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Craig Forster Coaching

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About

I support my clients in a coaching partnership to help them create the life and work they really want, being their authentic self and enjoying what they do with less stress. We can work on whatever you'd love to create, accomplish, change or overcome in your life and work.

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28 hires on Bark
3 hour response time

Reviews (11)

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5/5

11 customer reviews

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15 February 2024

Life Coaching

I reached out to Craig because I felt there was room for improvement in aspects of my life. There wasn't initially a goal in a specific area, but once we explored different themes we had a list of focus points. There was no 'I'm struggling with this', so much as 'I'd like to make things even better', which Craig understood in our initial discussions.

Since working with Craig I've made noticeable improvements in the areas we identified in our early discussions. Whilst there is always a way to go, I've had others (particularly my partner!) observe changes in my behaviour that have made improvements in my life. I feel like there is a structure and toolkit that I can take in to certain aspects of life rather than searching for answers.

Craig has a great mix of exploring the reasons and understanding (the 'foundations'), whilst also being a sounding board for building actions and driving towards goals. This was set out at the start, as I have previously had a more traditional counselling which I wanted to build upon and turn in to more proactive and solution led outcomes.

I would highly recommend working with Craig to a friend. I would describe him as highly approachable, empathetic and knowledgeable in his craft. He goes above and beyond what I have experienced before in making sure you understand what your aims are, both long term and for each session, to ensure you are getting the most value from his coaching.
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verified
11 August 2023

Life Coaching

Where to even begin to explain just how brilliant Craig has been for me?
At the start of 2023, having just moved house and finding out that I was to be a father for the 4th time, and working a 6 figure salary highly stressful job, and trying to set up another business and feeling as though the weight of the world was upon me, I felt as though I had nowhere to turn, especially when it came to getting things off my chest, or around wanting to build a life for my family where we no longer worked 9 to 5. I didn’t want to burden my wife, so I desperately needed an outlet, a mentor, a coach who would both listen to my gravest concerns as well as hold a mirror up to my internal dialogue and thoughts. In Craig, I got both, in spades.

Firstly, Craig saved me a significant amount of money in terms of the business venture I was pursuing as we discussed intricate details around what was working and what wasn’t, how I’d recognise what success and failure looked like, and whilst I wasn’t looking “solely” for business coaching, Craig’s wide life experience enabled him to work with me on that venture in terms of getting me to challenge what I thought could work. Sometimes, we’re all just too close to the wood to see the trees, and that’s where Craig came in to provide an incredibly valuable service to help me analyse reality.

Secondly, with all that I had going on in my personal life, I was finding it increasingly difficult to switch off and to gain a good sense of perspective on the day to day. He and I went through numerous methods of stress reduction and being able to take a step back and to look at what’s actually going on, and not what your ego thinks is going on.

All in all, I saved a lot of money by not pursuing a failed business venture, was able to unload all of my deepest fears (and hopes), generate great ideas in brainstorming sessions and start to gain insight as to my heart’s desire as to the life I want to live. To anyone looking for a life coach, I would highly recommend Craig’s services, he’s genuinely nice, very kind, helpful, quick witted, bright and very approachable. I will be going back for more!
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16 November 2022

"I was struggling with persistent anxiety and self-doubt before I started working with Craig. I had previously tried CBT, which was helpful but hadn't provided long-term solutions. I had recently experienced another period of poor mental health and was close to taking medication as a way of managing the highs and lows of everyday life. But before taking the plunge, I wanted to try one last thing: coaching.

If I'm honest, I was a bit sceptical to begin with. I wasn't entirely sure what coaching was and how it differed from therapy, and also whether I would be able to afford it, but an initial chat with Craig enabled me to ask all the questions I had and to understand his approach (completely free of charge, with no pressure to sign up!).

It's difficult to put into words how and why coaching helped me, but Craig's gentle and compassionate approach enabled me to have insights about myself, my thought patterns and my behaviour that have led to a healthier perspective and reduced anxiety. I'm feeling considerably better now that I have completed my coaching course, and I can only put that down to working with Craig.

Craig is a person of integrity, honesty and kindness - exactly the kind of person you would want to speak to at a time of vulnerability and need. I am so grateful for the way he approached our sessions. He gave generously of his time and knowledge to help move me to a much more positive headspace, and between sessions he was always available and contactable if I needed support.

I would feel 100% comfortable recommending Craig to a friend. He approaches clients with sensitivity, care and respect and goes above and beyond to help them.

Thank you Craig. It has been a pleasure working with you."

Meg F
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verified
9 November 2022

Life Coaching

Before finding a coach, I had little confidence and was holding back on making any decisions and changing my situation. I was made redundant during the Covid lockdown. I was stressed, overwhelmed, doubted myself and could not move forward with anything. I was a little sceptical about how a coach can help me but I initiated a search and the only one, out of many, that responded with genuine interest and engagement was Craig. He dedicated a lot of time to chat and evaluate to see if we could work together and from the beginning, I felt comfortable with him and felt he was able to understand, relate and help with the issues I wanted to address.
Craig is very friendly and easy to talk to. He has an effective way of coaching which helped me to change my mindset, realise the qualities I have within me and begin to take control of things that I couldn’t progress with before. In a relatively short time, my husband noticed and commented on the changes in me, and I think that it has had a positive impact on my children too. I am happy that I chose Craig to work with and invest this time in myself. I thoroughly enjoyed our sessions and I definitely recommend his coaching services.
I would like to say thank you Craig for being so supportive!

KS
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verified
27 July 2022

Life Coaching

Coaching with Craig has changed my life.

When I first reached out for a life coach on-line, I was looking for a way to build resilience. I felt like I'd lost my way, like my goals were no longer achievable and that I couldn't sustain my lifestyle and career.

Craig responded to my enquiry and left me a voicemail message. We spoke later on the phone and his calming manner immediately put me at ease. We spent an initial session exploring how I was feeling and what I wanted to achieve from coaching, I felt an affinity with Craig from the start. I felt I could be open and honest and that he would hear my concerns.

I worked with Craig for a period of 10 weeks and in that time I made significant steps forward. My inner confidence has been boosted. I feel mentally and emotionally stronger. I cherish the life I lead now and I'm building my future knowing that it's based on what makes me happy, not what I feel obliged to do. It's a truly liberating feeling.

For anyone considering coaching, trust me and have an initial chat with Craig. I can't recommend him enough.
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18 July 2022

Before I started working with Craig, I experienced anxiety especially when I had to speak to a large group. I tried everything from meditation to listening to online coaches on Youtube. Things got worse for me during the pandemic and I know I had to seek guidance and help to improve my way of thinking. When searching for a life coach, I wanted someone who has experience working in a corporate environment and Craig was able to understand the nature of my job and the circumstances that would induce my anxiety. He is very gentle but firm in his coaching style. I particularly like that he would hold me accountable to my words and feelings. When a certain style does not work for me, he would pivot to a different method. He helped me to develop different ways to deal with uncomfortable situations and coping mechanisms which really helped in my professional life. He wasn't focusing on finding a cure but more about adapting a new way of thinking. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for a change in their mindset. More...

18 October 2021

After working with Craig, I see my original ‘issue’ differently. It’s not an issue at all, now. Productivity was an arbitrary thing I made up. My ‘progress’ was made up and any discomfort I was in was all made up by me. Seeing this, truly, made my self-imposed judgement melt away.

Basically I’m having a nicer time being alive. And guess what? I’m doing stuff. But it feels so different.

Oh gosh it was so good working with Craig. He’s warm, smart, witty and truly listens. It's not ‘if’ I recommend him to a friend, but WHEN I recommend him.... I’ll tell them to go for it, double his fee and settle in for a good time
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8 October 2021

Before starting our work there was a lot of negativity surrounding my life with a lot of thinking about the “what ifs”. Focusing too much on things out of my control. A lot of words I would use would be “I should” “I cannot” “I feel that” lots of negative thoughts and fear regarding the future and many things that had not even happened but I would always plan for the worst possible outcome being very pessimistic.

I had previously tried counselling and focusing on all the issues of the past making me reflect on these which did not help and only surrounded me in guilt and the wish that things had played out differently.

I went in with limited expectations due to my previous experiences and was unsure as to what to expect. I was unsure if coaching was the correct choice for me. The approach was very different to what I expected but this turned out to be very beneficial

My mind is drastically less focused on the negative and through the different techniques we practiced I can centre and refocus to feeling calmer throughout a regular day. I am confident within myself and less focused on the what if. My perspective on myself is that regardless of what comes my way I will accept the challenge and will help personal growth. I will be okay whatever happens".

Coaching can be used for many aspects of life, whether its towards your career or personal life. I believe this should be considered by everyone who is unsure where to turn to or what to do next.

I am grateful for the experience I had with Craig and has allowed me to focus on myself a lot more, I don’t worry about what people think of me. I will continue to use the techniques and practices we have discussed during our sessions and I would thoroughly recommend Craig to anyone. From the first conversation he was easy to talk to and has helped me a lot
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8 October 2021

Before my coaching sessions with Craig, I was already familiar with other coaching methods, but I had never tried his coaching style before. I liked the approach that although we briefly touched the origins of some of my issues, the focus of the sessions were strongly in the future, not dwelling in the past. I learned a few very effective ways to handle difficult situations in a different way, from a different perspective, which led to different results in the end. The coaching style of Craig was very warm and sincere. The process was supported by regular accountability moments More...

8 October 2021

Working with Craig was immensely insightful and helpful. Through the work I was able to see areas where my language and thoughts were not helpful and needed to be challenged. Craig helped me to clarify what I wanted in a number of different areas of my life and how to progress towards them More...

8 October 2021

Before I had my coaching sessions with Craig, I wanted to explore how in certain situations I hold myself back due to insecurity about the possible outcome or consequence. Craig was able to shine a light on some of my blind spots which offered me insight and allowed me to approach these situations with more confidence. What he points to is applicable to any situation or challenge - so to anyone looking to make change of any kind: I can definitely recommend working with Craig More...

Q&As

I love helping clients achieve the changes and transformations they want to make and to having an opportunity to make a difference in their lives.

I've taken a journey of personal development over 30+ years and and always been curious about understanding what makes us tick as humans and leads to the experience of live that we each have. I'm also a great believer in our amazing potential as humans and how we can make changes to enjoy life to the full. This led me to training as a professional coach and to helping others with coaching which I find very enjoyable.

I believe in having a trusted relationship with my clients. I seek to truly understand my client's world and requirements so that I am best placed to help them.

I am well trained directly by leading reputable trainers and have on-going training to continue to add additional value to my clients.

I combine coaching skills with practical experience of the world in terms of corporate career, relationships and parenting and all the challenges these bring so I can relate to my clients.

We get one precious life and I am focused on helping my clients make the most of it in ways that are important to them.

Coaching is typically by Zoom video and/or Phone. This works very well in practice. Messaging support is also available, typically via What's App.

Not applicable since coaching is carried out remotely although face to face can be arranged on a case by case basis and appropriate measures will be taken.

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