Martha Beck

I was trained by Martha Beck and my coaching has her philosophy at its core. Through my own work – on myself and with my clients – I have developed my own methodology aimed specifically at ‘adult children’ – people who, for any number of reasons, had a childhood that was inconsistent or unpredictable in some way or for some time. (Which accounts for pretty much everyone because, no matter how hard parents try, it is just not possible to create a perfect childhood for their kids.) Adult children are so named because they are often very responsible and reliable in childhood, and frequently feel small, vulnerable, voiceless and choiceless as adults. They also: rarely – if ever – ask for help don’t like being told what to do, and tend to resist authority don’t feel good enough and are anxious and insecure a lot of the time believe other people’s needs – real or imagined – are more important than their own have a tendency to expect the worst

Because situations that are stressful or anxiety-provoking often bring out the ‘child’ in the adult child, adult children often feel inadequately equipped to make themselves heard and understood. This has obvious implications for how adult children relate to others, to themselves and to their world and how they are able to express themselves; at work, socially and at home. Adult children often struggle to feel good enough at work and in relationships.

Many adult children feel that they are trapped in situations over which they have no control, and no choice. My primary role as coach is to facilitate a process that equips my clients with the self-understanding, skills and tools needed to make the choices and changes they know they want to make but haven’t yet allowed themselves to.

Background and Education

I have a BA and a Higher Diploma in Education from Wits University and an MSc in Criminal Justice Studies from the University of Leicester (UK). Before giving myself permission to become a life coach, I worked for 14 years in the crime prevention sector as a researcher, trainer, policy developer and programme manager of the Policing Programme at Wits University’s Graduate School of Public and Development Management. I have a deep understanding and experience of change and its impact on individuals and in organizations, having been integrally involved in many public sector change management processes.

I am a Martha Beck Master Life Coach, and have completed courses in
21st Century Relationship Coaching with Mary Ovenstone,
Introduction to Gestalt Course with Chantelle Wyley, and
Ethics and Coaching with Comensa, of which I am a member.