Ruby’s story

“When I first approached Claire, I had recently found out by accident that my husband had been having an affair with a young woman twenty years younger than myself and that this had been going on for three years.

My main challenges were in coming to terms with the fact that not only had there been a relationship going on for such a long period of time that I knew nothing about - dealing with the shock - but also that my husband did not want to work on the relationship. He left without my being able to discuss any issues properly or have any productive conversations and subsequently behaved as if I had never existed.

I think I was still in a state of absolute shock and disbelief.  I felt bereft, numb and traumatised.  I questioned everything about the 30 year relationship and how I could not have known about it.  I felt confused, saddened, and the situation consumed my thoughts constantly.

Claire encouraged me to think back to what I had learnt in the previous six months that I could take forward to the rest of my life.  This was incredibly helpful, as when I wrote down all the things I’d done in those few months, I realised that I was perfectly capable of creating the enriching and meaningful life that I wanted, and this knowledge helped me to feel more confident in moving forward. 

Claire encouraged me to think about what I had gained, what my values were, what I could control and emphasised routes to self-empowerment and freedom from negativity and abusive behaviour.

There were a few memorable realisations - considering what I could take out of my ‘treasure box’ -
the love of my daughters, friends, church and daily joys, practising gratitude - this was very powerful. 

Also reframing some of the self-talk, so for example, shifting “I will never get over it”, to “I will definitely get over it and I am already starting to get over it.”

Also challenging negative beliefs - realising how, once you take your power back, you are invincible.

I felt so encouraged and uplifted after the sessions - I began to realise that I could regain control of my life and see it as an opportunity with many amazing options.

Claire is warm, friendly, insightful, empathetic, kind, professional, sensitive, non-judgemental, emotionally intelligent, well-read and knowledgeable, always responsive and prompt when replying to messages. I found working with her very positive - she had a confidence and relaxed manner that made me feel at ease and able to be open to moving forward positively.

I looked at a few coaches before I found Claire, but I liked her kindness and warmth the best.  I would recommend her because I believe she genuinely wants to help others. She can come alongside you and illustrate just what an amazing life can be had when we are able to be supported to unlock the perhaps latent potential that lies within each one of us when we go through adversity.”