and may feel that they are less able to live a fulfilling life because of their condition.
Alongside coping with the physical and emotional effects of a long-term health condition, many people feel daunted by having to take responsibility for managing their symptoms through lifestyle changes. In short, it can be very hard to live with long-term health conditions.
Diagnosis may help people understand what is happening to their minds and bodies, but it may not support them to deal with the psychological grind of living with symptoms and the change of circumstances that occur when people experience a decline in health. Coaching can help with this.
In my practice, I use traditional coaching tools and the mindfulness-based therapy ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). ACT is an evidence-based practice to help people cope and live well with a range of difficulties in life.
These coaching tools and techniques can help people to develop acceptance so that they can make the most of today, work on goals and actions that will move them towards the things that matter to them and help them to develop personal ‘toolkits’ of helpful coping skills to manage flare-ups or setbacks and increase resilience and wellbeing.
I recently worked with a client who felt their life had been turned upside down by a significant change in health. They were looking for ways to move forwards and were struggling to make changes to support their wellbeing.
In our coaching sessions, we spent time exploring the thoughts, feelings and memories associated with their change in health. We developed self-compassion and mindfulness skills to support them when their thoughts made them feel stuck in the struggle. Coaching sessions were also an opportunity for regular check-ins to create a sense of accountability for goals and actions set.
To find out how coaching can support you to live well with your long term physical health condition, book in for a free introductory call today. I look forward to working with you.
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