Pure Coaching? What Even Is Pure Coaching?

Pure coaching? For me, it’s like filling your cup. However, a lot of people don’t even really know what coaching is. They’ve heard the word, they might even know someone who’s had coaching, but when it comes to considering it for themselves, scepticism often takes over.

Coaching? That’s for executives. Or that life coaching thing. Oh, and isn't there that guy who does wealth coaching? Well, and then there are people who are stuck. Or something a bit vague and fluffy. And besides, I don’t have time for that at the moment. I'm too busy.

So, what is it? Well, here’s the thing—coaching is many things. And since the industry isn’t regulated, definitions vary. But for me, coaching is pure coaching or pure coaching is coaching. It’s purpose is to create clarity, choice, and momentum through real conversations.

So, What Did Coaching Do for Me?

I knew about coaching for over 20 years before I truly considered it. I even had a coaching session back then, and believe me, I could have used more of it over the years. Those sessions were transformational—within three months, I applied for teacher training, quit my job as a research assistant at Cologne University, and moved to Bristol.

Why? Because I wanted to speak English every single day. That was my vision, my dream. My coach was brilliant in the way he teased all of this out.

Even now, I often feel like I’m living that dream—especially when people in Germany assume I’m an English person and compliment me on how good my German is. That, to me, is a dream come true and that it what coaching did for me.

Coaching Changes You

You’ll hear a lot of coaches say this. But it’s not just coaches—it’s the people who have been coached who say it, too.

Do you need coaching all the time? Of course not. But could it be something you return to when you need clarity, support, or a shift in perspective? Absolutely.

A client recently told me that she often leaves coaching sessions feeling re-energised, as if something has been lifted. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes, a session leaves you pensive, aware of something that requires deeper thought. Coaching meets you where you are.

Coaching as Filling Your Cup

During a recent conversation with a client, this analogy came to me: coaching is like filling your cup. And yes, many have spoken about this before.

• Julia Cameron talks about refilling the creative well (The Artist’s Way).
• Brené Brown speaks of the importance of not pouring from an empty cup (The Gifts of Imperfection).
• Stephen R. Covey explores a similar idea with Sharpening the Saw (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People).

The message is the same: our cup—our energy, our wellbeing—needs care and replenishment.

Coaching, like journaling, going to the gym, eating well, or watching a film you love, can help with that. Because doing life drains your cup.

As teachers, my colleagues and I often lamented that things were done to us rather than with us. Coaching, for me, is about reclaiming that agency—figuring out how to refill your cup and, more importantly, understanding why it’s drained in the first place.

What’s in My Cup?

For me, my cup is filled with a beautiful, light Japanese tea. Not just because I need to take care of myself and stay kind, but because tea is something you can’t rush. A tea ceremony is about presence, patience, mindfulness—and appreciating the complexity of a good tea.

These are qualities I strive for but don’t always embody.

That’s why I have a coach. Not to “fix” me, but to walk alongside me, to witness my journey, with all its bumps and inconsistencies.

What’s the Worst That Can Happen?

One of my students once said,

"The worst that can happen with coaching is that people talk to each other and feel heard."

And honestly? That’s not a bad worst-case scenario.

Curious? Let’s Talk

I typically coach teachers and nurses, either in 1:1 sessions or small groups. Why? Because I know I can make a difference.

If you’re interested or know someone who could benefit, I have an introductory offer to help people get a feel for what I do. Whether you want to refill your cup or are just curious, get in touch. You have nothing to lose by having a chat. And if I’m not the right fit, I know plenty of wonderful coaches who might be.