Write Your Way - Create a path to your dreams
TW16, Sunbury-on-Thames
(4)
TW16, Sunbury-on-Thames
(4)
Creative Coach – Using Creativity to Write your Way into the Life you Want!
Nicola McDonald is a Creative Coach, Author, and Podcaster at Write Your Way. She specialises in using the creativity of writing to help her highly sensitive, creative and Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) clients to write themselves to a better place.
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4 customer reviews
Charlie
Nicola provided a professional service in a relaxed atmosphere. She is committed to helping her clients reach their full potential. Would definitely recommend.
Reply from Write Your Way - Create a path to your dreams
Thank you so much Charlie. I'm so glad you felt relaxed in our sessions it's really important that you feel comfortable and safe. Stay wonderful.
Kerry
I have had several coaching sessions with Nicola over the last couple of years.
Nicola has helped me on several occasions – both in my personal and career.
PERSONAL
Nicola’s coaching techniques and the ability to get to know who I am as a person helped me to shift my mindset and outlook when I felt stagnant in my day-to-day life. For example, I love to travel; however, as years passed, I realised that I always depended on others when looking for my next adventure.
Nicola asked some deeply personal questions, and we got to the core as to why I was so dependent on others. With her coaching and support, I took the plunge and embarked on my first solo trip to India at the age of 50.
Some may think that’s not a big deal, but it was to me! I always had someone to the left or right of me in all my years, and I became dependent on them.
I have to say; I had the most AMAZING adventure in India that I will never forget. It was a liberating moment, and now that the world is returning back to normality, I’m looking to plan my next.
CAREER
I was unfortunate to have been made redundant during the height of the pandemic. My life was in turmoil, and I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, with Nicola’s coaching, guidance, understanding and empathy, she helped me regain my confidence. She pushed me outside of my comfort zone (which felt highly uncomfortable), but I’m glad she did. She made me realise what my qualities are and what exactly it was that I was looking for in my next role. Within 24 days of being made redundant, I secured a fantastic 14month maternity cover, which has now turned into a permanent position.
Nicola has been instrumental with the challenges I have faced and I’m so thankful to the friend that introduced me to her.
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Reply from Write Your Way - Create a path to your dreams
Thank you so much Kerry. I feel extremely blessed. I'm so happy that I have been able to walk by your side and unravel what was holding you back and addressing your fears. It's amazing what can happen when you are reminded of who you are. All I do is help you dig for the clues so that you are reminded of how wonderfully able you are. And you are as you keep proving in your personal endeavours and your career choices. I don't think I'll ever forget our first meeting, I knew I would enjoy working with you within a minute. And I have enjoyed watching your journey these past couple of years. Stay beautiful. I can't wait to hear where your next adventure will take you x
Martine Burns
The Couching I received was outstanding,I was able to work through different aspects of my life and achieve my goals.Nicola helped me look at things in a different light. I am still using the different techniques today. More...
Reply from Write Your Way - Create a path to your dreams
Thank you Martine for taking the time to leave your lovely review here. As one of my very first client's it's wonderful to know that you are still using the coaching tools now. You were so wonderfully open to the process and a joy to work with. Thank you for the outstanding review. Made me smile. X
Graeme
I have to admit, I was more than a little skeptical about engaging with a "coach" - this is surely just the preserve of laid back Californians with a propensity for extend periods of navel gazing.
However I thought to myself, I have tried on my own and not gained any traction and seemingly stood still with what I wanted out of life and my career. And so, I took a leap of faith.
Well, what a leap that was. Through careful questioning and listening Nicola expertly helped me navigate around my own values and dreams for the future, helping me realize that what I thought were some of my goals, were not actually my real goals (this is probably why I wasn't making any progress alone).
Within a few short weeks I had something I had not had, probably since childhood, a genuine clarity of vision, a pathway (with sub-steps) on how to navigate to my short and medium term goals. Which I am more than happy to report, I have achieved (my longer term goal will close out later this year).
I cannot describe adequately enough the clarity and value Nicola gave me during our sessions, and subsequently as I navigated towards my dreams. The way in which the multiple epiphanies were extracted from me is still a little bit of a mystery to me.
So if you are stuck, in a rut or just have an idea of what you want but do not know where to start or how to get there. Take a Leap of faith with Nicola.
Thank You Nicola
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Reply from Write Your Way - Create a path to your dreams
Thank you Graeme for leaving such a lovely review. Your skepticism still makes me smile, but the joy for me was watching how you engaged with the process, became clear on your goals, changed your narrative around the reasons you had decided you couldn't and instead you achieved and planned so much within 6 sessions. I'm so happy you will be able to achieve your longer term dream in 2022 as well. All goals ticked off. I would add that you did take a leap of faith, but you were also willing to work through the steps and therefore your achievement becomes its own reward and leaves you with confidence and the courage to help you move forward and around perceived or actual obstacles. Was a pleasure walking beside you.
What do you love most about your job?
Watching a person flourish. Seeing the shift in how a client comes to you for help and then watching them leave with the tools to take the next steps. Some have a wobble in between depending on the magnitude of what they're aspiring to, it's normal and ok. It becomes all the more satisfying when we part ways and they are on their way to a new healthier place.
I'm lucky that I also have returning clients and I love reminding them how far they have come and learning what grew from the seeds planted in a previous time. It's important you acknowledge your wins.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I had two very long redundancy periods each lasting 2.5 years. I and many others witnessed two long established companies close their doors for good. I handled this news my way. I had a mix of emotions, but remained focused, and spent time listening to many around me in shock and being an ear for those who needed to let off steam and voice worry and concern.
I had many feelings, but the main one was where is the care for the individuals. The second one was, perhaps I wasn't listening the first time. Maybe this is an opportunity.
So after 5 years in this environment I wanted to make a change. I made up my mind somewhere in the early days of the second closure to be part of the solution, to be effective rather than affected, so I became a coach with The Coaching Academy after completing my PPC Diploma. It turns out when I started training that I had always had the mindset to empower rather than micro manage. Me and it are a good fit.
Taking control and acknowledging and accepting I have choices freed me up to become a coach, an author, a writer and a podcaster. Through working through the noise I managed to change old narrative around what I believed I can do over what I can actually do.
The first three changes, Coach, Writer and Author were in my plan. The podcast happened this year after a life changing trip to Australia.
Life's not all planned all of the time. Because you only know what you know. And starting from a place of knowing is fine. Working out your values and beliefs is a great way to see what drives you. Sometimes there is wonderment around the corner. But you have the choice to go with the flow or not to.
Why should our clients choose you?
I am an highly sensitive introvert by nature, I always lead with kindness and love. I have a gentle approach and help you move forward through writing yourself to a better place. I know that coaching works. In the past 6 years I've achieved: 1 x Coaching Qualification, 4 Books and a Podcast. I always use the coaching tools to move forward. This is what my clients learn to do too and they bloom.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Yes, I am happy to work online via Zoom and I will send a link prior to each agreed session. I also offer email packages which means you can work on you whenever you are free to do so. No appointment needed.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
Covid is not an issue when providing online or email coaching to a client.
Creativity Coaching - Online 1-1
What is online Coaching?
Online coaching is an interactive, friendly conversation between coachee and coach either via video or audio.
You can let me know of your preference on the day or beforehand.
What is Creative Coaching?
Creative coaching is also referred to as creativity coaching. It’s a way of encouraging people to develop creative skills to work through blockages or overcome barriers. Creativity is about thinking in a new way, often through storytelling or emotional expression, which is what we see from writers, musicians and the artistic.
It is also about problem-solving, idea generating and reaching a solution differently by exploring ideas that are creative and unconventional. Key for those launching their own business.
Creative coaching can help you to develop your artistic talents, skills, and interests. Working with a creative coach can also help you to overcome your troubled areas such as imposter syndrome, self-doubt or low self-esteem.
What do I need for my session?
Pick up a pen and notebook or a device of choice and be ready to write.
Send your completed forms in 48 hrs before we start. There is generally a greater commitment to accountability when a goal has been written down. If you write it, it exists. There is commitment and a feeling of responsibility to achieve.
Review packages here: https://writeyourway.co.uk/packages/
Creativity Coaching - Email
What is Email Coaching?
Email coaching uses email as the sole form of communication between coach and client. It is a process aimed at maximising a person’s potential and performance through an exchange of emails between coach and client.
Email coaching differs from other coaching by using written word in preference to the spoken word. Email happens in free time while conversation happens in real-time.
Communication is asynchronous while verbal communication is synchronous. Email communication, unlike conversation, leaves a permanent and complete trail of the coaching exchange.
Coach and coachee can review and consider what has been covered and prepare for the next step. Coach and coachee are on the same page.
Progress is documented by the coachee. This is rewarding and motivating in terms of dreams and goals becoming reality. The conversations are an historical time-stamp, a diary documenting your journey.
There is generally a greater commitment to accountability when a goal has been written down. If you write it, it exists. There is commitment and a feeling of responsibility to achieve.
Accountability is a central pillar of the coaching process. Without accountability, coaching has not happened. The action of coaching takes place in the coachee’s life. And the action of writing down your plans and goals sets the stage for accountability.
Email coaching unfolds gradually. There is no weekly session. The process is ongoing.
Conversation covers more ground more quickly and there tends to be a long gap between sessions which is not always used effectively.
Email coaching eliminates the need for scheduling coaching sessions, aligning calendars, cancelling, postponing, rescheduling, etc. This also means that there are no time-zone limitations.
Coach and coachee can correspond from any location on the globe. Email coaching breaks down some language barriers.For example, if english isn’t your first language, email conversation provides a way to slow down, take time to gather your thoughts, without feeling that there is a barrier of understanding.
Tip: If you have something to share or ask, why not send your email at the end of the day? I look forward to hearing about your wins and thoughts in my inbox. I will endeavour to reply within 24 hours (Mon-Thur).
Review packages here:
https://writeyourway.co.uk/packages/
