Practitioner Diploma / "Coaching brings a structure and dynamism to my practice”

This month, we speak with Kaz Hazelwood, a practitioner who seamlessly blends coaching with psychotherapy, ecotherapy and continuing professional development education. Having completed the Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching, she shares how integrating coaching into her practice has enhanced both client outcomes and her own professional journey.

Prior to developing yourself as an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor, ecotherapist and continuing professional development educator, you worked in communications and project management for brands including Orange and T-Mobile and for yourself as a fitness and nutrition coach. What are the benefits of using coaching in dual practice – for the client and for you as a working professional?

It wasn’t until I trained as a coach alongside my counselling work, that I realised just how well the two disciplines complement each other in practice. I wasn’t entirely sure how the two would work together, but it turns out that they do….seamlessly.

Some clients arrive needing space to process emotions, work through past experiences and untangle deep-seated patterns and this is where counselling is most effective. But others come with a need to move forward fairly quickly, set goals, and take action, which leans more towards coaching. However, they often need both styles at different points in their journey and so a blend of coaching and counselling offers a flexible approach.

Some people initially request counselling, but as we explore what’s going on, it becomes clear that their mental health is deeply connected to dissatisfaction in their career, which as we know can form a large part of one’s life, feeling all-consuming and pervasive. In these cases, introducing coaching to set goals around career direction, can be key to helping them move forward. Having the ability to switch perspectives means they don’t get shoe-horned into a single approach that might not fit their evolving needs.

From a professional perspective, coaching brings a structure and dynamism to my practice. The model I created during my diploma, provides reference points that keep sessions balanced between reflection and action, ensuring that progress isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something that happens. Both approaches involve creativity, listening, holding and reflecting, but having the skills to move between counselling and coaching, aligns both with my love of problem-solving and the use of psychotherapeutic techniques to explore more fundamental issues. It has meant that by integrating coaching into my practice in this way, I can meet people where they are, whether they need to heal, become empowered, or take bold steps forward and that variety keeps my work endlessly rewarding.

What were some of the positives and challenges you experienced while doing the diploma?

When I first began the programme, I did wonder how I would make the transition between psychotherapy and coaching, given their contrasting approaches; one focused on deep exploration and the other on forward momentum. Would I be able to shift between the two without losing the essence of either? and after the first session, I felt very aware that I needed to take some quality time to reflect, read and allow the programme to unfold more; to understand how the two approaches could sit alongside each other rather than compete. I was curious and admittedly a little apprehensive about whether coaching, with its goal-oriented nature, might contradict the deeper exploratory work of psychotherapy. But as I engaged with the programme, I began to see that rather than being at odds, the two could complement each other in powerful ways. Through reflection, reading, and allowing myself the space to experience the process fully, I started to appreciate how coaching could bring a different energy to my work, one that could help clients not only understand their past but also take meaningful structured steps toward their future.

Much of coaching is based on psychology and by the time the second module was underway, I soon realised that coaching would not hinder my practice, but enhance my counselling skills with methods and exercises that would increase engagement and help me to gain structure when I needed it. With a very useful faculty one to one session under my belt, I was then able to open my mind and thoroughly embrace the practice, feedback and the wonderful people I worked with.

It was so great to have a fantastic mix of coaches from different backgrounds in my cohort, and it was clear we would gel from the start. We were able to learn from each other and use our time to hone the skills we’d practiced together by providing constructive feedback, which was invaluable. The faculty were extremely nurturing at every point in the process and the determination, energy and triumphs we all experienced as we moved through the modules, was palpable. This was down to the experiential nature of the programme and the way the faculty held the sessions with such professionalism and warmth.

The feedback I received was delivered so helpfully, and I felt more confident after each module, even when I didn’t feel that I’d quite hit the right notes. At times, I found myself defaulting to deep exploration, as I would in counselling, rather than maintaining a more here and now coaching approach. Yet, each piece of guidance helped me refine my practice and strike a better balance between the two. The independent work we undertook for the certification, gave me the space to work on my coaching approach and truly define how I wanted to integrate it into my practice. It allowed me to express myself authentically, blending coaching and counselling in a way that felt natural both inside and in nature.

What is your top advice to others considering coach training?

If you're thinking about coach training, my biggest piece of advice is to stay open and curious. Coaching isn’t just about picking up new skills, it’s about developing your unique approach, understanding how you connect with others, and embracing your own development throughout the process.

Give yourself time to reflect and absorb what you’re learning, and don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out from day one. The journey unfolds as you go. If you come from a background like psychotherapy, as I did, allow yourself the space to explore how coaching can complement what you already do rather than feeling like you have to choose between them. Discover what resonates with you and be open to tweaking your communication style along the way. There is always more to learn about yourself and after many years of studying to become a counsellor, I feel like I have added more to my offering through doing this diploma.

Above all, trust yourself. It became clear that the most impactful sessions weren’t those where we tried to adhere to a formula, but those where the coach brought their authentic, human presence to every conversation. This was something I saw in abundance.

Looking back at doing your diploma, what has been its lasting impact on you as a person and you as a coach?

Its impact has been both practical and enriching, shaping me as both a person and a professional. Personally, it helped me to recognise and appreciate the skills I had already developed and that there was space for more. Professionally, it has allowed me to blend my therapeutic skills with coaching techniques successfully since the diploma, attracting clients who require a hybrid approach. This balance between reflection and action and switching tracks with regard to approaches, has enhanced the way I support my clients, ensuring they feel fully heard and empowered to move forward. By aligning with the client’s agenda and integrating counselling and coaching techniques, I now have a broader platform to support their needs, to hold what they bring, keeping the option to pick up and put down which tools I need.

Can you tell us more about your personal coaching model and how this has evolved since doing the diploma?

I based my coaching model on an acronym I created; PATHS, which reflects my work with clients outside in nature and includes what I consider the most important elements: Presence, Awareness, Transformation, Horizon (looking ahead to future possibilities), and Sustainability (how insights from the sessions can produce sustainable actions and behaviours). It’s a model that not only shapes how I work with clients but also mirrors how I approach life outside of work. Boundaries, confidentiality, and trust are at the heart of what I do, and staying connected with my clients throughout the process is something I always aim for. Flexibility and adaptability are also key, because no two clients are ever the same, and their needs shift from one moment to the next, meaning transformation can develop at different points in their pathway.

One thing I’ve learned is the value of giving clients the space to reflect, so this was firmly in my model; embracing the silences and allowing for deeper thinking….to really sit with their thoughts and emotions. This gives them the chance to gain clarity, make connections, and uncover what’s really important to them. It’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my practice, both for my clients and for me. Along with that, creativity plays a huge part in how I work. I’ve found that introducing creative exercises, such as imagery, isn’t just a nice add-on, it helps to deepen the connection with my clients and allows them to see things from a new perspective.

‘Dancing in the moment’ is a phrase that really resonates with me and I try to stay open, using intuition and asking the right open questions to really understand my client’s experience. This allows them to reframe their thinking and see new possibilities they might not have considered.

The programme has also given me more confidence in weaving accountability into my sessions. It’s helped me support my clients in making progress, but always in a way that feels right for them. Self-awareness has become something I truly value, not just for my clients but for myself as a coach as well. It helps me recognise my own biases, adapt my approach in the moment, and continuously grow with each session, ensuring I’m fully present and responsive to my clients' needs.

My model continues to evolve, and I’m learning as I go, but I feel equipped to guide it and I’m excited to see where it takes me.

You set up your business Stepping Out Therapy in 2022; can you tell us about the type of clients you are working with?

I work with adults of all ages and backgrounds, including many neurodiverse clients and those who have experienced trauma. My early counselling work was in charitable settings, supporting men around domestic abuse and depression and later both men and women dealing with addiction. More recently, I’ve found that many clients are drawn to the coaching element of my work and since qualifying as a coach, I’ve been offering fully integrated sessions, blending counselling and coaching to support clients in a way that best suits their needs. This isn’t always the case however, and I am always fully prepared to separate the two approaches and focus on one or the other, as each client brings their own unique story, expectations and considerations. I see my role as walking alongside them, offering support and adapting as they navigate life’s challenges.

What are some of the issues and opportunities you coach people around?

I coach people through a variety of challenges, from career transitions and confidence-building to decision-making and personal development. Someone might initially seek counselling for stress or burnout, only to realise through coaching that redefining their professional goals or changing careers could significantly improve their overall wellbeing. Similarly, much of my work with neurodiverse clients involves helping them with organisation, communication, and self-advocacy, which often leads to stronger relationships and a greater sense of control in both their work and personal lives.

The real opportunity in coaching, I find, is in helping people shift their perspective, whether that’s by unearthing new possibilities or realising they have more choices than they initially thought. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness clients gain confidence, reframe their challenges, and take tangible steps towards a future that aligns more with their values and aspirations.

How has your coaching qualification helped in aspects of your work such as your: overall effectiveness, client empowerment, holistic approach to working with the whole human etc?

One of the most impactful changes, has been in how I approach my work with clients. Coaching is all about empowering clients to take control of their own journey, making confident decisions and growing potential. By blending coaching with my counselling practice and working through challenges related to personal relationships and past trauma, I now often offer a more action-driven, solution-focused approach. This not only helps clients gain deeper insight but also enables them to take firm steps toward their goals, if that’s what they wish to do. I find it extremely rewarding to see clients confidently steer their own progress from a place of stuckness, not thinking they have any options to alter their path, to a sense of wellbeing and empowerment, where they recognise their own ability to make choices and create lasting, positive change in their lives.

Can you share a success story or testimonial from one of your clients that highlights the impact of your coaching?

One success story that particularly stands out, is when a client was fully focused on leaving the corporate world to start their own creative business. I guided them through a powerful visualisation exercise to help them explore where they were in the present and where they envisioned themselves in the future. The exercise turned out to be deeply emotional and transformative for them. As they reflected, they realised that what they had thought was their top priority, didn’t even appear in the images they conjured. This revelation led them to completely shift their plans, re-prioritising other aspects of their life that they hadn’t fully acknowledged before. It was incredibly rewarding to see them recalibrate their direction with such clarity and purpose.

What do you find most rewarding about your work as a coach?

Seeing the transformation unfold is truly heart-warming. From that initial session, where everything feels uncertain and unclear, to witnessing a client making tangible plans or finding greater peace within their job and/or relationships is a remarkable thing to witness. Watching them gain clarity, confidence and a sense of purpose as they work through their challenges is a constant reminder of why I do this work. The process of going from confusion and doubt to empowered decision-making and emotional balance is a testament to the power of self-reflection, action, and support. Each step they take, no matter how small, is a victory and a reflection of their evolution. It’s this transformation that constantly inspires me and reminds me how fortunate I am to do this meaningful work with my clients.

Our deepest gratitude to Kaz for sharing her personal experience of coach training with the AoEC.