I looked into studying psychology (too 'pathology' focused for me); counseling was too similar to what I was already doing, and social work lacked something for me.
Enter Life Coaching...
2013 was a pretty dark time for me (sounds so cliché right?).
I was working part time as a Youth Worker and not feeling satisfied with my career choice, I was a Mum (still am), wife (still am), highly anxious and somewhat depressed (no longer) and I wanted to feel more, and contribute more.
The clients I was working with as a Youth Worker didn't want to change, they were only seeing me because they were required to do so. I realised this wasn't floating my boat; I was actually sinking and needed to change.
“I have met people who have literally changed my life in ways I did not think possible - both professionally and personally (I know, big call, but true call). As a result I've been able to take my work into schools, presenting to both students and parents on anxiety and resilience."
I looked into studying psychology (too 'pathology' focussed for me); counselling was too similar to what I was already doing, and social work lacked something for me.
Life Coaching looked at the greatness and wholeness of people (new concept for me), and believed wholeheartedly that everyone has the innate capacity to be well and happy (another new concept).
The Coaches role was to guide people to bring out their own gifts, talents, mental health and that happiness isn't something only for the chosen few. It's up for grabs for everyone.
This is what I wanted to give people.
I looked at a lot of Life Coaching training organisations, and none of them felt right.
The fact that they offer great student support (ask and you shall receive help from the WOW Team), you are given mentors, face to face training, you're brought into a very strong and supportive community, and they are pioneers in the industry.
As well as a Facebook Group which offers the best support and advice on all things coaching (and it's life time membership too, so once you finish your training you can still tap into the minds of past and present coaches), and I've made some wonderful friends.
Let me not forget the generosity of spirit. Many people willingly share their intellectual property, you will not see that in many other industries, and that blew me away.
I have met people who have literally changed my life in ways I did not think possible - both professionally and personally (I know, big call, but true call).
As a result I've been able to take my work into schools, presenting to both students and parents on anxiety and resilience.
I have presented to full auditoriums, I have run groups on anxiety and stress, and I've had the privilege to work with clients on different continents to mine.
For that I am eternally grateful.
"Enter Life Coaching.
Life Coaching looked at the greatness and wholeness of people (new concept for me), and believed wholeheartedly that everyone has the innate capacity to be well and happy"
My goals in the future are simple: to continue to permanently transform the lives of anxious people; become a thought leader in the principles and factors behind all of our human experience, and to bring this knowledge to our younger generation, so that the rising number of youth anxiety and depression declines dramatically.
Thank you The Coaching Institute for making these goals no longer dreams but something I feel confident in achieving.
ABOUT VENESSA
Vanessa had a passion to help others and educate them on anxiety and depression. Nothing was working for her, not psychology, counseling or social work. Enter Life Coaching... At first it was hard choosing the right place for her but in the end she chose The Coaching Institute because it stands apart from the rest. As a result I've been able to take my work into schools, presenting to both students and parents on anxiety and resilience.
It Helped me Make a Really Bold Decision