About me
Hi! I'm Diane
Sometimes the most powerful shift begins with a thoughtful conversation.
My approach
I offer a welcoming, confidential space to cut through the noise and hear yourself think. I coach to ignite creative thinking, deep reflection, and forward momentum. I bring energy, imagination, and a sense of playfulness to our work.
Building a strong, supportive relationship matters to me and creates space for your ideas to take shape. My approach is non-directive and collaborative, yet gently challenging. I offer support and accountability to keep you on track and turn your aspirations into a solid action plan.
My coaching sits at the intersection of coaching and therapy and can be suited to people who are curious to explore their inner world, so they can move forward with a deeper understanding and purpose.
Who I work with
I often work with thoughtful, independent-minded individuals who want their work and life to feel more aligned with who they are now. My approach often resonates with people who are drawn to a flexible and self-directed way of living and working.
Having worked for myself for nearly 30 years, I particularly enjoy coaching small-business owners, freelancers, consultants, and other independent professionals navigating the realities and challenges of self-employment.
I also work with people considering the transition from a structured workplace setting to self-employment, as well as those navigating significant life transitions such as parenthood, returning to work, career change, or relocation.
Coaching with me
We can meet online via Zoom, in person, or a walk-and-talk session in South Manchester, UK.
Sessions last one hour, 90 minutes, or two hours.
We’ll usually work together for around six sessions. Meetings may take place fortnightly or monthly, allowing time between sessions for reflection and real change to unfold. You decide what works for you.
I’m currently offering a limited number of reduced-rate coaching packages until July 2026 while I work towards EMCC Global Accreditation at Senior Practitioner level.
Please feel free to enquire if you would like to know more.
Would you like to connect?
If you feel ready to take a step forward and think I could be a helpful thinking partner on your journey, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss.
I offer a free, no-obligation 30-minute connection call via Zoom.
This is an opportunity for us to explore what brings you to coaching, and for me to share how I work. You can decide whether coaching with me feels right for you, and I can ensure I’m the right person to support you, with the experience and approach you need.
My background
My coaching practice is grounded in 35 years of diverse, creative work.
Since the early 90s, my career has spanned commercial design, product management, psychotherapy, community arts, and art education.
After 13 years in branded sportswear, I shifted from product design to working creatively with people, keen to reignite my creativity and find deeper meaning in my work. I happily found my way into community arts and arts-in-health, delivering art-based workshops in healthcare, educational and business settings.
From 2004 - 2008, I undertook psychotherapy training in Transactional Analysis. This was a personally reflective and growthful journey that led me to 1-1 private practice while raising my family.
I loved being creative with my own young children - they had chubby crayons in their hands before they could crawl or talk! When they started primary school, I became aware of the lack of art provision in schools and often, in homes too.
In response to this, I founded The Imagination Box in 2016, where I create affordable printable art resources to help teachers and caregivers bring creativity into children’s lives. To date, these resources have been downloaded more than 250,000 times, supporting kids of all backgrounds and abilities in classrooms across the world.
My career journey has shaped the way I work today. I coach to ignite creative thinking and deep reflection. Book a free call or email me if you would like to explore working with me.
Thank you for visiting,
Diane
Training, qualifications & experience
How I coach
People often seek coaching when they sense something in their personal life, career, or business no longer quite fits, but what comes next isn't yet clear.
In my own experience, any journey from A to B is rarely a straight line. The most interesting work often happens in the messy middle, when we’re willing to sit with uncertainty and resist the urge to get it all figured out.
We begin to notice what matters most , what’s getting in the way, and what new directions might be opening up.
This is the kind of work I love, working creatively with the process. Often, the most meaningful insights come when we least expect them, and from these moments, small and significant shifts can begin to take place.
I draw on Transactional Analysis (TA) as a framework to listen deeply and support your thinking, helping you to notice patterns, beliefs, and ways of relating that may be shaping your choices.
• What isn’t being said?
• What patterns are emerging here?
• What beliefs might be limiting your choices?
Coaching is not about me giving advice or telling you what to do. For me, coaching is a reflective and collaborative partnership. We work together as equals, and you set the agenda. You are resourceful and have the capacity to drive change.
Training & qualifications
EMCC Global Individual Accreditation (EIA) – Practitioner Level
2025 - 2026
I am currently working towards Senior Practitioner Level, EMCC Global Individual Accreditation (EIA) at www.TherapistToCoach.co.uk
2004 - 2008
Transactional Analysis Counselling & Psychotherapy Training,
The South Manchester Centre for Psychotherapy
Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy,
Elan Training and Development, Manchester
Memberships & ethics
EMCC UK Associate Member - I abide by their Code of Ethics
Registered Member, BACP
Life Coaching & Executive Coaching Insurance
Ongoing supervision & CPD
GDPR compliant, ICO registered
Member organisations
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
EMCC UK is part of the Europe-wide European Mentoring & Coaching Council. Together their aim is to promote good practice and the expectation of good practice in mentoring and coaching across Europe. EMCC is an independent, impartial and non-profit making organisation.
Areas of coaching I deal with
Fees
Free initial telephone or online session
Additional information
MARCH 2026
While I work towards my EMCC Senior Practitioner accreditation, I’m offering a limited number of coaching packages: 6 × 90-minute sessions, to be used by the end of July 2026, at a reduced fee of £60 per session.
Please get in touch to find out more.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free 30-minute call.
Many thanks for visiting!
Diane
When I work
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