Susan Thomson
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Who are my clients?
Are you a busy woman?
The answer is most probably a clear yes! Life is so busy, busy nowadays.
Do you feel you have lost your mojo due to pressures of work and want to get it back?
Are you at a turning point in your life and need to get some clarity about how to take the first step towards your dream?
Or maybe you feel there is something more you want to do with your life but can’t pinpoint what it is that is missing at the moment?
Maybe you love your work and home-life but feel a bit frazzled at times and want to inject some joy into your life?
Maybe you have been procrastinating about starting something - to get fitter, become better organised, jump ship to another job - or whatever?
How coaching can help
I love to support others to stop procrastinating about their own happiness and wellbeing.
I will listen attentively, use questioning and support you to create goals to improve your life, whether personally or professionally. This might be to improve your personal organisation or time management, maintain a fitness routine or carve out some space for yourself so you get back into interests you used to pursue.
I will encourage you so you can work towards and achieve the goals you set yourself.
What to expect from your first session
We will have a free 30 minute initial chat via Zoom or telephone so we can find out if we are a good match.
You can outline where you are at present in terms of your professional and/or personal life, and where you would like to be.
I can explain the coaching process and answer any questions you have about coaching.
You can then decide to schedule three initial sessions. I will send the zoom link for these ahead of our schedule times.
My background
I have just retired as a teacher. I had a satisfying career spanning 34 years, starting off as a primary teacher, before moving to become a childcare and education lecturer.
For my final nine years, I worked within the HR and OD department within a college to support staff to gain teaching and assessor qualifications. Observing a staff member with their class and then encouraging them to add to their 'teacher's toolkit' was an absolute pleasure.
I was also an internal coach within the organisation, support staffing across the academic faculties and professional services so they could move forward with their professional or personal goals with clarity and optimism.
Facilitating other people's professional and personal growth was such a satisfying process and now I have left full-time employment I am enjoying supporting a range of women who for different reasons feel they can benefit from my support.
I have had the opportunity to work with a range of people from diverse backgrounds, ages and job roles.
This includes lecturers, assessors, managers and professional services staff ranging from administration support to student guidance to estates. I have also coached clients external to the college working in the NHS, business, industry and also students starting off in their careers.
The variety of issues I have coached around include:
- work/life balance
- career progression and planning
- dealing with difficult work relationships
- stress management
- procrastination
- achieving more joy in life
- work/life issues related to having ADHD
- achieving better time management
- rediscovering mojo
- making better diet choices
- wellness/health and wellbeing
- establishing positive habits
- becoming positive about changes at work
- making a decision to move on from current job
I notice that people I coach and work with often say I am calm, patient, inspiring, supportive, an empathetic listener, positive, friendly and genuine.
I offer coaching sessions online via Zoom or if you live in Fife, and prefer in person sessions, I am happy to book a room at a local venue where we can be assured of privacy and comfort.
How Reiki can help
As well as coaching, I am pleased to offer reiki treatments.
Reiki is a traditional Japanese energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, and reduces stress and anxiety through a gentle touch. Some clients have found that their pain is reduced and they find an inner peace and calm.
I will use my hands to channel energy to your body to support your own healing. You remain fully clothed during a treatment and can choose whether to relax on a massage table or if you prefer in a chair. Sessions takes place in a pleasant, comfortable venue in Fife.
Want to find out more about me?
Check out my 30 days of joy, other posts and recommendations on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomson-s
You may also be interested in finding out more about me in this recent interview:
https://www.humansoffuzia.com/2023/11/17/the-woman-dedicated-to-nurturing-growth-and-empowering-lives/
Training, qualifications & experience
My academic qualifications are:
- MA (Hons) English and Psychology
- Masters of Education (Hons)
- BA (Open University)
- Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Education
In terms of a coaching qualification, I hold a Diploma in Coaching from the General Teaching Council for Scotland and an International Coaching Federation Accredited Diploma in Coaching from Stellar Conversations, an Edinburgh-based training school.
I also hold a Group Coaching and Facilitation Certificate from Stellar Conversations.
In addition, I am a Certified Happiness Facilitator, a qualification I gained from the Museum of Happiness, a London-based not-for-profit social enterprise. This course was based in research-backed positive psychology, focusing on mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude and self-care.
I am a Reiki Master/Teacher. I feel I bring a mindful approach to my coaching due to this training. Should you be interested, I offer in person reiki treatments to clients within Fife, Scotland. These can be organised in addition to coaching, or stand alone treatments to support your wellbeing. The sessions can take place seated in a chair, or on a treatment couch.
I am a member of the International Coaching Federation, I hold full registration with The General Teaching Council for Scotland and I am a Graduate Member of The British Psychological Society. Being a member of these bodies, I work to ethical standards.
Professional membership
Areas of coaching I deal with
Fees
£35.00 - £180.00
Free initial telephone or online session
Additional information
I offer a free 30 minute initial 'discovery call' where we can get to know one another.
I can outline how coaching or reiki might help you, and we can decide whether we are a good match.
If you wish to go forward with coaching, you sign up for three initial sessions – an hour each – £180 for the three sessions.
If feel you are making useful progress, we will continue with a further three sessions.
In person Reiki treatments, lasting around 1 hour, cost £35.
Vouchers
I am a happy to create vouchers so you can gift a loved one coaching or reiki sessions.
When I work
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If you cannot make the times listed, then please let me see what I can do to work around your availability.
Further information
Coaching
If you have never been coached before, here are some tips to get the most out of our sessions.
Coaching is something that is done with you, rather than to you.
As a coach, I can provide the space for you to decide what you wish to gain from the session or sessions.
You might not be clear of your desired outcomes at the start of the coaching relationship or the start of a particular session, and that is ok! Just start to think out loud, and it is amazing what comes up!
You may find that being coached allows you to gain new insights into your situation.
These new insights can often lead you to setting yourself goals. Changes in your work or home life that in some way are improvements.
I can be a useful support mechanism to you by motivating and inspiring you, checking in on your progress, and acknowledging your successes.
Reiki
For insurance purposes, I will ask you to complete a short form when we meet where you list your contact details and any medications you are taking.
Reiki is safe for everyone including pregnant women. Anecdotal evidence is that people with Diabetes may find their insulin level may change after a treatment, and so you are advised to monitor this.
After your treatment, I will ask you to feedback any experiences you had during the session and I record this on your client record. Some people feel warmth or a cool sensation, other people sometimes see colours, others images. It is not my role to diagnose what these sensations mean, however it is so interesting hearing from clients what came up for them!
At the conclusion of our session ai will give you an information leaflet to take away. This will include after treatment advice. This will allow you to gain the most from your session.
Here are some recommendations I have received from colleagues, people I have coached, and people who I have treated with reiki.
Susan is an exceptional coach and an absolute pleasure to work with. She possesses a remarkable ability to connect with individuals on a deep level. Susan goes above and beyond to create a safe and supportive environment where coachees can explore their goals, identify obstacles, and develop effective strategies for personal and professional goals. Beyond her coaching skills, Susan is an exceptional colleague and human being. Her positive attitude and willingness to support others creates a vibrant and inspiring working environment. Anyone fortunate enough to work with Susan will undoubtedly benefit from her expertise, guidance and unwavering support. Don’t miss the opportunity to work with such a remarkable professional - I am confident Susan will exceed expectations in every way. PT
Susan is extremely approachable, positive and attentive and I felt sincerely heard and validated during our sessions, which is due to Susan’s genuineness and keen listening skills. I was able to open up and explore my thoughts, and Susan gave me the opportunity and space to reflect in a way that allowed me to find some real deep perceptions that I was not expecting. Susan is a very confident and encouraging person and I really needed this to get the most out of our sessions.if you are looking to have some coaching, then I cannot recommend Susan lightly enough, not just for her responsiveness, patience and integrity, but also for her professionalism and attention to detail. JB
Susan was lovely and welcoming and made me feel at ease from the very first moment we were introduced. She is friendly, warm and inspiring. A lovely person overall, who is a pleasure to meet, work and interact with. TR
Susan has a plethora of experience and calmness I am envious of. I recommend Susan for any coaching or training. SR
I have worked with Susan for a number of year, in a number of different roles and it has been a pleasure. Forever curious, and eager to learn, along with our discussions on learning and teaching and new technological developments. I would highly recommend visiting Susan for reiki. She made me so calm and relaxed beforehand, and I had an amazing experience. LK
I know Susan from Fife College where she was significant in supporting myself and other students complete our PDA and TQFE. She is warm, friendly and approachable and completely empathetic to the fact we were very busy in our lecturing roles while completing these courses. Susan also displayed a congruence in our meetings which helped put me at ease. Thanks again for your support Susan, it is much appreciated. AD
Susan is a highly skilled professional with a gentle, friendly demeanour which makes her a pleasure to work with. RM
I would describe Susan as approachable, honest and very supportive and Susan takes her time to provide invaluable feedback to any learner or peer who seeks her help. CC
Susan’s support in relation to my professional development goals has been indispensable. Susan consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of my needs, and she offered clear, actionable steps to help me achieve my goals. Her approach is both empathetic and pragmatic, providing a safe and motivating environment for personal and professional development. For anyone seeking a transformative coaching experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Susan.
AF
I highly recommend Susan for her coaching and Reiki skills. She has a strong ability to actively listen and make you comfortable. She is easy to open up to.
AM
Susan is a good listener, observant, non- judgemental and empathetic. With her support, guidance and cheerfulness, she was able to highlight areas for improvement and help me plan suitable courses of action. I would happily recommend Susan for those looking for coaching. JW
What makes Susan stand out is her high emotional intelligence. She takes time to get to know you and genuinely wants to help and develop you. She is an excellent communicator and takes time to gather and reflect on the information you share, before she responds with an idea or solution. If you need support to develop your teaching practice or that extra support to achieve your goals in life, I would recommend Susan. LW