About Jay
Hi, I'm Jay
I have made a few big changes in my working life over the last 25 years. I love change, and I tend to look for a new challenge once I feel I have mastered something. Some of my friends think of me as a 'master of reinvention', but in reality, all of those changes have been in the same broad area - helping others.
I now specialise in coaching people, with or without ADHD, who struggle with their executive functions.
Below, I offer a CV of my last 25 years and how I arrived at coaching.
My CV - just the highlights
Hypnotherapist to Operating Department Practitioner
I was a clinical hypnotherapist for many years, running a practice using hypnosis and CBT techniques to help private clients with many issues; fear of spiders, stop smoking, improving confidence etc. I decided I wanted something more hands-on, something more in the public domain. So, I started working for the NHS in the operating theatre. I qualified as an Operating Department Practitioner (a specialist role within theatres) caring for surgical patients and supporting medical staff such as surgeons and anaesthetists.
University Lecturer & Coaching Certification
My alma mater university asked me to join them and help teach the Operating Department Practice degree course. I completed the required Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education and became a full-time lecture. This involved not only teaching, but supporting students in starting their career - building their confidence and skills through mentoring and coaching. During that time, I co-edited a textbook on nursing the surgical patient and completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring.
People Manager
Due a sudden and dramatic reduction in student numbers applying for all healthcare roles across the country, the university could no longer financially support the degree programme. As a result, I fell back on my first degree (computer science) and joined a mutual building society and very quickly became a people manager. I coached and mentored colleagues who struggled with various skills. After a lot of personal study to improve my skills in this area, I realised most issues were related to executive functions.
Private Coaching
A very close member of my family had been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Their struggles and journey shocked me; it took so long for their diagnosis and in the meantime there was little, if no, support for them. This lead me to decide to use all of my previous knowledge, qualifications and experience and move into private coaching. I completed the Executive Function Coach Training with CiM (as a part of my continuing professional development) and became a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.
I now offer one-to-one coaching sessions for adults using the experience and knowledge honed over 25 years of therapeutic care, teaching, training, coaching and mentoring.
How I Work
You do not have to be neurodiverse to be coached by me, but it helps! Okay, a little joke (admittedly not a great one). Everyone will struggle with an executive function or two and can use the help of a coach to improve their skills. When you are coached by me, we work on building new skills in those areas which you feel need work. You can then move forward into a happier, healthier life.
Four-step coaching process:
- Help you to clarify issues.
- Encourage you to create and experiment with new skills.
- Support you as you embed new habits.
- Enable you to leave coaching with new skills and a new way of being.
Once I take you on as a client, I want you to leave as quickly as is right for you. I know that doesn’t sound like good business practice, but the main aim of any good coach is to help their client build up new habits that they can implement for themselves going forward - without the need for continued support. I will, of course, be there as support for as long as I am needed, but I get my professional satisfaction from when a client is ready to go it alone. Clients may come back from time to time to work on different skills or get a ‘booster’ of support, but generally, I hope I don't see them again!
Please see the Coaching Contract for more information.
Contact Jay
If you like what you have read above, please send me a message, and we can book a chat. Together, we can unlock your full potential.
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