The Maximus Health Coaching service: Joanne’s story

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Maximus’ Health Coaching Service is helping thousands of people around the country to overcome their barriers and improve their lives.

We spoke to Health Coaching participant, Joanne McCormack, who had been a victim of domestic abuse for over 20 years. She explains the profound impact the Health Coaching service has had on her life, and how it has given her the confidence to move forward and start a new chapter.

How did you hear about Health Coaching?

I heard about the health coaching through my case worker Kiera Slater who has been supporting me through my recovery from domestic abuse that I have suffered for 23 years. She felt that I would benefit from this.

What made you decide to take part in the Health Coaching service?

I want to understand the choices that I have made throughout my relationship, how to learn from them, how to understand that this chapter in my life (and the previous chapters) are not the end, but a new beginning that should be faced with not trepidation but wonder and excitement.

What impact has Health Coaching had on you?

Health Coaching has had a profound effect on me. It has given me ability to look at what I have dealt with over the past 23 years and come away from it stronger, rather than feeling like a failure because this is what I was made to feel. It has given me strength to understand that life does go on and that I CAN succeed. I have dealt with very difficult and painful scenarios, but I am beginning to look at them with an impartiality I did not expect as I was looking at them with anger and fear. This has given me a clarity at a time when I have needed it most. The support and comfort I have received is wonderful and astounding as when I first left my relationship, I did not know that there was this help available. This to me was a factor in why I did not leave the relationship sooner. Taking part in health coaching is one of the most positive experiences that I have had in a very long time and Adele, I cannot thank you enough.

How would you describe Health Coaching to someone thinking of signing up?

To me health coaching is not about giving you the answers on how to improve your life but a way of taking a journey through your life so far, sharing it with a new set of eyes to help you see the answers that deep down you knew were already there. It can give you the ability to believe in the skills you already have to succeed as well as giving you the confidence to take on new challenges to live your life your way. Without fear.

What’s your ultimate goal?

Personally, my ultimate goal is to move on from the relationship I was in, make a home, reconnect with friends and family, resume my career as well as help others who are or who have been in my position, giving them hope and support knowing that it can get better.

What have you achieved so far?

I have been away from the relationship for 9 months and it has been a bumpy journey. However, with the help of the Health Coaching I will very soon be moving into my own place, I have realised that I am strong and the person I am is pretty darn brilliant! I am already talking to people in the community where I will be living and hoping to get involved with the community centre activities. I would not have had the confidence to believe I could make a difference without the help of the health coaching.

12 July, 2022

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