Meet the Coach: Jan Thompson
Jan Thompson is an online life coach
What attracted you to become a coach?
I was a person-centred counsellor for over 25 years but as the social climate changed in the country (and in the world), I felt that people were looking for answers to their issues in a more focused way. I decided to go with the flow and studied to be a life coach. I now work in a solution-focused way in order to get my clients closer to the goals they want to achieve.
Where did you train?
I studied at The Institute of Counselling – Glasgow, where they have a dedicated coaching course.
What kind of coaching do you offer?
I offer life coaching to people who have reached a crossroads in their life, either emotionally, in their workplace, or any social situation that may be affecting them.
How does life coaching help?
I’ve worked with people who are struggling with work, relationship, midlife and confidence issues.
What sort of coaching clients do you usually see?
I see a variety of people of different ages and from different walks of life. My youngest client was 30 and, so far, my eldest has been 74!
Do you ever suggest books or other materials to clients?
Sometimes I’ll suggest a website, book or some materials I’ve found helpful. I especially like the ‘cycle of change’ concept as pretty much any individual, at any time in their life, is on that cycle. It can be reassuring for a client to chart their progress.
What do you like about being a coach?
I find it completely fulfilling and rewarding. I love meeting new people and I love to sit with them and help them untangle some of the issues they bring.
What is less pleasant?
It’s hard when a client doesn’t make as quick progress as they’d like. I sometimes feel responsible for that. But I remain clear and continue to support the client until change happens.
What is one life lesson you try to live by?
Take full responsibility for one’s own actions.
What do you wish people knew about coaching?
Coaching is still quite new, at least life coaching is, so I’d like people to know that it’s not therapy. It is solution-focused, regular support and intervention to help a client move boulders out of their way in order to see the view that they want.
Do you have a favourite client testimonial or particular success story?
I’ve been so lucky with my clients, they have (mostly) been so engaged with the work. But one client, was so ready for change that after the first session he was so motivated that he began clearing – metaphorically and physically – the debris from his life that was preventing him from finding his way to the job he really wanted.
