Introducing forum expert Louise Cox, relationships coach
2 December 2014
Let’s hear a bit about your background
I was born in Leicester and have lived here almost all of my life. At the age of 35 I still love living here, although it was not always the case - 3 years ago I decided I was tired of Leicester and went to try out Perth in Australia. I was soon back however with an even greater appreciation of the UK.
I come from a small family and whilst growing up I remember wanting to be a pop star! I left school and started working at the age of 15. I used to work in criminal law but eventually realised that I needed to be in a positive field.
I live with my lovely partner and gorgeous border collie Ozzie.
And what about your field of expertise? How did that come about?
Having gone through a bit of an emotional breakdown in my 20s around relationships, I tried several counsellors that helped me to a point but then I would leave sessions in tears not knowing what to do with what they had told me.
I felt no one really understood, I felt very lost and I kept running away travelling not knowing where to turn. I then began studying self help books and this is when I first disovered coaching. I was hooked. I found a great coach/mentor who helped me through my dark times and I then decided I wanted to qualify as a Coach to help other people who were also stuck in life. It is the first time in my career that I have found something that comes very naturally to me.
I qualified with The Coaching Academy UK with Distinction and then went on to qualify as a Strategic Intervention Coach under Mr Anthony Robbins at his offical school of training for coaches. I am proud to say that I am one of only 76 Coaches qualified in the UK.
What do you most love about life?
The simple things in life including nature, family, the warmth of my home on a winter's night..a cuppa tea and a magazine!
OK, so what about the not-so-good-bits?
We all have bad days, we would not be human otherwise but I don’t let myself fall into a deep dark place. I don’t really see any days as bad - it's all a learning curve. I try to keep myself balanced because I know in life there will always be pain but there does not have to be suffering - there is a big distinction between the two.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Buying a house at the age of 19!
What is your next big goal in life?
To write a book and have it published within the next year. Watch this space!
Coffee or herbal infusion?
Coffee all the way!
Dark, milk or white chocolate?
Mainly milk, but depending on the mood, white!
What word or phrase do you most overuse?
I'm not sure! I know it used to be ‘I’m not being funny but’ ...until someone pointed it out! I was not aware of it but it has now been deleted from my subconcious so I never say it any more!
What is the most important lesson that life has taught you?
That we are in control of our lives and we have to take responsibility for that. As soon as we give away that control things can go drastically wrong.
What is your work or business philosophy?
To never give up and follow your dreams as there is no such thing as failure - it's what makes you grow.
What one piece of advice would you pass on to others?
That positive thinking does not work alone - you have to take action. It is not about going to the back garden and chanting there are no weeds! There will still be weeds! Your environment will always be the same unless you choose to change it and a sneaky other bit of advice - once you look after yourself 100% inside and out, then the other things will fall into place around you.