Coaching to tackle an empty nest and a loss of identity one step at a time

I asked Liz Newby, a counsellor, about her experience with Future Path Life Coaching:

“It took me a good year to set up my first meeting with Jackie. I’d left my job as a home school link worker and I was suffering with empty nest syndrome. I felt immobilised to take any action against the despair, I had very little energy or focus. I visited my GP and was prescribed anti-depressants.

I used the Clifton Strengths Finder 2.0 to identify strengths in light of losing my voice along with my job. I’d always felt heard and part of a team when working in schools and this was a big part of my identity. I was in a muddle – I’d lost sight of who I was.

I asked for some coaching from Future Path Life Coaching at a stage where I understood the position I was in but needed help to move forward from there. I knew Jackie was quite focused and target-orientated, and from our initial conversations, I thought I could work with her.

Jackie has been able to get me to focus and track my progress in an encouraging and supportive way. I had that sense of being listened to again which had a huge impact. We made a ‘bridge’ plan to get me from where I was to where I wanted to be and the manageable steps to get there. I knew I wanted to set up a private counselling practice but a year on, I was overwhelmed and not moving forward with it.

Following my six-monthly coaching sessions, Jackie suggested that we have a 10 minute catch up each week to see how I was progressing. This really helped me to focus on one small step I could take that week to advance my plan. Jackie works in a way that suits each individual, she is really good at bringing me back to the present rather than allowing me to procrastinate and look backwards.

I would really recommend life coaching to a friend if they felt overwhelmed and paralysed like I did. We all know it’s important to look after ourselves but it’s not easy in reality. I’ve learnt more about myself through coaching with Jackie and it’s been so beneficial. Apart from being a procrastinator, I’ve confirmed that I’m a people person and I struggle with paperwork!

A big life change seems so daunting but Jackie gave me the tools and strategies to celebrate my progress through the smallest achievements. Coaching has helped me to be honest with myself and acknowledge what I need to do one step at a time – it’s subtle but powerful.”

Whether you’re an empty-nester or have toddlers attached to your ankles, as a busy mum of two, Jackie Meek at Future Path Life Coaching understands the challenges that women of all ages deal with daily. A qualified leadership and personal development coach, Jackie puts the focus back on you and inspires you to be the best version of yourself.

Are you ready for a no obligation ‘Mum to Mum’ chat? If you think now is the right time to move from surviving to thriving, visit https://www.futurepathlifecoaching.co.uk/ to find out more and get in touch with Jackie.