“If the coach and coachee are travelling companions, then the coach’s questions and listening are the light by which they travel” Julie Starr

Coaching is essentially a set of conversations between a coach and a client. The client may feel stuck and wants something to change.

The coach will listen to the client. Really listen. They will ask questions, sometimes very challenging questions, in a supportive way. They will work with the client to find individual solutions that will work: quickly

“Having a conversation with a coach is like someone holding up a mirror to your mind so you can really see what is going on. Once you can see what’s going on, you can begin to change it”

Coaching helps people:

• Know where they are
• Clarify what they want
• Move forward

Coaching is not therapy; there is little counselling about your past; the focus is on the ‘now’ and the future

Coaching is not mentoring; rather than receiving advice, clients benefit from impartial support in making their own decisions

Julia uses coaching to help clients address all types of issues, including:

• Career change
• Confidence
• Relationships
• Time management
• Happiness

She coaches male and female clients from all walks of life who are ready to make a change. Her past clients include bankers, marketing executives, civil servants, consultants, entrepreneurs, actors, parents and students.

Case study:

Annie was a marketing assistant for a large consumer goods company. Though she enjoyed the work most of the time, she always felt something was missing. Annie had heard of coaching from a friend and decided to give it a go.

Over a course of sessions, Annie came to understand some of the patterns of her thoughts and what was really holding her back and making her unhappy.

She began to replace negative thoughts with helpful ones and take small actions that she knew were in the right direction. She realised what she really needed was more balance in her life and to allow herself to do what she wanted.

“I moved flats, took up dancing and changed departments at work. I feel much more confident and much happier!”

Annie was promoted three months later and booked her dream holiday.