In this blog, Young Women’s Trust coaches Yasmin and Naomi answer some questions that are regularly asked about our Work It Out coaching.
How does coaching work?
After signing up, you will be contacted by a coach who will set up a time for your first session. They will also find out if you want to have sessions via telephone, WhatsApp or email.
During the sessions, your coach will regularly check in that together you are talking about the right things in the right way for you. This helps to make sure that what they are asking fits with what you want for yourself.
At the end of each session, your coach will discuss with you if you would like to have another session. There is no pressure. You can go away and think about it and then get back in touch. It is also your decision how much time you would like between sessions – this could be a week, a month or several months.
Coaching is about creating new possibilities and taking steps forward.
What will we talk about?
Most young women talk about things to do with their work, learning, personal life or volunteering. Young women normally access our service because they want something to change. So, your coach will listen carefully to the things that are difficult and invite you to think about what you would like to be happening instead and what difference you are hoping the coaching will make for you. As they find out more about what you want for yourself, you will work together to find your ‘hidden treasure’ of skills, resources and qualities that will be helpful in taking the next small steps.
Will I get specific guidance and advice on what I should do, or will I come up with the answers myself?
What separates coaching from simply looking at advice on the internet is the opportunity to shape ideas together. Your coach will use your knowledge about who you are and what has worked for you in the past. Working like this means your ‘take aways’ from the session will fit with your style, ways of thinking and doing things.
Will a coach find me a job?
We cannot find you a job, but we can help you identify approaches to job hunting. This can include help with how to approach applications and interview preparation.
What is the difference between counselling and coaching? I’ve heard of counselling before, is coaching the same thing?
There are many different approaches to coaching and counselling. The coaching offered by Young Women’s Trust is about creating new possibilities and taking steps forward. We want you to leave a conversation feeling stronger, more confident in your skills and better about yourself.
Signing up for coaching is a brave thing to do.
Can a coach help with my mental health?
A natural outcome of the coaching is young might find yourself doing more things in your personal or working life which are true to who you really are and what you really want. As a result, you may experience a greater sense of well-being and improvement in mental health.
Why should I sign up?
Signing up for coaching is a brave thing to do. It is a bit like taking your feet off the bottom of the swimming pool for the first time when you are learning to swim.
Many young women tell us that they value having a safe space where they can talk freely and confidentially in a way that they cannot with family and friends.
If you are a young woman aged 18 to 30 and live in England or Wales, you can sign up to receive free coaching today.
