Welcome to Growing Potential – the eZine for OTs interested in all things coaching.
Since I love OT and I love coaching, I am always so happy to write this eZine! Last month I visited Health Creation who are based in Bath and had a lovely chat with Rose Daniels, founder. She was very excited about her new Diploma in Integrative Medicine as it is now open to OTs (see below).
During November I also attended 2 women’s conferences – they are always so inspiring and you meet such lovely people. Being a celebrity stalker, I collared Lynne Franks for a quick chat. Lynne is a fashion and media/PR guru, about who the great comedy Absolutely Fabulous was based. She also established the Seed network for women entrepreneurs.
I am also busy working on a new Digital Product which will be on the website soon…it has taken much longer to orchestrate than I could ever imagine! I am also preparing for the mentoring day at COT on 17th January…any one coming..it should be great fun and lots of learning for allJ Details below.
Last week I had a video made – which was quite a terrifying experience! I wisely invested in a couple of sessions with Claire Jaggard, Media Coach – well worth the money or else it would have been a hideous result. I’ll tell you more once it has been edited and uploaded!
If you have read your OTN this month, you will see a short piece I have written on the personal challenges and changes we face as OTs…I hope you enjoy it.
Health Creation, Co-Creating Health or Crafting Wellbeing?
I have been following Health Creation for many years. It was founded by Rosy Daniels, former medical director at Penny Brohn Cancer Care. Rosy has also been the cornerstone of the Diploma in Integrative Medicine at Bath Spa University – well worth a look if you are considering some post grad training as they now include OTs J
I purchased my own personal Health Creation Programme about 4 years ago when I was unwell and it is a fabulous resource. Along side the manual and workbooks you also get 4 sessions of Health Creation Coaching – a must if you want support to make sustainable wellbeing changes. Having worked with “Wellbeing Coaching” in various roles over the last few years, there is a wealth of varying opinion and differing approaches being used from CBT based coaching to motivational interviewing through to more diverse models such as Health Creation which includes the following principles: food, exercise, detox, stress, relationships, emotions, being true to yourself, energy, spiritual connection, your space, your communities and the natural world.
Over the years, the notion of creating health or more importantly co-creating, has been one of my main areas of interest. The notion of co-creation acknowledges that we do not operate in a vacuum – our lives, our wellbeing is the sum of many parts of our lives and the people in it (incidentally, I found out about the NHS Co-creating Health initiative from a local OT who was visiting my art exhibition last year!) Embedded in this approach is all the learning from the Expert Patient Programme combined with Health Coaching, something the NHS keeps having a play with, but seems to abandon as they realise the resources involved to make it a success. Having a “short, sharp focussed 3 sessions” with a CBT therapist or other professional, just doesn’t cut the mustard. Long term changes require an understanding of the individual’s social situation, beliefs, values, health beliefs, approach to life, approach to learning etc. We know that changing behaviour takes a long time and needs sustained support. There also have to be very tangible benefits to making changes whilst raising awareness of the benefits of not changing. The power of this cannot be underestimated.
I was so excited to hear about the 7 pilot sites which were set up for Co-Creating Health, but I have struggled to find out how the pilots are going and what the results are …… does anyone know? I just hope it hasn’t suffered the same fate of many other brilliant pilots which produce great results, but where the Health Economics evaluation shows it’s a costly option.
I like to think about it “Crafting Wellbeing”, as it is a true weaving together of many facets of someone’s life to create a whole. It’s not just about giving up smoking or losing weight. Wellbeing, as we know, is mix of healthy, purposeful living, healthy relationships and environment … “not merely the absence of disease” ! One of the most powerful things that I learnt during my own personal health coaching, and still have to re-learn regularly, is that we need to acknowledge and really embrace our own “self” in our wellbeing quest. Once I gave up the fights which I knew I couldn’t sustain, let alone win, it became much easier. Striving for balance just doesn’t work for me, so trying to pace, is a no no. I am an erratic exerciser – that’s just the way it is. I will never be well and happy if I choose the easy option – annoying but true.
These are key things which have allowed me to understand and craft my wellbeing in recent years. I wonder what works for you? How do you craft your wellbeing?
Workshops, Courses, Event
Ready Fire Aim!
Whether you thinking about starting a business or enterprise or having been doing so for a while, this workshop will ensure that your business reflects your vision, passion and values. Recruit the power of your Right Brain in this vibrant workshop.
Following the success of this workshop, we have had lots of enquires to run it again. So here’s the plan: 7th February, Leicester £99 early bird before 10th Dec, £119 after.
21st February, Slough £99 early bird, before 1st Jan, £119 after.
Price includes all resources, refreshments and light lunch
Warning: this workshop could seriously improve your business.
NLP for OTs We postponed Octobers workshop on NLP in OT, but would really like to re-schedule. Please email with interest so we can plan a new date
Mentoring, coaching and supervision: skills for OTs
16th January COT London Cost £50 (for COT mentors) £75 for BAOT members, £100 non-members
This programme will include: an exploration of the nature of mentoring and coaching within OT; practical exercises using tools to improve mentoring skills; practical advice regarding mentoring relationships. This day will provide delegates with skills for use in clinical practice for service users, skills for use with staff and students and skills to benefit your organisation. This day will also support those joining the COT mentoring scheme.
Contact Clare Leggett 0207450233345 email : cotcs.event@cot.co.uk
Social Enterprise and Beyond
1st May COT London £120 BAOT members, £160 non members.
Are you considering setting up your own business? Are you interested in the opportunities Social Enterprise may offer? Starting a new enterprise or continuing to build an existing one, requires a mix of vision and self belief alongside good business sense. How do we tap into creative thinking, the core of innovation? What are the elements of business planning which will form the basis of a successful enterprise? Jen Gash (that’s me!), occupational therapist, coach and entrepreneur and Wray Irwin, Social Entrepreneur in residence, will help answer those questions providing you with plenty of ideas and food for thought.
Benefits from attending the day:
• Consider how we use our diverse skills to create innovative business ideas
• Participate in business planning activities and consider how to market your ideas
• Hear from others who have set up their own Social Enterprise
After attending delegates will be able to:
• Understand the elements of business planning and develop their own business plan
• Consider if Social Enterprise is the appropriate model for their business
Contact katalin.rado@cot.co.uk for bookings and information.
If you have a course or workshop of interest that you would like listed, please email us: jen@otcoach.com
Book Review
“Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind” Nancy Kline 1999 Pub Cassell
This is a gem of a book. I read it early on in my coaching journey and still quote from it frequently. Kline has developed a model of human interaction called a “Thinking Environment” based on the following 10 components: Attention, Incisive Questions, Equality, Appreciation, Ease, Encouragement, Feelings, Information, Place and Diversity (sorry about the inappropriate capitalisation it just looked better!) Within these listening is at the core:
““Attention, the act of listening with palatable respect and fascination, is the key to a Thinking Environment. Listening of this calibre is enzymatic. When you are listening to someone, much of the quality of what you are hearing is your effect on them. Giving good attention to people makes them more intelligent. Poor attention makes them stumble over their words and seem stupid. Your attention, your listening is that important.”
Kline makes an interesting point about professional listeners (OTs included) who generally listen poorly as talking is equated with being professional! That’s one to ponder on and notice when you are with your clients next! What is the quality of your listening?
Great book. Do read it. It’s a keeper.
End note
1) Number of days spent in new office at the Bhive Bristol – 3 so farJ
2) Number of days internet down this week – 5 (sob)
3) Number of kittens being considered for Christmas – 2
4) Number of books bought this month… a modest – 2
5) Number of PV solar panals installed – 10 (hurrah)
6) Number of wood burning stoves installed after being in the garage for 4 years -1 (huzzah)
