As 2016 draws near, I have been looking back at my coaching experiences of 2015 and identify where I made significant progress followed by areas that I need to grow and improve.

Looking back over my student feedback forms I have noticed there is a familiar theme. Many of them commented that they have improved their confidence and self-esteem, built coping strategies which are tailored to their needs and now recognise that ‘they’ are responsible for their behaviour, actions and happiness.

As I coach my students and work with them on their journey of change, I realise that they have also taught me a lot over the year and have enabled me to grow and become a better coach and mentor. There is always an opportunity to learn in everything that we do.

During my sessions I use music to relax my students. They learn how music can help them emotionally, assist them in expressing their feelings and it helps me to build rapport. They have introduced me to some very different music, some of which I now have as personal playlist favourites at home.

I spend a lot of time learning about their world so that I am familiar with the things they do, what they are talking about and what they are listening to. This enables me to quickly build rapport and create a relationship based on trust and mutual appreciation. Young people are more likely to open up and talk about what is bothering them if you are familiar with their environment, give them time and actively listen to what they have to say.

My area for improvement is to continue to learn more about young people and how they live their lives. By building a better understanding of how they think and what they do will help me to improve my skills as a coach and mentor. I have already enrolled on an ‘Adolescent Autism Awareness Diploma Course’ which I will start in January and I am looking forward to developing new skills in this area.

If you know of a young person that would benefit from working with me then please do contact me.