About me

My name is Richard Gumsley. I'm a freelance Life Coach and I specialise in one to one personal coaching. I am based just outside Southampton in Hampshire UK.

Five years ago, I realised how unsatisfied I was with my life. I was just plodding along with a career I didn't enjoy, accepting my lot in life, just doing alright. In addition, I was also over weight and had a very un-healthy lifestyle - it was definitely time for a change; But there were so many personal development courses, self-help books, tape sets and websites out there for people needing help and direction; I began spending a massive amount of time trawling through them, quickly reaching the conclusion - so much advice, so much nonsence, and so little time! Who to believe? What to leave? What to do? Where to start?

The one area that did have something very positive to offer was Life Coaching. Focused support, advice and motivation, without the 'tell me about your childhood, angle' - a breath of fresh air. So much so, I realised this was what I wanted to do with my life. I decided (after much prompting and support from the people around me) to become a Life Coach, and learn to help others solves their problems and achieve their goals.

Since then I have trained, and continue training as a Personal Life Coach. I have over three years full-time experience and I currently have the following qualifications:

• Diploma in Life Skills Coaching (Stonebridge College)
• Diploma in Performance Coaching (Newcastle College)
• Cert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Institute of Counselling)
• Cert in General Counselling (Institute of Counselling)
• Diploma in Diet & Nutrition (Oxford College)
• Various other short courses and seminars in NLP, Time/Stress Management and Assertiveness

In addition, I am a member of IAC (International Association Of Coaches). Click on the IAC logo below for the rules and regulations I abide by as a member.