10 Reasons Young People Recommend Positive Psychology Coaching

Introduction

Positive psychology coaching has become increasingly popular among young people, and for good reason. Not only does it provide a safe and confidential space for personal growth, but it also equips them with valuable life skills that can benefit them well into adulthood.

In this article, we will explore the key themes that emerged when we questioned the young people we work with about their experience of our positive psychology coaching sessions, and why they recommend it. We will also discuss why they believe parents and educators should consider it for themselves as well. By delving into the insights and perspectives of these young individuals, we hope to shed light on the valuable benefits that positive psychology coaching can offer both young people and adults alike.

1. A Safe and Confidential Space for Growth

“It is good because it gives me somewhere I can get stuff out and trust people with confidentiality. I wish she could magically appear whenever I’m feeling rubbish.”

One of the key reasons why young people find positive psychology coaching so beneficial is the safe and confidential space it provides. In a coaching session, they have the freedom to express themselves without fear of judgement. In our experience, this safe environment allows them to explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges openly, fostering self-awareness and personal growth. Although we always encourage young people to communicate openly with their parents, it is important that they understand that we only share what is agreed, unless there is a safeguarding issue.

2. Trust and Support from the Coach

“It’s good to have somewhere to talk when you’re feeling bad, or your head hurts from thoughts. It’s really easy to trust Tamara.”

Young people often face multiple challenges and uncertainties as they navigate their formative years. Our positive psychology coaches act as trusted allies, supporting and guiding them on their journey. Young individuals appreciate having someone who is genuinely on their side, understanding their unique perspective and needs. This trust and support from the coach create a strong foundation for growth and development and allow the young people we work with to explore new ideas and experiences in a safe, constructive way.

3. A Place to Reflect and Think

“When you feel down and need a moment to think about something or talk to someone, I know I can get some space in our sessions.”

“If I want to do something, I know I can set a goal and stick to it and achieve those things.”

In a fast-paced and demanding world, young people struggle to find time for self-reflection and introspection. Our positive psychology coaching sessions offer a dedicated space for individuals to pause, reflect, and think. This process allows them to gain clarity on their goals, values, and aspirations, helping them make informed decisions and create a sense of purpose in their lives.

4. Emotional Management and Social Skills

“It’s really helped me manage tricky situations, especially when I could easily get angry. Now I can walk out, ignore it or just block it.”

“It’s [coaching] excellent, because I know how to control my anger a bit better now. I control myself before I speak and think about what I’m going to do. It’s really helpful and useful.”

Navigating strong emotions, such as anger, can be challenging for young people. Positive psychology coaching equips them with effective strategies to manage these emotions constructively. By learning to regulate their emotions, they can improve their relationships, resolve conflicts, and enhance their overall wellbeing. Additionally, coaching helps young individuals become more sociable, fostering their ability to connect with others and build positive relationships. This includes building effective communication skills such as compassionate listening, open questioning and confident speaking.

“I think I am more socially intelligent because I’ve started leaning towards different groups and joining in. Coaching has helped me become more sociable.”

5. Coping with Stress and Developing Resilience

“I have coping strategies to cope with my worries and I know how to tell my inner chimp not to worry so much.”

“I have much better perseverance and I don’t stop trying when it gets hard or I get bored. I try a lot harder in lessons I find difficult - like science.”

Stress is a common experience for young people, whether it's academic pressure, social expectations, or personal challenges. Positive psychology coaching provides them with strategies to effectively cope with stress. Through coaching, the young people we work with have learned resilience-building techniques that empower them to face challenges head-on, bounce back from setbacks, and develop a growth mindset.

6. Cultivating Positive Thinking and Self-Compassion

“Now I focus on the good things, which can help me when I feel a bit sad. And I know when to start worrying, and when it’s just me overthinking.”

“The mind-trap stuff really helped me have more positive thinking.”

Positive psychology coaching encourages young people to embrace a more positive and optimistic outlook on life. They learn to challenge negative thought patterns, develop positive self-talk, and cultivate a mindset of self-compassion. This shift in thinking not only boosts their overall wellbeing but also positively impacts their relationships and how they perceive themselves, leading to greater confidence and self-esteem.

7. Nurturing Kindness Towards Others and Self

“I will always try to be nice and friendly and engaging. I have learnt ways to communicate better and listen better without always trying to talk about myself.”

Positive psychology coaching helps young people become kinder individuals, both towards others and themselves. By focusing on empathy, gratitude, and acts of kindness, individuals develop a greater sense of compassion and empathy for others. Additionally, they learn to treat themselves with kindness and practice self-care, fostering a healthier relationship with themselves and building resilience and self-belief.

8. Improving Focus through Mindfulness

“Box breathing has really helped me relax a lot. And mindfulness also helped me forget about some stuff I’m stressed about.”

“I use the hummingbird breath and ocean breathing technique to help manage loud situations and block out unwanted thoughts to make me feel calmer.”

Positive psychology coaching often incorporates mindfulness and breathing exercises, which can greatly benefit young people. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware in the current moment. By incorporating mindfulness into coaching sessions, young individuals can develop greater focus and concentration. This skill is invaluable in today's fast-paced world, where distractions abound. Through a combination of mindfulness and breathwork, young people learn to calm both their minds and bodies, improve attention span, and enhance their ability to engage in tasks with heightened concentration.

9. Knowing and Harnessing Strengths

“I think learning about my strengths has been the most useful part of our sessions. I like the fact that 'Love' is in my top 5 strengths - it makes me feel more enthusiastic about my future.”

Positive psychology coaching encourages young people to identify and leverage their unique strengths. Understanding one's strengths can boost self-confidence, motivation, and overall wellbeing. Through coaching, young individuals gain insight into their personal strengths and learn how to apply them to various aspects of their lives. By focusing on their strengths, young people can excel in their areas of interest, build resilience, and unlock their full potential. This can help increase optimism and hope for the future.

10. Why Adults Should Consider Positive Psychology Coaching

“I recommend it to everyone because it is helpful to make people think more positively and helps you get over stress.”

“It is excellent and I definitely recommend it if you need mental health support too. It is very helpful and useful!”

Positive psychology coaching isn't just beneficial for young people; it's also highly valuable for adults. Just as young individuals face various challenges, adults often encounter their own set of complexities, both personally and professionally. Positive psychology coaching can provide adults with the same benefits as young people, such as a safe space for growth, gaining clarity on goals, managing emotions, enhancing relationships, and developing a positive mindset.

Moreover, adults can particularly benefit from positive psychology coaching due to accumulated life experiences. Coaching can help adults reflect on past experiences, learn from setbacks, and create a more fulfilling future. It offers an opportunity to explore personal values, reevaluate priorities, and make positive changes. By engaging in positive psychology coaching, adults can invest in their own wellbeing, personal growth, and achieve a greater sense of overall fulfilment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, positive psychology coaching offers tremendous benefits to young people and adults alike. It provides a safe, confidential space, encourages trust and support from the coach, enables reflection and deep thinking, provides you with emotional management skills, enhances sociability, teaches effective coping strategies, cultivates positivity and self-compassion, and nurtures kindness towards others and oneself. Positive psychology coaching equips individuals of all ages with tools to navigate life's challenges and cultivate wellbeing, making it a powerful resource for personal development at any stage of life.

Parents and educators should consider positive psychology coaching not only for their children but also for themselves. Doing this will provide an opportunity for young people to subconsciously pick skills up through mirroring of adult behaviours. In addition, by embracing this combined approach, adults can support and empower young individuals on their journey to personal growth, wellbeing, and a fulfilling life using shared terminology and strategies.

If you would like to find out more about our young people, educator and parent positive psychology coaching sessions, please get in touch with zeena@positive-education.co.uk