Andy Wood had almost become a prisoner in his own home, the four walls of his house providing him with a 'comfort zone' from which he was reluctant to step out.

However, he was thrown a lifeline when he was specially selected to receive free life coaching.

The work and support of trained counsellors is helping Andy regain his confidence and self esteem after he plumbed the depths of despair.

The solitary nature of Andy's work as a signalman took its toll on his health, and he spent some time in hospital.

But, in October last year, Andy (39), from Elgin, plucked up the courage to enter a "Northern Scot" competition with the prize of six months of support from NB Coaching and Mentoring.

It is a move he has never regretted – he was chosen as winner, and sharing issues with the team and looking at the way ahead is having a positive impact on his life.

He said: "Pre-coaching seems like a long time ago, but I would say then I was anti-social; I was very reclusive. I wasn't working, I didn't go out and I didn't know anyone.

"If you don't go out, you don't meet people and so it becomes a vicious circle, and that was detrimental to my well-being.

"At that time, I found it hard dealing with people I didn't know. If I had to start a conversation with a stranger then there would probably be no conversation."

Having had the benefit of sessions with three qualified professionals – a coach, a counsellor and a hypnotherapist – Andy has been able to take steps towards improving his mental and physical well-being, by joining the gym, joining a social club and looking at 'what's on' in the area.

He is now going through the process of becoming a volunteer for a charity, which he sees as the first tentative steps towards returning to the world of work.

Andy said: "These are the kind of things that I would never have done on my own, but winning the competition is helping me turn my life around.

Andy Wood is enjoying the benefits of joining Moray Leisure Centre's gym. NS

"I find at the gym I talk to just about everyone, and I even help those who do not know how to work the equipment. I do not wait for them to break the ice any more. I feel a lot better; more confident and more outgoing."

Having seen a number of NB Coaching's team, Andy has found each one easy to talk to.

"I get on really well with them and things are going really well. There has been nothing scary or daunting, they have all been really nice people who I get on well with, and can have a laugh with. Life coaching is something I would thoroughly recommend.

Andy, who will be 40 this July, said that there was a time when he couldn't think about the future – or contemplate celebrating the milestone.

"I did not expect to reach 40. Now I am enjoying life a lot more and my goal is to find a new version of me, like a phoenix rising from the ashes."

Coaching and mentoring will continue with Andy being given sessions focused on positive thinking, Dr Nick Brown said.

"The idea is to get Andy to a stage where he feels strong enough to carry on in the summer without external support.

"He has given good feedback on the work done and appears to be much more vibrant; wanting to get up early in the morning, enjoying his gym sessions and showing an improved interest in himself."

For more information on life coaching, visit the website www.nickbrowncoaching.co.uk or e-mail: Nickbcoaching@aol.com

e.green@northern-scot.co.uk

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend