WHEN her daughter was diagnosed with a serious hip condition, Jenni Donato was delighted with the help she received.
There was advice about special equipment her daughter would require and information on suitable car seats and even clothing.
But it was in those quiet moments, often late at night, that Jenni felt helpless and abandoned.
“When we have life-changing experiences like illness, debt or going back to work, there is often lots of practical help available but there may be a lack of personal advice and support,” she explains.
“We get no official training and can never fully prepare ourselves for exactly how much our lives and relationships will change.”
Today, Jenni is a Life Coach who uses her experience and scientifically proven tools and techniques to allow clients to realise and accept their current situation, help identify their own targeted solutions and develop structured plans for success.
Based in Wokingham, she launched her own company, Chance Coaching, and is an Affiliate Member of the Association for Coaching, working to a strict Global Code of Ethics and confidentiality. Her aim is to help others receive the sort of support she lacked herself in her most difficult times.
“Choosing to have a family is one of the most life-changing experiences we can undertake. However, no one prepares you for what it will entail and even the strongest of us sometimes struggle to navigate through the tough times,” adds Jenni.
“We can feel equally adrift when facing other life changing situations such as unemployment, debt, divorce or returning to work after being away for a while.
“My role is to help people take control of their life, focus on self-development, improve the relationships with those around them and create a calmer and happier home environment for them and their family.
“I will be there to help clients navigate through their own world, confident in the knowledge that we won’t preach and – above all else – we will passionately care about helping find their own solutions.”
Chance Coaching is set up as a CIC (Community Interest Group) which means the profits go back into the community.
Life Coaching can be carried out in a number of ways including by telephone, video conferencing or in person.
“I believe any client and coach should form a professional relationship where both parties can feel comfortable being completely open and honest.
“That is why I offer a number of packages which come with a free initial consultation in order for both parties to decide whether they would like to work together and for a coaching package to be specifically tailored.”
Being a CIC also opens up opportunities to go for funding to provide services free of charge to parents who really need it (within certain eligibility criteria) and through partnerships with organisations such as Chance to Dance, a disabled children’s dance school in Wokingham.
