That’s a brilliant question, and one that many people ask when considering a move into coaching.

I’m a certified Trauma-Informed Coach with specialist training and personal experience in domestic abuse. While formal qualifications aren’t legally required to become a life coach—at least not here in the UK—it’s worth thinking about the kind of coach you want to be and how you’d like to support others.

Personally, I believe having lived experience in the area you’re coaching can make a real difference. It helps you connect with clients on a deeper level and truly understand what they’re going through.
That said, I know some outstanding coaches who don’t have formal qualifications or personal experience in their niche, and they still offer incredible support. So it’s not a strict requirement—it’s more about what feels right for you.

If you’re serious about coaching as a career, ask yourself:

- Do I want to specialise in a particular area?
- Would I feel more confident with formal training?
- What kind of clients do I want to work with—and what would they expect from me?

Ultimately, it’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about alignment. Whether you choose to pursue qualifications or rely on your lived experience, what matters most is that you feel equipped and authentic in your role. That’s what builds trust and creates impact.

Setbacks are lessons we weren’t aware we needed to learn. They’re not punishments—they’re part of the process. Every failure, every detour, every “not yet” is shaping you into the person capable of achieving the goal you’ve set your heart on.
It’s easy to quit when the reward isn’t immediate. And for some, that’s okay—there’s no shame in choosing a different path. But if your dream still burns inside you, if your chosen path still calls your name, then you owe it to yourself to look deeper. Ask: Why is this happening? What is this trying to teach me?

Success isn’t about never falling—it’s about learning to rise every time. The people who make it aren’t the ones who had it easy. They’re the ones who:

- Reframe failure as feedback
- Adapt and pivot when needed
- Stay connected to their purpose
- Build resilience through reflection, not repression

You’re not weak for struggling. You’re human. And every setback is training you—mentally, emotionally, spiritually—for the breakthrough that’s coming.

So take a breath. Recenter. And keep going.
Your future self is already proud of you.

If you need any support please get in touch.

The simplest way to put it? Your life would finally feel like your own. You’d no longer be trapped in the pain of the past (trauma) or paralysed by fear of what’s to come (anxiety). Instead, you’d be grounded—fully present in the here and now.

When you begin to feel safe again, the transformation tends to show up in three key areas:

1. Your Body

That constant tension—the sense of always being on edge, bracing for the worst—would begin to ease. Your body would shift from feeling like a battleground to becoming a place of comfort. You’d be able to rest properly, to heal, rather than living in a state of high alert. Moving your body and reconnecting with it would feel empowering and natural, not something to fear or avoid.

2. Your Mind

The endless cycle of racing thoughts, self-criticism, and worst-case scenarios would start to quieten. You’d gain clarity, making space for focus, joy, and purpose. Emotional resilience would grow—you’d be able to feel things deeply without being consumed by them. And with that, your trust in your own instincts and decisions would return.

3. Your Life

You’d be driven by a desire to grow and connect, rather than just survive or keep things at bay. You’d have the energy and confidence to form genuine, fulfilling relationships—with boundaries that feel safe and solid. In the end, a life rooted in safety means laying down the heavy armour, stepping out of survival mode, and finally having the freedom to truly live.

If you or anyone you know need further support, please book a call.