Meet our Coach Members
Andrew Parkinson
Credentials: BScPsych. GradCertEd. MCounselling NLP Practitioner
What led you into coaching?
I guess I first realised that I found pleasure in coaching (though I didn’t call it that at the time) about 20 years ago. At that time I had just been introduced to NLP and Ericksonian hypnosis and was studying Psychology. I had found a particular way of collaborating with people to uncover or reconnect with passions and meaning, and to troubleshoot their lives. I was finding success and meaning in this so I continued to do it...and I continue to hone my skills as both a counsellor and coach all the time. Now, I’m a consultant coach and counsellor for Deep Ocean Development Ltd.
Who do you typically coach and counsel?
My answer to this question always begins a little vague and I find myself saying something like….. I work with quite a broad spectrum of people in a variety of ways on a wide range of issues and goals (vague but true).
More specifically I work with people on some kind of personal transformation in:
- feelings (physical and/ or emotional)
- thoughts
- behaviours
- interactions/ relationships
- communication
- environment
I have worked with people from Australia, China, Congo, England, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Somalia, Switzerland, Thailand and USA. ...and I’m sure I’ve missed a few countries there.
The positions these people held range from managing directors, to IT professionals, people in transition in their careers, architects, teachers/ professors, home-makers, small business owners, middle-management, office workers, and people who are fleeing torture and war (so...basically anyone who wants to change something about the way they ‘are’, how they ‘think’, or how they ‘feel’).
How does coaching in Hong Kong compare with other places where you’ve coached?
Other than there being a broader range of nationalities, it is pretty much the same in that each person I meet is unique, and each person appreciates being heard, understood and having an ally to work with them and, at times, walk with them on a section of their journey of personal/ professional/ relational development.
What is your favourite coaching tool/technique?
There is no substitute for deeply listening to the rich information in the verbal and non-verbal content shared in a session. I believe that nothing of value can begin or be done without first understanding the person in front of me, and then continuing to truly listen, and confirm what is being heard. (People who know this are reading and saying, ‘Yes! Exactly! Me, too!’)
Beyond that, I attend professional development courses often so there is an ever-growing tool box of techniques that I can draw on...but I’m always flexible and guided by a sensitivity to what best fits the person in the moment/ session.
I use a lot of approaches when I work with people on their diverse goals, whether it’s exploring a new future, resolving conflict, breaking a deadlock in a decision, becoming more confident at public speaking, overcoming grief/ loss, lifting depression/ mood, feeling more comfortable after a traumatic experience etc. However, all of them are respectful, empowering, and as deep and brief as possible.
What makes you a great coach?
Who started that rumour? I’m flattered ; )
What do you feel passionate about?
Understanding other people and their wisdom (both conscious and unconscious), and facilitating the clarification and communication of that wisdom within the person, and discovering with them how that can translate into action that transforms some aspect of their lives.
As a new member of HKICC Management Commmitte, in what direction(s) would you like to see the organisation move?
In line with my love of education and growth, I would like to be involved in some capacity with the Professional Development workshops and public education seminars and to see these continue to benefit members and the wider community. In addition I would like to be part of the further growth
of HKICC as a valuable organisation contributing to members, the world city of Hong Kong and beyond!
Contact Andrew:
Tel: 3756-0254
E-mail: andrew@developingyou.info
