There are many different definitions of and approaches to coaching. Making use of a range of definitions, I define coaching as:

“a shared, thought-provoking conversation in a safe, compassionate space with the aim of enabling learning, growth and change”

What is Coaching?

How can coaching help?

Coaching can provide support to a range of areas of life including wellbeing, relationships and work. It is particularly helpful for supporting transitions.

The focus of the coaching is decided by the person or people seeking it and with the coach alongside can help to identify strengths, passions, needs and possibilities. It can connect personal and professional values and goals. It may involve exploring past behaviours, hidden beliefs, meaning, values and may stir strong emotions. Coaching at its heart is focused in the present, the future and finding solutions.

Coaching is underpinned by the beliefs that humans are able to develop, improve and grow and that each individual knows best how to navigate their life.

Coaching is not advice giving, mentoring or therapy.

What difference can coaching make?

Research is ongoing in the field of coaching but there is evidence that coaching can make a positive impact on: positive emotions and wellbeing, self-esteem, confidence and resilience and clarifying values and strengths.

Here is a blog about my experience of being coached, which provides one insight into the types of ways coaching can help and suppport: Being Coached

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My approach to coaching

I provide a safe and compassionate space for individuals, teams, and groups to deepen Self-leadership, connect with inner resources, and honour the many parts that show up when facing change. Together, we can be curious, explore complexities, sit with uncertainty or discomfort, and discover meaning. This opens pathways to new ways of being and thriving through transitions.

In our work, you lead the way as the expert in your own life. My role is to listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and help us stay in connection — sometimes light and playful, and sometimes hard and a bit messy. When the different parts of ourselves feel witnessed rather than pushed aside, small shifts become possible — and those shifts can grow into lasting change in how you feel, act, and relate to yourself and others.

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I am an accredited Senior Practitioner Coach (EMCC) and an Internal Family Systems-informed coach. My practice is integrative and works in response to what a coachee needs. It draws on a range of established, research-based models including:

  • GROW and INSIGHT coaching models

  • Clean Language and metaphor

  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

  • Strength and values-based approaches

  • Positive psychology

I have been a coach since 2013. I founded Sam Beal Coaching in 2023 and work in alignment with EMCC’s Global Code of Ethics

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My Qualifications

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MSc Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, University of East London (Distinction)

Coaching and Mentoring in Management (Level 5), Chartered Management Institute

Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, University of East London (Distinction)

Postgraduate Certificate in Education, St. Martin's College, Lancaster

BA Honours: Modern History and Politics, University of Liverpool

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Feedback

  • BA (2024)

    The benefits to Sam’s coaching was that I took one hour for myself and my own needs and challenges, which is not something I do often in my life. Sam always created a very safe space to talk, and sometimes if we went a bit deeper into issues, I felt that I discovered more about myself, and perhaps why, I made decisions about things the way I did, so more self awareness.

    I always felt the coaching was useful and helpful to me and I learnt not to put so much time pressure on myself to get everything done, and to be a bit better at time management which is a personal challenge. I also have valued Sam’s knowledge of the menopause and impacts and Sam would send information to me after sessions to help me understand more which I really appreciated. I have always felt Sam is very easy to talk to and share thoughts and feelings with and is an excellent coach.

  • AH (2024)

    Have to say I would MASSIVELY recommend Sam Beal as a coach. Honestly phenomenal and has been a real privilege to work with her at various points over the last 18 months. Better than any therapist I have ever worked with, and she creates a safe nurturing reflective space to really figure out what is going on. Can honestly say I have had lots of really positive shifts for the better since working with her. Turns out I don't really hate exercise (!) I actually quite like it, I just really hate the idea of an expectation on me to exercise because I may have demand avoidant tendencies 🤣 Since working that out I now somehow run once at least once a week and do a 1hour joyous swimming lesson every week, because she helped me figure out the stuff that works for me and my ND brain. 🏊‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ . Honestly if you need a handhold in navigating this grown-upping lark then do contact Sam because she's ace. (AH 1:1 coaching 2024)

  • SM (2023)

    My desire with coaching was to find the confidence to start thinking more practically and pragmatically about my career, and I do feel as though that has been achieved. As well as that, I think that we successfully explored situations in which I feel uncomfortable and how I can think about what would make me more confident in those situations.

  • JM (2023)

    The differentiation of coaching questions. tapped into my learning style to evoke shift of perception, peace and solutions.

  • NK (2021)

    Ultimately, what I got from the sessions was the opportunity to step away from the normal responsibilities and busyness of the day and take time to give myself the uninterrupted head space to work through a concern. Most importantly for me Sam, was the way you made me feel that I was in a “safe space”… You were considerate, empathetic and mindful of my emotions giving me time to express and then regulate them appropriately.

  • MH (group coaching) (2021)

    Sam held the space very well and was sensitive to the needs of individuals. I felt safe at all times and able to contribute to the discussion when I wanted to, or pass if I preferred. Not feeling ‘pressured’ to talk was important and probably resulted in my contributing more freely as I was not stressed. For me, the session was very successful; I achieved my goals.

  • CJ (2021)

    …thank you Sam for helping me explore the causes and possible solutions to the difficulties I was having…. It wasn’t easy… but I do feel more empowered and confident… and hope that I can use my new found skills in other situations if and when they arise.