Chanel Hicks

Simply put, I help young people be their best selves. It's about breaking down the barriers that are stopping young people from releasing their full potential and being happy. I am an accredited self-employed Life Coach with 15 years experience working with young people.

Relationship building is at the core of my work and is essential for creating mutual trust. I really get to know my clients, knowing their interests, what makes them tick and what makes them laugh! My sessions are purposeful, yet ‘light’ and I value humour! In building a genuine connection, my clients feel safe, respected, and most crucially…seen and heard. This promotes open dialogue.

As a coach, I am non-judgemental, never have an agenda and don’t provide the answers. My approach is always age-appropriate and tailored to the individual’s personality. Everything I do is underpinned with encouragement, compassion and kindness, with a big helping of fun! Most importantly, I genuinely believe that every child and young person is capable of greatness, and my aim is for them to believe it too!

Nobody can go further than their self-concept dictates is possible for them! I believe it’s just as important to help young people develop a good self-concept, as it is to help them understand their personal ambitions and barriers. Afterall it’s much easier to tackle life’s challenges and be comfortable making mistakes, when you are comfortable in your skin, knowing what makes you ‘you’.

I help young people see their spark, even if they are not able to see it themselves. I want them to feel good about their character, understanding their value and what they can offer the world. Its about knowing their strengths, passions and areas to develop and being ok with being perfectly ‘imperfect’. I help young people find their ‘WHY’ and instil the mindset and confidence they need, to pursue their life goals.

Real learning happens when the brain is allowed to be quiet. It’s amazing what insights people come to when they have a designated time and space to reflect. In today’s world we are ‘activity rich, reflection poor’, yet real SELF-AWARENESS and growth comes through reflection. After all, we don’t fully understand how we feel or find clarity, until we take time away from distractions and allow ourselves to think deeply. Only then can we find ways to move forward. Without it, we can feel ‘stuck and other unhelpful emotions and feelings can start to arise. Worse still, they can spiral out of control. I provide a ‘neutral’ and safe mental sorting space.

I am not an expert at life, far from it in fact! I am however, an expert listener and expert questioner! Very often incredible and meaningful conversation has saying little or nothing at the root of its success. Coaching can be the same! During our sessions I listen actively to what is said and what isn’t. I notice the subtle nuances and use this to inform my questioning, helping my clients move forward in their thinking.

For any child or young person, it can be hard to manage home and school or university life, alongside their friendships, personal needs, interests, and the pressures they may face. I get that, and that’s why I focus on the ‘NOW’ and what is within their control. My approach places a strong emphasis on goal setting and the creation of actionable plans with a focus on personal accountability.

I help young people and educators:
- gain greater clarity and understanding
- generate their own solutions to problems
- remove the blockers to their objectives
- transform insight into action

I am an extra pair of eyes and ears, walking them through their realisations and helping them find the right solutions, so they can move from ‘I wish’ to ‘I did’

My coaching sessions adopt the ‘GROW model’, an evidence-based coaching framework devised by Sir John Whitmore 2002, pioneer of coaching and leadership. This approach is widely used today in Sport, Business and Education.

Sometimes children and young people need guidance in overcoming mental barriers and how to manage their thoughts and emotions. In this instance, I can provide scientifically proven tools and strategies. I draw my knowledge from the latest research in Coaching, Cognitive Psychology, Positive Psychology and Neuroscience. I know what works!