From Unhappy and Stuck to Empowered in Work and Life

Client, UK

My client, who is based in the UK, was referred to me as she was extremely unhappy with her current career, she was also experiencing challenges with her mental health. She was in the care of a psychotherapist so we clarified the boundaries of each of our roles. I recommended that we tackle her wellbeing with a sustainable approach first to get her strong, happy and confident for her career change.

Challenges

Before you started working with Kelly, what challenges did you face?

Anxiety, depression and an unfulfilling career.

What do you think would have been the implications of not dealing with your challenges?

The implications of not addressing repeated negative career experiences had an impact on my mental, physical health and happiness. It resulted in me leaving one job after 3 months and getting fired from the next employer 6 months later (after only being in the role 4 months). If I continued to make the same career choices and work in the same industry sectors, the consequences would repeat themselves. And those implications would severely impact my mental and physical wellbeing.

What (if anything) had you previously been doing to address those challenges?

Before I worked with Kelly I addressed my challenges in a 12 Step programme, which I became of member of due to an addiction to alcohol. Alongside working the 12 Steps of Alcoholic Anonymous, I had weekly therapy sessions around negative and unhelpful behaviours as a result of addiction, co-dependency and childhood trauma. While this work has been vital to my sobriety, Kelly’s positive psychology technique was a welcomed fresh approach to addressing my unhappiness and career challenges.

Coaching Approach

Aspects that we covered together included:

Measurement of wellbeing, using the PERMAH assessment, both before and after coaching Also the Person Activity Fit Diagnostic (Sonja Lyubomirsky, adapted from Ken Sheldon) to determine which kinds of activities best suited her
Based on this, I created a personalised, evidence-based wellbeing strategy with different activities that addressed each PERMAH pillar: Positive emotions (gratitude practice, acts of kindness) Engagement (flow exercises), Relationships (physical touch), Meaning (Forgiveness and spirituality), Accomplishment (goal setting), Health (meditation, exercise, nutrition, rest);
Coaching sessions focused on any barriers to experimenting with the activities proposed, motivation, growth, insights gained;
Once she’d had a chance to implement most of the Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) that I proposed, we had a follow up call to see what result the PPIs had and which she’d like to continue with

Impact

What has/have been the result(s)? How would you describe the outcome?

Working with Kelly has expanded my thinking outside of my 12 Step Programme and 1:1 therapy work. It has made me think and approach my happiness from a different angle due to the Positive Psychology methods, PERMAH testing and a wellbeing strategy Kelly did for me.

What specific techniques / strategies did Kelly use that helped you the most?

The wellbeing strategy Kelly created me was an eye opener. Based on my PERMAH results, objectives and current state of mental health, Kelly created a guide of goals and objectives to improve my happiness outside of work in order to be in fit condition to approach a career change. I first needed to address my unhappiness before I could address an unfulfilling career. Having the weekly objectives backed with data to support positive outcomes was very beneficial.

How would you describe the impact that coaching has had on your life?

I have tried many different methods and approaches to addressing feelings of being unfulfilled in and outside of my career. (From CBT to 12 Step Programmes) Kelly’s wellbeing strategy really struck home for me. Having a weekly plan/manual for living based on what gives me joy and happiness. And the work required improving my mental and physical wellbeing. Almost like a guide for living!

How did you discover Kelly and what made you sign up with her?

Kelly came as a recommendation from a personal contact of mine. I liked the sound of her experience and approach from her website and scheduled a free consultation call with her.

What (if anything) was different about Kelly compared to other support you have had?

Let’s put it this way. I have a straight talking therapist who says it how it is and works with me to address my co-dependency issues. I have an AA sponsor who hits me over the head with the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous / The 12 Step Programme. So working with Kelly, who is calm and kind, was a breath of fresh air. Her approach comes from positive support instead of a place of fear and consequences.

Is there anything else you would like to say about working with Kelly?

I wish I could work with her more! She is such a lovely woman. And I can not thank her enough for going above and beyond to support me during a very difficult chapter in my life.

What would you say to someone who's unsure about whether to work with Kelly?

Don’t be an idiot. Do it - you will not regret it.