A Community That Shaped My Personal Development

For as long as I can remember, my professional life has been intertwined with mental health, pastoral care, and chaplaincy. A deep-seated passion for understanding the human psyche and an unwavering commitment to care for others has always driven me. Despite this, a longing lingered within me – a desire to deepen my qualifications in counseling. The financial barriers seemed insurmountable until I chanced upon Kain Ramsey’s CBT course on Udemy. It wasn’t merely academic enrichment; it was a personal odyssey that reshaped my perceptions of self and society.

Emboldened by the transformative impact of Kain’s teachings, I embarked on the journey with Achology, a vibrant online learning community dedicated to personal growth. The experience was akin to a global symposium, sans the confines of a classroom, where diverse voices from across the globe contributed to a rich tapestry of dialogues, fostering change and development. It was here that I found a platform not only to learn but to lead, hosting sessions that tested my mettle while nurturing my confidence with the support of an encouraging collective.

In October 2020, with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, I bid farewell to my NHS chaplaincy role to embrace a new chapter in China—a childhood dream unfolding into reality. The vibrancy of Chinese culture was invigorating, yet a void echoed the absence of my cherished chaplaincy vocation. Nevertheless, my journey with Achology continued, unlocking new vistas of understanding in NLP, coaching, and hypnotherapy.

Previously, I had dabbled in teaching English in Poland and even refreshed my TEFL qualifications before venturing to China. But it soon became evident that my zeal lay elsewhere. Echoing in my mind were Kain’s words on discovering one’s Ikigai—prompting a pivotal decision. I relinquished my teaching role to dedicate my time to honing my craft with clients pro bono, aspiring to become a Master Achologist.

The culmination of my learning journey catalyzed an audacious step: a proposal to the Director of the International School I had left. “Teaching is within my ability, but it’s not where my heart lies,” I confessed, “My passion is in coaching and counseling adults.” Our dialogue revealed a serendipitous alignment of visions; he had been contemplating avenues to enrich the teachers’ experience. From this synergy, a pioneering role was born—a full-time Wellness Coach for teachers, a trailblazing concept, we believe, on a global scale.

The transition I underwent with Achology was profound, not merely in acquiring a new skill set, but in a complete paradigm shift in mindset. Formerly, self-doubt and cognitive distortions would have deterred me from even approaching the director. Now, I stood before him, candid about my aspirations, and confident that our conversation could seed change. And indeed, it blossomed.

Today, I carve my path within the school, garnering trust from teachers, leaders, and staff alike. My days are rich with purpose, navigating the complexities of bereavement, conflict resolution, and communication breakdowns, alongside championing professional growth through coaching. My initiatives have gained recognition, evidenced by an invitation to speak at an international EdTech conference about the innovative coaching bots I developed.

Here I am, in a land that has captured my heart, thriving in a role that seems tailor-made for me—all a testament to the transformative education with Achology. It has been a journey not just of learning but of becoming—a quest that continues to unfold, shaping both my destiny and the lives I touch.