About me
You are here because something in your work or life no longer feels quite right.
On the outside, things may look steady.
But underneath, you might feel unsure of your direction, less confident in your decisions, or aware that you are not fully using your strengths in the way you once did.
Hello, I am Paula Donnan, founder of Donnan Coaching Services in Belfast.
I am a Strengths Coach, Confidence Coach, and Accredited Strengthscope Practitioner. I support people across the UK and Ireland with career development, personal growth, and building confidence at work and in life.
My approach is strengths-based.
Together, we explore what comes naturally to you, what gives you energy, and what may be holding you back, especially during periods of pressure or change. Coaching gives you the space to reflect on yourself more clearly, build your confidence, and make decisions that feel right for you.
When it feels useful, I use Strengthscope to help you understand your strengths in more depth and how to apply them across your work, life, and career planning.
I bring over a decade of experience in employability, training, and coaching, including supporting people with learning and employment barriers to build confidence, develop skills, and move forward into work or new opportunities. This keeps my approach grounded, practical, and focused on real progress.
If you are feeling stuck, unsure, or ready for something to shift, you are in the right place.
If this feels like the right time to reflect, build your confidence, and move forward with clarity, you can book a consultation and we will take it from there.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have over 15 years of experience supporting individuals across education, community, and employability services. My work spans coaching, mentoring, programme delivery, and learner support, all grounded in a strong foundation of training and qualifications that reflect my commitment to personal development and practical impact.
Qualifications include:
- ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring
- BA (Hons) Degree in Social Sciences (2:1)
- Diploma in the Management of Training and Development
- Level 3 Certificate in Personnel Practice
- Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management
- Level 3 Award in Supporting Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs
- Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in Lifelong Learning
Experience includes:
- Career Coach and Business Owner – Donnan Coaching Services
- Information, Advice and Guidance Practitioner – GEMS NI
- Learning Support Assistant – Northern Regional College
- Employability Trainer and Coordinator – Bryson Future Skills
- Participant Development Coach – SERC
- Skills Advisor – TWL Training
- Learning and Development Assistant – BHSCT
I deliver 1-to-1 and group coaching to professionals, graduates, returners, and leaders who need to re-engage, helping those who have lost confidence reconnect with their values and strengths. I also design and facilitate workshops on strengths, confidence, and career development.
Areas of coaching I deal with
Photos & videos
Fees
£30.00 - £2,000.00
Free initial telephone session
Additional information
My services are designed to reflect the depth of support I provide, with options to suit different stages of your career and life.
I offer one-off sessions, short-term coaching, and more in-depth programmes depending on what you need. Strengthscope diagnostic assessment and debrief sessions are also available, using a tool backed by the British Psychological Society.
Fees are available on my website or by request.
When I work
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