I was very excited to see Style and Image Coaching as course offered through FWI when it was announced earlier this year. I dutifully checked the course schedule and anxiously waited for a program that would work for my schedule. I didn’t have to wait long- I was in the second course to run- and it met all my expectations and more.

I thought it would be a nice add-on to the Life & Leadership Coaching I have been doing… sort of an integrated but sideline to my business where perhaps a newly promoted client might want to “look the part” or a divorced or widowed client transitioning back to the dating world may need help updating their wardrobe and appearance; a nice “extra”. Throughout the course however, I learned that while those two scenarios are certainly opportunities for the client to benefit from Style Coaching, Style & Image Coaching goes much deeper.

This form of coaching is special. While most coaching results in changes on the inside, Style & Image Coaching changes are often apparent externally. As clients improve their self-care and self-image, their self-esteem increases as well, which creates positive momentum in the client. This can actually help a client achieve broader life goals too. We have probably each had an experience with this phenomenon on a good hair day or when there’s something about donning your “power suit” or whatever your power outfit is, that makes you feel you can take on the world… or even that lift you get when your closet is clean and organized. It’s an outside in/inside out effect.

Many teens I work with are struggling to figure out who they are and who they want to be-In this way, the Style and Image Coaching framework will be invaluable for them to consider the different dimensions of “style” and work on their priorities accordingly. For example, in an exercise where the client considers their style icons, and I think my teen clients will be surprised at what that will reveal- who they are influenced by and why or what elements are they responding to…Do they really respond to Usher, or Lady Gaga, or are they following the crowd and trendy fads? Style & Image coaching gets to the heart of what elements that speak directly to them.

As I work with adults, I see this working hand in hand as an external expression of internal changes. It may not serve everyone, but for life coaching clients really seeking transformation, the Style & Image dimension is invaluable. One client of mine is experiencing what amounts to a whole life transformation-newly divorced, living in a new city, starting a new job- he even has a new car…and although I’m sure “style and image coaching” would be the last category of coaching he would think of, when I first brought it up, he was very interested and even said that would be like “the icing on the cake”. He probably doesn’t realize that using Style & Image coaching will be another avenue into his authentic self, creating congruence in his inner and outer self, helping him take control and move forward from a place of strength.

In addition to the many benefits for my clients, I feel I’ve personally benefited already from taking the course. In my experience, FWI courses always make the material immediately relevant, but in this case I think it was especially so. While I would describe myself as “stylish” (or at least I try to be), I found the other dimensions of Style & Image coaching very revealing. Through the exercises I felt immediately clearer on who I was, what I liked and why- of course I have work to do, but this experience as a client was transformative. I am actually excited to organize my closet, look forward and let go of pieces and habits that no longer serve me.

I see myself drawing upon this Style & Image “lens” as I work across many types of clients. In my focus on teens through adults with an emphasis on leadership, this will be a tremendous tool in my arsenal. Not only that, I am also excited to start marketing myself separately and specifically as a Certified Style & Image Coach to give clients a unique opportunity achieve their goals and to be more expressive and authentic through their personal style!

Contact Wendy at wendy@caerusdevelopment.com Find out more about FWI’s Certified Style Coach Course