In today’s instalment of “Journeys in Coaching: Alumni Stories,” we sit down with Angela Christine Cooper, a transformative life coach who transitioned from a successful career as a Registered Dietitian to embrace the world of coaching, all whilst balancing the demands of full-time motherhood.
Before entering the world of coaching, Angela spent 16 years as a Registered Dietitian, specialising in diabetes and weight management. Her work took her through various roles within the NHS and companies such as Yakult and Tesco. In 2010, Angela decided to take a step back from her career to focus on raising her children. However, her desire to help others and her fascination with people and what makes them tick never left her. In 2022, she finally took the plunge into coaching, a decision that has since transformed her life and the lives of those she coaches.
Join us as we explore how Angela has combined her passion for psychology with a love of helping others, navigating midlife challenges while being a full-time mum.
Where did your journey from dietitian to transformative life coach begin?
“My journey into coaching really began about 18 years ago when I first discovered life coaching. At the time, I was working as a full-time dietitian, specialising in diabetes and weight management. I spent 16 years in that field, working for the NHS and companies like Yakult and Tesco. I enjoyed my work, and I was particularly fascinated by psychology and how people’s minds work.
“However, when I had my first child in 2010, I decided to leave my job to focus on being a full-time mum. Even though I relished being at home with my children, when they were at junior school and more independent, I often thought about what I would do once they were older. Coaching kept coming back to me, and I realised it was something I was really passionate about. In early 2022, with my children now 11 and 9, I decided to take the plunge and train as a transformative life coach with Animas. I’ve never looked back—it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
What were some of the challenges you faced when making the decision to train as a coach?
“The biggest challenge was probably balancing my head and my heart. My heart was fully in it—I knew I wanted to do the course, and I was excited about the prospect of becoming a coach, but my head was concerned with practicalities—how to fund the course, how to fit it around my family life, and whether it was the right time.
“Luckily, I was able to fund the course through some money that was in an account I’d previously not thought about using—it felt like serendipity. Once that was sorted, it was all systems go. It was a very exciting time, and it felt wonderful to be doing something that felt huge to me and was in line with what I felt was my life’s purpose.”
How did you manage the balance between being a full-time mum and training to be a coach?
“Surprisingly, it was easier than I thought. The course modules were during weekdays, so I was able to do them while the kids were at school. I also scheduled my practice hours during times that suited me, like when the kids were at school or involved in their weekend activities. I made it work by being flexible and prioritising my time effectively.”
Can you tell us more about how your personal challenges have influenced your coaching practice?
“Yes, about 18 months ago, I started experiencing anxiety for the first time in my life. It was unexpected, and mostly manifested at night, often leading to panic attacks. This was something entirely new for me, and it was quite overwhelming. As a woman in my early 50’s, I put this down to being perimenopausal and so I sought the help of my GP to discuss HRT as an option.
“Coaching has played a crucial role in helping me manage this anxiety. Through my own coaching sessions and a CBT support group specifically designed for perimenopausal women, I’ve learned some effective techniques to manage it. This experience has deeply informed my coaching practice, especially my focus on helping midlife women navigate similar challenges. I know first-hand what it’s like to face these issues, and I’m passionate about supporting others through them.”
What are some of the specific challenges your clients face and how do you support them?
“Midlife can bring about a range of challenges, especially for women. Two major issues I see are sleep disturbances and anxiety, both of which can be exacerbated by hormonal changes due to perimenopause. Parenting teenagers is another big challenge; it’s a phase where children are no longer completely dependent, striving to be their own person, and the dynamics at home can become quite complex.
“Another significant challenge is empty nest syndrome, which occurs when children leave home for university or work, and it can completely change the family dynamic. For parents, frequently mothers who have spent years prioritising their children, it can feel like a huge shift. They might feel lost or unsure of what to do with their time now that their primary focus isn’t on raising their children.
“This shift can cause emotional difficulties as parents adjust to a quieter home and less daily interaction with their children. The main caregiver, in particular, may struggle with rediscovering who they are outside of their role as a parent, as they’ve often put themselves second for so long. It’s about finding yourself again after your children leave home, asking ‘What do I want to do with my life now?’
“But there’s also a positive side. This period can be an opportunity for parents to focus on themselves again, to rekindle old interests or discover new ones. In my coaching, I help women navigate this transition by encouraging them to explore what brings them joy and fulfilment now that their children are more independent. It’s about shifting the focus back onto themselves and finding new purpose and meaning in this stage of life.”
How are you integrating your love of nature into your coaching sessions?
“I grew up in the Peak District; a country girl at heart, who has always loved being in nature. It’s where I feel most at peace. So, it was a natural progression for me to combine my love for nature with coaching. I offer ‘walk and coach’ sessions, where clients and I walk together outside. It’s amazing how being in nature can change your mental state and open up new perspectives. This enables me to think more clearly, and my clients make accelerated progress compared to, for example, sitting with the problem. I often find this helps with conquering the feeling of going round in circles, and they feel more creative and able to ‘think big’ when out and about.
“I’m also excited about the concept of ‘netwalking,’ where networking and walking are combined. I’m working on creating a local networking group for coaches, and I’m considering incorporating netwalking into our sessions.”
How has coaching positively impacted your family life?
“Coaching has definitely had a positive impact on my family life. As a coach, you’re constantly learning new techniques and ways of thinking, and I try really hard to apply those in my everyday life, especially with my children.
“For example, children can be extremely challenging at times, as any parent knows. I’ve found that applying coaching techniques to parenting can really make a difference. Rather than telling my kids what to do, I’ve learned to ask them more questions, to get them thinking about the solutions themselves. This approach has taken a lot of the stress out of certain situations because children, like adults, don’t like being told what to do—they want to feel respected and have their opinions heard. By turning the situation around and asking them how they think we could do things differently, it opens up a dialogue and often leads to better outcomes.
“Another big change is how coaching has made me more aware of the importance of getting out of my comfort zone. For a long time, I was quite comfortable at home, organising the admin and household tasks, the childrens’ school-related jobs and activities and doing my regular singing rehearsals but coaching has encouraged me to embrace new challenges, which has been beneficial not just for me but for my family as well. It’s about setting a positive example for my children—showing them that it’s okay to take risks and to ‘feel the fear, and do it anyway’.”
How has your experience of training with Animas shaped your coaching journey?
“The Animas course was fantastic and exactly what I hoped it would be. It focused heavily on the psychology and transformative aspects of coaching, which really resonated with me. The emphasis on transformation is what sets Animas apart from other coaching courses, and it’s why I chose to train with them.
“One of the most powerful aspects of the course was the practical coaching experience, through the practice rooms and supervised sessions. Initially, it was daunting to coach in front of others, but the supportive environment made it less intimidating. It was a huge confidence builder, and it really helped me to grow as a coach. I also loved connecting with others in my cohort, many of whom I still keep in touch with for peer coaching and support.”
How has the ongoing support from Animas influenced your development as a coach?
“Animas has really shone in terms of ongoing support. They offer a range of resources, including webinars, specialist courses, and CPD opportunities, which have been incredibly valuable. It feels like being part of a mini university, where learning and development never really stop.
“One area I need to improve is marketing myself as a business, and Animas has provided guidance in this area too. The community aspect is also fantastic, with regular networking opportunities and events that keep you connected with other coaches. It’s really an organic ecosystem that continues to nurture and support its members long after the course has ended.”
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in coaching while balancing family responsibilities?
“My advice would be to go for it! If you have that seed of passion within you, don’t let it go to waste. Coaching can be incredibly fulfilling, and it’s possible to balance it with family life. The key is to be flexible and to follow your passion. It’s a journey of continuous growth and development, and it’s one I’m so glad I embarked on.”
