`The Life Coaching Handbook` and accompanying CD's are inspirational and challenging for the Life Coach. In Section 1 Curly Martin clears the ground with definitions, explanations of key skills, and an outline of the development of neuro-linguistic programming. Section 2 draws the reader's attention to advanced skills. -˜Reframing' is explained, there is discussion of -˜representation systems' in chapter eleven, and rapport skills are helpfully laid out in chapter 12. Then there are more technical chapters on the Milton Model, and meta-language patterns. It was in these sections that this reviewer had most to learn, appreciating the accessible style of the writer. There follow further informative chapters on coaching meta-programmes, Metaphors With Meaning, The Spiral Coaching Model outlined in chapter 16, then tips on secrets of coaching success, and a final chapter on specialist life coaching.

Although we might say that life-coaching has a limited or more narrow application in educational settings, the writer provides the reader with theory, higher level skills, new models to evaluate and relate to our professional lives. This book will be valued highly by life-coaches, and moreover it has much to share with an education audience unfamiliar with some of the ideas and coaching competences.

Curly is, without doubt, a major talent in her field.

A book you can dip into time and time again.

Absolutely terrific!

This book was an interesting read it uses a metaphor that life coaching can be compared to motorway maintenance and construction. It fills and removes the ruts of life to build a smooth surface. Then life's journey takes the traveller to the destinations that they really want to visit, rather than remain in the slow lane of inactivity, drifting without purpose or direction.

The book looks in some depth in dealing with the whole of the clients life balance and aims to improve the imbalances.

It covers the importantce of body language and the use of tonality when working with clients, it informs us about the skills in framing and reframing. It examines different working models such as Meta language which looks at the strengths and weakness of language patterns, which is linked with the Milton model using artfully vague language. It briefly looks at NLP and the representational system of clients.
The I CAN DO model looks really workable;

I - Investigate what's important to the client.
C- what is their Current life situation.
A- what are the Aims in life.
N- Number of alternatives.

D- By what Date do they want to achieve their aims.
O- What are the Outcome and achievement indicators.

The book explores Coaching versus Counselling - therapy and the differences, breaking them down in a clear way. It gives a variety of information on different types of clients who see things in a global context and those who see things in a specific context.

I found the Spiral Coaching Model very interesting which consists of six different colours representing different codes of types of thinking patterns that the client could possibly adopt in the sessions. It also touches on Matters of State, looking at being in a resourceful state before, during and after the coaching session. It also incorporates anchoring techniques.

I used this book to help me navigate an introduction to life coaching course I was studying and found it invaluable both for painting the wider picture and as a reference point for some key theory and skills information.

Such is the book's easy accessibility and relevance that it is excellent for a wide readership ” from others in training like me to existing practitioners; people who want to know what life coaching is to those who might be thinking of going to see one. For client or coach this book is an excellent starting point.

I didn't realise how all-encompassing Life Coaching was until I read Curly's book. What a powerful presentation of the skills and techniques this book is.

It is easy to read, understandable and, in places, funny ” I certainly found myself laughing out loud at times. The positive and non-judgemental theory behind Life Coaching is clearly explained and the techniques are quickly usable for anyone wanting to start a Life Coaching practice. Curly even gives advice and guidance on how to begin a fledgling practice which I must say is very helpful.

The chapters are in a logical order and there are chapters on the various models and questionnaires that can be used and adapted by new Life Coaches and the chapter on Meta Programs was particularly interesting.

This book is punchy and very useful, it can be read time and again and you will still find something new in it each time.

If you want to become a Life Coach, or just want to know more about Life Coaching, then get this book.

I found this book to be well written and an absolute must for all Life Coaches or anyone thinking of conducting their own style of coaching or self development. This book is on and will remain on my recommended book list for all my students and clients.

Curly writes as though she is sat by your side and to me that was a terrific inspiration to me and other people have also said similar about the book.

Brian Manship, Proprietor Waltham Training & Waltec Coaching