Steve Blower's Coaching World.

Welcome

2006-05-12T11:45:00.001+01:00

Hello. I am Steve Blower.

I work with individuals and companies to get more of what they want in life, relationships, sports, health and business.

They call me 'their coach'.

For many people, and certainly for all my clients so far, there is a gap between where they are in their lives, and where they want to be.

I work with my clients to identify their gap, and support them as they overcome it; so that they can move forward and be 'more of who they want to be'.

My work style is very influenced by what I have learned from NLP. I discuss the concept of the gap more, in another posting on this site, and similarly, there is a post on NLP, too.

All of my work comes from referrals, and increasingly, my current clients are asking me, do I have a website that they can tell others about?

Well, now, the answer is, yes.

Here it is, and here you are.

At the bottom of each topic, there is a button to take you back to the home page, and from there, you can select any of the other topics.

So, please.....

............... take a few minutes

..........................get relaxed

.....................................let yourself be curious

............................................... and then roam around here.

Thanks for your visit. Steve.

steveblower@gmail.com

Corporate and voluntary work

2006-05-03T12:20:00.000+01:00

My full time working background, up to 1998, was all in the Insurance Industry. After a period of computer operating, I moved into working as a Manager in various departments, finding my niche in the Personal Development arm of what was then called Personnel Department, more often called Human Resources these days.

These days, although I am self employed, I often find myself back inside companies working to support their goals, and helping them bridge their gaps, too.

The kind of things I can do that could help your business:

Training in core NLP skills for managers

Team building

Project initiation

121 executive coaching

organisational change counselling

gap interventions, as described elsewhere here.

The financial investment and the benefits are unique for each of my corporate clients. However, while I have your attention, let me just ask you....

If one of your senior managers bridged their gap, and was able to motivate themselves and their staff to deliver 5% more, what would that be worth to your organisation?

And there is no reason to limit yourself to 5%. Indeed there are many reasons why you should aim a lot higher than that.

For my corporate clients, I am happy to work where they need me to be. This has found me working inside companies in UK, Kuwait, USA and Taiwan already.

I would really like a corporate client in Sydney, too!

Anyone got a contact inside Qantas, or Macquarie Bank perhaps?

First step: steveblower@gmail.com

I am a very lucky man.

I love what I do, and my clients value it highly, too. I am well rewarded, in many ways.

The financial rewards do give me the opportunity to allocate a big chunk of my working time to projects, on a voluntary unpaid basis, in my community.

Specifically, right now, I am part of a team of coaches working with teenagers in schools in London. It is organised by a group called Youth At Risk, http://www.youthatrisk.org.uk/ and their aim is stated simply.... Youth at Risk gets to the very heart of youth disaffection by working with the most difficult and damaged young people - as well as those who may be heading that way- to turn their lives around.

I love what I do.

At the bottom of this topic, there is a button to take you back to the home page, and from there, you can select any of the other topics.

Feedback please

2006-05-02T19:02:00.000+01:00

I have learned pretty much everything from experts.

I am not, yet, an expert in building websites.
You may have noticed.

So I am asking for your feedback on how you feel using this site.

Whatever you think could make it better, please do take a moment to let me know. Thank you.

Steve.

steveblower@gmail.com

At the bottom of this topic, there is a button to take you back to the home page, and from there, you can select any of the other topics.

Is it mental or physical?

2006-05-02T18:28:00.000+01:00

Many people think that there is a strong connection between our state of mental or emotional wellness, and our physical states.

Some people believe firmly in such a connection.

The experiences I have had personally and with clients lead me to be very open to the idea of such a connection.

While I always work with clients on supporting their emotional journeys, many people have also seen changes in previously persistent physical symptoms.

clearance of excema
cessation of migraines
resumption of fertility
ending of allergic reactions

By happy coincidence, I got an email recently from Arielle Essex who is a very expereinced NLP Health Practitioner in London. In the email, she described her approach to asthma, and to health issues in general. I think her words are so elegant, and they sum up, in a very simple way, my approach as well. With her permission, I repeat them here...

I've done lots of work with asthmatic clients over the last 15 years, with great success. However, I avoid any approach that classifies a set of symptoms as a 'thing' to be treated.

Each person does asthma in their own particular way, for their own particular reasons and causes. Our western medical culture tends to slap a label on a set of symptoms and presto! A new 'thing' has been created, which then must be 'treated', fixed, fought, or gotten rid of.

It works much better to de-nominalize the 'illness' and return it back to the set of thoughts, ideas and emotions that caused it.

What has worked particularly well for my clients is to look metaphorically into what 'not being able to breathe' means to them. The chest is a rich area, with many different possibilities. The most common association in my experience has to do with blocked or unexpressed rage. This rage is usually unconscious and ancient - often with original causes dating back to childhood. So, long term therapeutic help usually involves a careful exploration of their past emotional history and some kind of time line re-imprinting intervention.

Arielle's website is here.. http://www.practicalmiracles.com/

At the bottom of this topic, there is a button to take you back to the home page, and from there, you can select any of the other topics.

steveblower@gmail.com

Gap, some musings.........

2006-05-02T18:20:00.000+01:00

This gap, between where you are, and where you want to be....

It can take many forms.

Some recent examples I have worked with include:

the gap between being always depressed and being happy
the gap between binge eating and following a healthy diet
the gap between permanent anger and inner peace
the gap between the end of a relationship and the start of a new life
the gap between performance and potential

Other issues that have responded well to interventions have so far included:

moving forward after bereavement
jealousy
self confidence
goal setting
sporting performance
decision making
anxiety
addictive / destructive behaviours
divorce
building relationships.

Special note for female readers of this page:

I know that sometimes, especially in matters of relationships and marriage, some ladies prefer a female coach. Now I am very flexible, but I cannot go that far (yet). So, if you are particularly looking for a female coach to help you, please check out my heroes posting, and look for the entry for my sister Sue Isaacs. I know I am biased, I am also really proud of her and what she does for her clients, and she is really good in this area.

At the bottom of this topic, there is a button to take you back to the home page, and from there, you can select any of the other topics.

steveblower@gmail.com

My clients say.........

2006-05-02T18:09:00.000+01:00

You know, as I was wondering what to put on this page, it dawned on my how fast and how far things have moved on since I started doing this kind of work. My first few testimonials were hand written on paper.

No, not papyrus, paper.

Then they started to come in by email, voice mail, and these days, often by SMS onto my phone.

Here are a few, in no particular order.....

I don't know how you do it but I've been smiling all day. Fell asleep. Very thirsty. Feel like something has been released in my brain like after a massage

i must say you helped me alot to control my fury,anger and pain, if i get pissed off, it is much easier to controll the action taken it was violent at times but i am in controll now not the anger,i will come and see you again to work on the other bits we talked about.

Good morning! I'im doing much better.Had a gr8 sleep.Feeling v.calm.Had a gr8 lie and ready to kick off for the day!:)

Walked past krispy kreme! My creative side has given me the ideas of logic and re-learning. So the logical side kicks in, and tells me i'm not actually hungry-so i dont need 2 eat. And then the learning patterns went in to help, so they can change 2 help and they are.

Thought i would give you a more in depth version of the text I sent. Woke up on Friday morning, and for the first time in ages didnt want to eat straight away. So had some coffee and then about an hour later felt hngry so had some breakie. I was just sitting having breakfast when I realised that I needed to re-learn my eating habbits, and that if I paid attention to the logical side of myself (how very virgo) then I would be able to change those eating patterns. Been only eating when I'm hungry and actually asking myself is it a mouth hunger or a stomach hunger . And the mouth hunger I find myself not eating as I'm not actually really hungry but that I just want something to fill the boredom. And its great that my logical side is sayng "your not hungry-dont eat". Also i am eating a lot slower, I was wolfing things down to just fill the void, and wasn't really tasting things and just eating to get full. Its great I am retraining myself to enjoy eating again. And No chocalate!!!!!!!! I went out for lunch and we all had dessert - and I didn't choose a choc option. Most unusual for me.
I am feeling a lot happier about my eating. What I'm eating, how I'm eating and most importantly why I'm eating - I'd actually forgotten what hunger felt like.
I was very afraid of getting hungry, and didn't like the feeling of being hungry. But I've realised its not that bad, and that I'm not actually going to die if i dont eat for 5 hours. Your a genius. I cant sing your praises highly enough, and anyone else I can send your way i will.
I was panic, sad and helpless. moreover, i hated all people around me, and I thought I was the poorest one in the worlld. No hope just sadness.
Steve askes my several critical questions and also suggested me draw a line to seperate the past and the future.
I feel mush better and relax. I forgive people who did something not appropriate to me and also forgive myself.
Bright and full of hope! I got the energy to move forward. Many thx to steve!
"You first 'did me' in a period of no more than five minutes over a cup of tea. I remember well that through only a few highly targeted questions and a meta position you created a switch change in me that forced a dramatic re-evaluation. Although my journey was well under way the effect of our five minutes was like a nitrous injection that triggered a massive acceleration. That was five months ago and I can still feel the effect of that short session even now.
And so onto the coaching sessions; some very serious issues surfaced during my practitioner course and I was gathering all the resources I could muster to reach a conclusion. These were big issues and I was anxious about the direction my work with myself was taking me. I needed verification and reassurance and sought your assistance.
The work that we did together over the four hours of coaching achieved my goal. The result is that I triggered a major life change that I am pleased to say has had a huge positive outcome. My wife and I are 'flying' now, the result has been truly amazing. Not only have you had a positive effect on me directly but also on my wife and daughter indirectly via me.
NLP is a phenomenally powerful tool for personal well being, and you Steve, are an icon of its power. Thanks for all that you have done for me and you can never know just how deep and sincere that thanks is - thanks!"
"Steve provided a much needed and unique support to me earlier this year, during a particularly challenging time in my life. I certainly value Steve’s approachability and downright willingness. But to me, he possesses more important qualities even than these. Steve seems to have an almost unique talent for saying just the right words at precisely the right time. These can be words of comfort, even a challenge, but always word that motivate. I have met and heard several professional ‘motivators’, many of whom obviously make a very good living at their profession. But for me, I shall always turn to Steve."

At the bottom of this topic, there is a button to take you back to the home page, and from there, you can select any of the other topics.
steveblower@gmail.com

Contact and travelling information.

2006-05-02T18:02:00.001+01:00

Most of the time, I am in London, England.

You can reach me by phone / sms via 07970 209 460

Alternatively, use email to: steveblower@gmail.com

Some of each year, I am out of England, and I do aim to make time for referrals in Taipei, Hong Kong and Sydney each year.

At the bottom of this topic, there is a button to take you back to the home page, and from there, you can select any of the other topics.

steveblower@gmail.com

What is NLP anyway......

2006-05-02T18:01:00.001+01:00

good question.........

I wonder how long a posting here could be......

Let me try a short answer, maybe by way of getting your interest rather than attempt a full explanation....

One way of describing NLP...... is to say that it is the study of excellence.

NLP models look for people who do things in an excellent way, and then look for those things that 'make the difference' between ordinary and excellent.

Those things may be behaviours, and often they are attitudes, mind sets, values and beliefs, as well.

For example, many elite athletes say that mental preparation is a key factor in getting the best results. It is not just about having a body in peak condition.

Certainly, within a therapeutic context, there are many elements that make up a successful intervention. Not just the action steps involved, but also the mind set and operating paradigm of the coach.

Once a robust model is developed and tested, it can be taught to others.

Models exist in many fields. Therapy of course, and also business, sports, health, wealth, relationships, happiness....

The letters NLP stand for

N - Neuro; which relates to stuff going on in our brains;

L - Linguistic; which is language; and

P - Programming; which in this context is the relationships between the language we use, both externally with others and internally with ourselves, and the way our brains function.

My sister Sue Isaacs has put together a really clear way to describe NLP and some of the ways it can help. I repeat her words below...

NLP offers a set of tools for setting clear, achievable goals.

By understanding how your mind works, you will be able to take more control of your thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

NLP provides ways of releasing unwanted emotions from past events. For instance, the NLP ‘phobia cure’ is renowned both for dealing with phobias and traumatic events from the past.

Here are some of the ways that you can benefit from NLP in your personal life.

BELIEFS
Our beliefs are the gateways to our behaviour. NLP shows you how to identify your beliefs, and if appropriate, change them.

OUTCOMES
One of the most important questions we all face is ‘what do you want’ out of life. We tend to focus on all the things that we don’t want - the problems. One of the keys to success is to have clear outcomes in all areas of your life. NLP offers a set of tools for setting clear, achievable goals.

RELATIONSHIPS
Our ability to communicate effectively with others can greatly enhance the quality of our life. By studying and modelling excellent communicators, NLP is able to show you how to create and maintain rapport, how to be more congruent in your communications and how to understand the intention behind others’ behaviour.

CONTROL HOW YOU FEEL
It is all too easy to feel the ‘victim’ of events outside of our control. It’s Monday morning so we ‘feel bad.’ But what if you were able to take more control of your thought process, feelings and emotions so that you are in the driving seat. NLP opens the door to the programmes that run your brain. By understanding how your mind works, you will be able to take more control of your thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

THE PAST
It can be hard to move happily into the future if we are still dogged by our past. NLP provides ways of releasing unwanted emotions from past events. The NLP ‘phobia cure’ is renowned both for dealing with phobias and traumatic events from the past.

BELIEFS
Our beliefs are the gateways to our behaviour. Because our beliefs are often ‘unconscious’ we are not always aware of the important role they play. NLP shows you how to identify your beliefs, and if appropriate, change them. This represents some of the most powerful tools for personal change available.

CHANGE
We all have aspects of our life that we want to change. You will be in a better position to change unwanted feelings and behaviours when you understand more of how you, as a human being work.

NLP offers you this and much more.

Sue specialises in helping female clients work though seperation and divorce issues using both NLP and Coaching interventions. Let me know if you want an introduction.

Actually, of course, there are many other websites about NLP.

Ones I would recommend for people interested in starting their own hourney are:

http://www.nlpu.com/ which is the home page of Robert Dilts, one of the original developers, and someone who I have been privileged to study and work with.

http://nlpuniversitypress.com/ which is Roberts NLP encyclopedia site, a great reference source, available freely.

and http://www.itsnlp.com/nlp/whatis.htm where you will find the elegant description of NLP by Ian McDermott, Director of Training for ITS, my NLP teacher, and one of my heroes.

At the bottom of this topic, there is a button to take you back to the home page, and from there, you can select any of the other topics.

steveblower@gmail.com

What does it all cost?

2006-04-28T16:08:00.001+01:00

What a very good question.

How much has your gap cost you already?

You may well have already spent actual money on other kinds of therapies or even medicines.

If you are like many of my clients, you may just have spent years living with your gap, coping with it, and right now, you are ready to change things for the better. They decided it was worth it, to move away from being constantly depressed, or, always being Mr Angry, or always being timid, or even self destructive.

How much has it cost you already, and not just in financial terms, but in happiness, joy, relationships, self esteem.....

Only you have the answer to the question.

My time and skill? I always give a new client 30 minutes on a complimentary basis before they need to commit to spending real cash.

I want sorted happy clients that go and tell their mates, 'hey, there is this bloke in the City, he could help you, and his website is.......'

The paid for time starts after 30 minutes if we decide to continue.

My rates start at £55 per hour (or the equivalent in Australian, Hong Kong or Taiwanese dollars.

Most of my clients report significant, positive and lasting change after 3 x 1 hour sessions, although every person does have unique circumstances, and you may be quicker, or take longer.
My rates do also depend on time of day & location....

As well as my main home base in London, England, I also see clients twice a year in Sydney Australia, Hong Kong and Taipei Taiwan. Please check my travel posting for up to date information on this.

Payment can be made by cheque or cash on the day, or in advance using PAYPAL credit card facilities. If you wish to use PAYPAL, please ask me for the details.

At the bottom of this topic, there is a button to take you back to the home page, and from there, you can select any of the other topics.

steveblower@gmail.com

My heroes

2006-04-28T16:06:00.002+01:00

I am talking here about real people, ordinary people I guess, yet people who do extraordinary things, and who have all taught me something really important.

There are many.

I am going to share with you, the ones who may well be able to teach you something as well...........

Ian McDermott. The guy who has been my primary teacher of NLP, and is still my first choice. www.itsnlp.com

Laura Newmann. The lady who runs the inspired and life enhancing spinning class I love to attend, and who probably knows more about heart rate and fitness than, well, I dont know who... Actually, Laura has moved out of the UK at the moment, back to her home in South Africa. Lucky them.

Mitch Gosling. A personal trainer at my last gym. What a bloke. Bodybuilding champion, patient and flexible teacher, expert on eating, role model, and the man with the biggest biceps I have ever seen in real life. http://evolveforyou.co.uk/fitbod/fitbod/fitbod.html

Sue Isaacs. My sister. Works miracles with lady clients, helping them go through divorce or separation. Contact me if you want an introduction.

more later.............

At the bottom of this topic, there is a button to take you back to the home page, and from there, you can select any of the other topics.

steveblower@gmail.com