Marilyn Fontaine is a coach in East London and online

What attracted you to become a coach?

Previously I was a holistic therapist and I wanted to help people further with their emotional health and their motivation, so when I had an opportunity to study NLP and life coaching I jumped at the chance.

I am formally trained as a lecturer so coaching was always really a part of my job. My career path has felt like a natural progression.

Where did you train?

I studied with NLPTA for a year and then two years studying for my Btec Level 3 Life Coaching Diploma with Newcastle College.

And finally The Safe Space Institute to become a trauma coach in 2022. This institute is now creating a new framework and code of ethics in the coaching industry.

What kind of coaching do you offer?

I offer a coaching method to impactful, creative women that I call The Highly Capable Creative.

I work with creative trailblazers who are successful in the media and in their communities who need support overcoming impostor syndrome in order to show up and claim space in an industry or space where they are a minority.

As a trauma-informed coach most of my clients are unconsciously operating from a trauma response of fawn or fight, and so my job is to create a bridge and show my clients how to practise awareness and self-compassion so that they can thrive in their jobs and lives.

How does your style of coaching help people with imposter syndrome?

I help clients move from limiting, accommodating behaviours such as people pleasing, imposter syndrome or success guilt, into a state of clarity, confidence.

My method has five components that I call my Powerfully Aligned Process. They are:

1. Belief restructuring: Changing and clearing beliefs
2. Energy balancing: Undertaking an energy assessment to correct areas that need rebalancing
3. Confidence amplifying: Using essential oil recommendation to support your nervous system
4. Rhythmic focus: Working with your natural cycles for maximising your creative energy
5. Revenue generating: Making 10k decisions based upon your values, experience and worth

What sort of coaching clients do you usually see?

I see a variety of impactful women from the artist/creative industry with one thing in common: the desire to make a difference in their world.

I have worked with Grammy and Oscar-nominated musicians, Emmy-nominated actresses, holistic therapists and doulas, fashion designers, animators, project Managers and social justice officers, coaches and healers, advertising executives.

Do you ever suggest books or other materials to clients?

I have a podcast so I always recommend this to my clients.

Some books I recommend:

Sacred Woman by Queen Afua

Attached by Amir Levine

When the Body Says No by Dr Gabor Mate

What do you like about being a coach?

I love seeing my clients overcome conditioning from childhood or society and start to live the life they deserve and show up unapologetically. Basically I love seeing coaching clients let go of the story holding them back.

What is less pleasant?

Seeing them go. Because we work for a result I do myself out of a job! And as an artist I have other sources of income, but this can still impact my business.

What is one life lesson you try to live by?

Everything is everything, after winter must come spring.

What do you wish people knew about coaching?

That coaching is a great way to start having the best relationship ever, the one you have with yourself.

Coaching will enable you to have better relationships and increase your performance and income regardless of the job you do.

Coaching makes us accountable and also compassionate with ourselves as we navigate our life.

Coaching is the best investment one can make.

Do you have a favourite client testimonial or particular success story?

Tracy James - A multi-faceted creative:

"I had launched a creative business and whilst everything was in place, I knew I had some personal work to do on changing my mindset. I wanted an opportunity to explore techniques to facilitate change.

Coaching gave me a powerful insight into how my emotions and energy played a huge part in how I work and a deeper understanding of where I experience the most joy as a creative and how to use that knowledge to decide on the future direction of my business. I gained more confidence in my strengths, both personal and creative and changed my perspective about who I am.

It's a great opportunity to discuss you and your business and the steps you need to take for further development. You will learn a lot about yourself which, in turn, will give you the tools to continue on in your chosen path."

Contact Marilyn here

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