Find your direction. Take the next step.
Life coaching for the decisions, changes and challenges that matter to you. Thoughtful, solution focused conversations with practical goal-setting, NLP-informed exercises, CBT-informed ideas and optional hypnosis.
No formula. No pressure. A conversation centred on you.
When life is changing, clarity matters.
Perhaps you know something needs to change but are unsure what that change should look like. Perhaps you have a decision to make, a transition to navigate or an ambition that keeps being pushed aside.
Life coaching gives you room to explore those questions without being told what to do. We can identify what matters to you, notice what is already working and consider what a realistic next step might be.
I work collaboratively, bringing Solution Focused conversations together with practical coaching and, where useful, NLP-informed and CBT-informed ideas. Hypnosis may be offered as an optional part of the process, never a requirement.
It doesn't have to be a complete change of life. Sometimes a clearer next step is enough.
Thoughtful coaching, not one-size-fits-all advice
The parts of life you would like to move forward.
There is no standard coaching agenda. These are some of the things people choose to explore.
Life changes
A new chapter, a shift in priorities or an unexpected change can raise questions about what comes next.
Career and purpose
Explore choices, motivation, professional identity and the balance you want between work and the rest of life.
Self-belief
Look at where doubt gets in the way of decisions, conversations or opportunities, without demanding constant positivity.
Boundaries and balance
Consider how you communicate needs, protect time and energy, and respond to competing demands.
More than goals on a page.
A useful goal is more than something that sounds impressive. It should reflect your priorities and the realities of your daily life.
- Find the direction. What would be different if this area of your life felt more manageable or meaningful?
- Notice strengths and resources. What have you handled well before, and where do you already have some choice?
- Explore the barriers. Which assumptions, habits, fears or practical limits deserve attention?
- Choose a next step. What can you realistically test, review and adapt, rather than trying to change everything at once?
Four approaches. One considered conversation.
You do not need to choose a technique before we meet. We discuss what is appropriate and why, with the focus on your goals.
What would better look like?
We use questions about your preferred future, strengths and existing resources to turn broad hopes into practical next steps.
Perspective and rehearsal
Optional exercises such as reframing, anchoring and future pacing can be used as reflective tools. Evidence for NLP as a comprehensive clinical intervention is limited.
Thoughts and choices
We may explore links between situations, thoughts, emotions and actions, and test more balanced interpretations. This is not a standalone specialist CBT programme.
Focused reflection
With your agreement, guided relaxation, imagery or mental rehearsal may complement the coaching conversation. You remain aware and in control.
An important distinction: Life coaching is not a substitute for mental health assessment or specialist psychological treatment. If you are experiencing significant distress, trauma symptoms or other clinical concerns, we can discuss appropriate therapeutic support or referral instead.
We begin where you are.
No fixed formula, predetermined number of sessions or promised result. We can review the work as it develops.
A first conversation
Share what brings you here, ask questions and explore whether coaching is a good fit.
What matters most
Discuss priorities, values and the changes that would feel meaningful to you.
Options and patterns
Consider different perspectives, resources and practical experiments worth trying.
Learn and adjust
Notice what you learn, refine your plans and decide whether continued support is useful.
The conversation might begin with a question.
Not a motivational slogan. A genuine question that helps you see your circumstances more clearly.
“What do I actually want?”
When your direction has been shaped by other people's expectations, we can make space to consider your own priorities and values.
“Why do I keep putting this off?”
Rather than label the problem as laziness, we can explore uncertainty, competing needs and what would make an initial step more workable.
“How do I say no without guilt?”
We can consider boundaries, communication and more realistic expectations in work and personal relationships.
“What if I make the wrong choice?”
We can look at what is within your control, what information you need and how you might approach decisions with more perspective.
Work with Gary Smith.
I'm a psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist based in Swindon. Alongside my clinical work, I bring a solution focused approach to coaching conversations about goals, decisions and change.
I also teach and supervise hypnotherapists. My aim is to offer a thoughtful, collaborative space where you can explore possibilities and decide what makes sense for your circumstances.
I'll explain the approach, its limitations and whether coaching or a different service may be more appropriate. The goals and decisions remain yours.
You don't need a grand plan to begin.
You may be setting out towards a specific ambition, reconsidering a career, adjusting to changing circumstances, or simply feeling that the next stage of life deserves more thought.
Our first conversation can help distinguish a coaching question from a therapeutic concern and clarify what kind of support would serve you best.
I do not provide financial, legal or medical advice as part of life coaching. Where specialised expertise is needed, the appropriate professional should be involved.
In Swindon. Or online across the UK.
There is space for considered conversations whether you meet me at the practice or online where appropriate.
In person — Swindon
Best Mind Therapy, Northbourne Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN25 4YE. Appointments are arranged in advance.
People also travel from Cirencester, Royal Wootton Bassett, Cricklade, Marlborough and other Wiltshire and Cotswolds locations.
View the clinic area on Google MapsOnline — UK-wide
Private online appointments are available throughout the UK where suitable. We can discuss what you need for a comfortable, confidential session.
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am–8:30 pm. Closed at weekends.
Contact and appointment detailsFrequently asked questions.
What is the difference between life coaching and psychotherapy?
Life coaching centres on your goals, choices, values and practical next steps. Psychotherapy may be more appropriate when psychological distress, trauma or a mental health condition needs clinical assessment and care. As a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, I can help you discuss which type of support is most suitable, and when another specialist would be a better option.
What can I work on in life coaching sessions?
Common topics include career direction, work–life balance, motivation, personal confidence, relationships, boundaries, life transitions and decisions that feel difficult. We agree what matters to you rather than follow a standard programme.
Do you use hypnosis during life coaching?
Hypnosis is optional. Where it seems relevant and you agree, I may use guided relaxation, focused attention or mental rehearsal as part of a session. You remain in control, and there is no requirement to use hypnosis to take part in coaching.
How do NLP and CBT-informed ideas fit into the sessions?
I may draw on NLP-informed exercises such as reframing or future pacing to explore perspectives, and CBT-informed questions about links between thoughts, feelings and actions. NLP does not have a strong evidence base as a comprehensive clinical treatment. The CBT-informed elements are not a claim to provide a full specialist CBT programme.
Does coaching mean I have to be positive all the time?
No. Being solution focused does not mean dismissing difficult feelings or pretending everything is fine. It means acknowledging the reality of your situation while exploring your strengths, options and achievable next steps.
How many coaching sessions will I need?
There is no preset number or guaranteed timeframe. We can discuss the goals you want to work towards, agree a useful starting point and review the value of continuing as the work develops.
Can I have life coaching online?
Yes. I offer in-person appointments in Swindon and online appointments throughout the UK where appropriate. We can discuss privacy, connection requirements and suitability during your free initial consultation.
What happens at the free consultation?
We talk through what you would like to be different, what feels difficult at present, how I work and whether coaching is a suitable approach. You can ask questions and decide whether to continue. There is no obligation to book sessions.
Let's talk about what's next for you.
You don't need to arrive with the perfect goal or the right words. A free first conversation can help us explore what you want and whether coaching would be useful.
Or call 07359 071210 · No obligation · Sessions tailored to you