Abi Unwin

Verified Professional Verified Professional
Verified Professional

Every professional displayed on Life Coach Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.

she/her/hers
Association for Coaching Certified life and career coach
Limited availability
Limited availability

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

Bristol, BS15
Limited availability
Limited availability

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

About me

My name is Abi and I have over 20 years experience in career coaching and personal development coaching.  I am a certified member of the Association for Coaching and also a CMI qualified manager level 5 with a specialism in employment and retention services.

My passion for supporting people in their careers and personal lives has led me to become a self employed personal development and career coach with a relaxed but professional way of communicating to help people in any area of life realise their goals whether this be within career coaching, life coaching or business coaching.

I empower clients to break down barriers, identify career paths and/or personal goals using solution focussed action planning and motivational coaching methods which also boost confidence, energy levels and self esteem as well as increase motivation and reduce anxiety.

I work with individuals, business owners and corporate clients who wish to hire me for one to one career coaching, life coaching or business coaching sessions online or face to face within Bristol and Bath.

What to expect when you first contact me

I offer all prospective clients a free mini session to begin with (up to 30 mins) which can be done over the phone or online - whichever your prefer.  I will ask you a little bit about your goals or if you aren't sure what they are yet,  we can explore your reasons for wanting to try career coaching or life coaching (or a combination of both!)  It's also a great way to find out if we are a good fit to work together as coaching is most effective when there is a good connection between client and coach.   There are occasions where I will recommend you seek alternative services before you are ready for coaching such as counselling, for example.

During your free mini session just tell me what you would like to achieve and we can explore how coaching can help you, but there is NO obligation to book following this.  Most clients will then have a think and decide what they want to do next before coming back to book in with me for either a one off session or a package.  Then I will send you out an agreement which outlines the cost, sessions booked and expectations/terms of career coaching, life coaching and/or business coaching which you will review and sign before we commence coaching.

How do I know how many sessions I will require?

During the mini session I will explore your goals with you and suggest what I think will be required but it's completely your choice and depends on your need and budget.  However, if you wish to book a one off career coaching or life coaching session to start with and afterwards decide you actually need a package of 3 or 5 sessions, I can alter your booking and fees accordingly.   

I also offer an ongoing service to anyone who has had a package of career coaching or life coaching sessions with me which is a monthly meeting and open email communication in between.  This can be great for maintenance and many people like this option when they move into a new role at work or have ongoing goals they need coaching around.

Training, qualifications & experience

Experience

I have been coaching individuals for over 20 years, working within the ACC code of ethics and guidelines.  I completed ongoing training and continuous development whilst working as a coach and manager in the public and third sector and then went onto become a self employed coach and member of the Association for Coaching with a specialism in career coaching  I have a full DBS (enhanced) check most recently dated August 2022.

I use action planning, solution focussed coaching and GROW coaching methods alongside reframing and positive mindset techniques.  

Qualifications include:

  • BA (hons) English Literature 2002
  • CMI diploma Level 5 Management 2013
  • PTTLS 2011
  • Life Coaching-Coaching Academy 2019
  • Career Coaching-Oplex Training 2020

Some kind words:
Abi is a talented career coaching professional who I have been privileged to work alongside. Friendly, kind, calm, compassionate are a few of the words I would use to describe her. As a colleague I learnt so much from her. For coaching, I’d look nowhere else. Whatever you want to achieve, Abi will help you get there. Her holistic approach and understanding of your needs will ensure that you grow from strength to strength. Abi will help you overcome hurdles that seem impossible and empower you to reach your goals and boost self esteem. I’ve seen her do it time and time again, she’s exactly who you’d want to share your journey with.

Lucy Woodman, Nailsea


I work with people from all backgrounds but here are a few examples of people I have coached:

Adults and young adults aged 16+,  students,  school leavers, job seekers, people returning from a career break, working people who want to change their hours/terms and conditions/create a better work life balance for themselves, business owners, start ups, managers and senior managers, people who show potential in the workplace, HR professionals, organisations who wish to increase their diversity, staff wellbeing, recruitment and retention of staff.  I have also worked with people due to retire or who have already retired to find purpose and new goals following a career and people wishing to find a new direction such as volunteering.

I have extensive experience of working with people with disabilities and health conditions and a specialism in working with women and under represented groups.

Member organisations

AC
Association for Coaching (AC)

The Association for Coaching is one of the leading professional bodies for Coaches and Organisations.

The Association is made up of a number of different membership categories, e.g. Associate Member (AMAC), Member (MAC), Accredited Member (AC Accred), with the different categories standing for different levels of training and experience. Accredited Members have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by the Association.

The Association has a Code of Ethics & Good Practice and a Complaints Procedure.

Other areas of coaching I deal with

Start up coaching for new business owners or people thinking about becoming self employed.

Photos & videos

Fees

£87.00 per session
Free initial telephone session

Additional information

Coaching packages and prices 

Initial mini session:  FREE  (30 mins online or phone call where we explore your needs, what kind of coaching suits you and if we are a good fit to work together along with a short mini coach session around a goal you'd like to work on.)

Individual session (1 hour)   £87 which includes a pre session activity and full notes including on going action plan.

Package of 3 x 1 hour sessions   £248 which includes a pre package activity, full session notes following each meeting,  and coaching action plan.  Can include a CV creation/rewrite/edit.

(This option gives you email and messaging support from Abi in between sessions, great for accountability check in's)

Package of 5 x 1 hour sessions   £413 which includes a pre package activity, full session notes following each meeting and coaching action plan with a welcome pack including planner and scented candle.   Can also include a CV rewrite/creation/edit.

(This gives you email support from Abi in between sessions)

Maintenance Package

I offer maintenance package to people following on from a coaching journey they have completed with me which offers continuous support and regular check ins.

  • 1 x Monthly coaching session 
  • Unlimited email support
  • Weekly 15 min check ins and goal accountability

This service is £99 per month and can continue on-going for as long as you require.

Coaching can take place via Zoom video call or phone call, or face to face in a private meeting room or as part of a walk and talk session.  

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

I

Further information

Testimonials - What my clients say about me!

Some kind words:

“I’m so grateful to Abi! Her coaching sessions have helped me enormously. She  helped me find clarity when I really needed it. I always looked forward to our sessions together and she motivated me hugely. Through our sessions I’ve gained the confidence to make decisions about significant changes in my life. I would highly recommend Abi" Sasha Hepner, Bristol

“Abi helped me to explore my career options and identify areas I was satisfied with, and areas and I wished to change. It was helpful to do this in a space where I felt comfortable and able to focus on me. Being really listened to is surprisingly powerful.”  V Doust, Bristol

"Abi is a talented careers professional who I have been privileged to work alongside. Friendly, kind, calm, compassionate are a few of the words I would use to describe her. As a colleague I learnt so much from her. For coaching, I’d look nowhere else. Whatever you want to achieve, Abi will help you get there. Her holistic approach and understanding of your needs will ensure that you grow from strength to strength. Abi will help you overcome hurdles that seem impossible and empower you to reach your goals. I’ve seen her do it time and time again, she’s exactly who you’d want to share your journey with." Lucy Woodman, Nailsea

“Abi has a way of making you feel at ease the moment you meet her. Coaching with Abi has been a really enjoyable and enlightening experience which has helped me to feel more confident about myself both in terms of my career and my personal relationships. Managing people can be stressful and having an impartial coach to talk openly and honestly with is so valuable.” Rebecca Charles, London

More about coaching with me

My aim is to provide professional and empowering coaching which puts you in control and allows you to flourish - not to become dependant.  Most clients have a maximum of 5 sessions and will then move on with their goals feeling confident, energised and self motivated. 

I maintain the ethics and standards of behaviour established by the International Coach Federation “(ICF)” (Coachfederation.org/ethics).  It is recommended that the all clients review the Code of Ethics and the applicable standards of behaviour.  

Do I need to do any preparation?

After you have completed your booking and signed your coaching agreement, I will email you out a preparation sheet which has a few helpful tips to help you prepare and get the most out of your sessions with me.  The most important thing I suggest to do before we meet either virtually or in person is to spend 10 mins before the session alone and without interruptions ( I know this isn't always possible!) to clear your mind and grab paper, pen and a drink so you can focus fully.

How long is a session/what will happen?

One hour to an hour and a half is the maximum time for one session.  We connect online or at a meeting place we agree on (I offer walk and talk sessions for local clients who like to meet outside or I can find an indoor venue to suit you.)

During safe and confidential discussion, I will ask you thought provoking questions that help you to identify and achieve a goal you want to work on.  As your coach, I will actively listen to you and encourage you to reflect and think carefully to find your own solution. By asking the right questions I will allow you to unlock the answers.  Coaching with me puts you in the driving seat, it will empower you to take ownership of your goals by drawing out your positive energy.  Coaching with me is not therapy, counselling or mentoring.  Advice and guidance is not given during a coaching session. Nearly all of the input (90%) will come from you, and there can be no coaching if there is no goal.  Sessions should not be formal or feel draining. 

Coaching can be challenging but will also be enlightening and most importantly, empower you to find your strengths and unlock your potential.   As your coach I will utilise a range of coaching tools to draw out your talents and skills, explore your current reality, discover any challenges you may face and help you look at all available options to overcome barriers which may have stopped you before.  Then the most exciting part, action planning and turning ideas into reality.

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone
Home visits

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Life Coach's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Life Coach to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Please let me know your requirements on your booking form or when we first talk and I will be ensure these are met wherever possible. I am flexible with regards to meeting venues and hope I can make coaching accessible for anyone who wishes to start.

Online platforms

Whatsapp
Zoom

Social