Work / Life Balance and More...
Human Resourses Manager
22nd June 2006:

I have known Melissa since November 2004 when she became my Life Coach and we have met regularly since that time - concentrating on different goals and priorities in my life. Sessions are usually face to face although we have had a few sessions over the telephone at my request.
The sessions have always been conducted in an open, friendly and yet structured and professional way. Melissa quickly built rapport with me and I was happy therefore to share confidential information about my life. Melissa has assisted me in determining life priorities and in working through some very difficult issues. She has been flexible in her approach and always follows up in writing after a session with the agreed actions for me to take. This is invaluable. At the begining of a session she 'recaps' priorities previously identified and seeks clarification as to whether these are still the 'priority' issues for consideration at that session.
She is able to take a 'helicopter' view of what is going on when sometimes I feel submerged in detail.
Although discussing work-life balance and other areas of my life we initially focused on my job and what I wanted to do in the future, moving on to 'getting fit'. I found it difficult to decide what I wanted to do. Melissa has remained positive throughout - helping me to 'keep things in proportion' and to move forward. She has suggested rational practical ways to move forward in deciding whether I wanted an alternative job/career and also in achieving work life balance. She has given me leaflets for courses and recommended useful literature in areas in which I have shown interest. Her coaching technique is excellent and her 'can do' approach is inspirational. At times I have not managed to complete the agreed actions but she has remained positive and encouraging - by using techniques to help refocus on priorities she has helped me to retain my m otivation. I am now settling into a new job and role, have improved work-life balance and my goals are more clearly defined. I have even joined a gym and improved my diet! Regular sessions where your feedback progress increases motivation!
Without her sessions I would not have determined my goals so clearly and moved forward in so many different areas of my life. Nor would I have improved my work life balance.
The conduct of sessions, trust built, focus on priorities, goals and outcomes and how to achieve them has been excellent - I would not have changed anything about the sessions. The sessions have met my needs and I have no hesitation in recommending Melissa as a versatile and excellent life coach.