I
coach people who are HIV positive. For five years I worked with this
group as a therapist on issues like anxiety and insomnia. It hit me
one day that people with HIV could really benefit from coaching -
and it's true!
Combination therapy has resulted in a good prognosis for thousands
of people. But being positive brings up lots of stuff and it can become
a whole way of life. As you settle into taking the drugs for life
and managing your symptoms, you become aware that you are no longer
the person you were before your diagnosis. Many people ask, "What
will I do now? How can I make a contribution? What are my strengths?
What new skills do I need?" This is where coaching comes in.
Based in Brighton in the U.K., I work one-to-one by phone or face-to-face.
The focus is usually on personal and career issues, together with
the areas of confidence and support. Some clients are keen to go out
to work but are unsure of their direction. Some want to do part-time
volunteer work.  |
One
client was diagnosed at 26 when he was very active in the club
scene where he also worked. Now, at 36 he feels uncomfortable
in that scene. He feels well enough to do some kind of job but
it must fit the person he is now. He is using coaching to explore
new possibilities, including setting up his own business.
One of my clients on welfare benefits has obtained funds from
an AIDS charity to pay for coaching. I base my fees on a sliding
scale and I will soon be starting an HIV coaching group over the
phone.
|
Front
Page
IV
Coach 