As I approach my final week with the TIIPS study, and after recently gathering with colleagues to celebrate at a farewell, I have found myself reflecting deeply on what this chapter has meant, both professionally and personally.
Over the course of nearly four years, I have had the privilege of being part of the TIIPS study, a clinical trial exploring how health and wellness coaching can support people following a TIA or minor stroke. What began as a professional opportunity quickly became one of the most humbling and enriching experiences of my coaching career.
Meeting People Where They Are
One of the most profound learnings from this work is that recovery is rarely linear. Each person I worked with arrived at coaching in a different place, physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Some were ready to make changes and seek structure, others simply needed time, space, and someone who could listen without judgement.
My role was never about imposing a plan or pushing outcomes. It was about presence. About meeting people exactly where they were and responding to what mattered most in that moment. Sometimes progress looked like goal setting and action. Other times, it looked like reassurance, reflection, or simply being heard.
This work reinforced for me that coaching after a medical event requires adaptability, patience, and deep empathy. Healing does not follow a neat timeline, and readiness cannot be rushed.
Learning Through Challenge and Uncertainty
The TIIPS study did not unfold in a straightforward way, and neither did the experiences of participants. Some people were unsure what coaching was, others felt reluctant or even resistant to change. A few believed they were “fine” and questioned why support was being offered at all.
Rather than obstacles, these moments became powerful learning opportunities. They taught me the value of curiosity over assumption, listening over fixing, and flexibility over rigidity. I gained a deeper appreciation for how vulnerable people can feel in the aftermath of a health event, especially when navigating fear, uncertainty, and a flood of medical information.
One participant, affectionately known as “Super Gran,” stands out vividly. At 84, her humour, positivity, and zest for life were unforgettable. She reminded me that resilience comes in many forms, and that strength often shows up quietly. She is absolutely someone I aspire to be like as I grow older.
Contributing to Research and Practice
Alongside the direct coaching work, I was given the opportunity to contribute to the written paper, specifically around coaching modifications and adaptations. Being involved in this process deepened my respect for research and for the rigour required to translate lived experience into evidence.
It was eye opening to witness what sits behind a study of this scale, from ethics approvals and system design, to training, supervision, and careful data collection. Every coaching session contributed not only to the individual in front of me, but to a much larger picture about how coaching may support stroke recovery in the future.
This experience strengthened my belief that health and wellness coaching has an important role to play as a person centred, complementary support within healthcare.
The Power of Collaboration
This journey would not have been what it was without the people behind it. I am deeply grateful to have worked alongside an exceptional group of researchers, clinicians, and professionals, including Professor Rita Krishnamurthi, Professor Valery Feigin, Jesse Dyer, Devaki De Silva, Vivienne Kelly, Sarah Brenchley, Nicki Cottam, Lily Yee, and Dr Bala (BK) Nair and the wider NISAN (National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences) team.
Their leadership, dedication, and commitment to improving post stroke outcomes created an environment where coaching could be integrated thoughtfully and meaningfully. I am also incredibly thankful for the fellow coaches involved in the study, whose generosity, insight, and collegial support made this work richer and more sustainable.
The sense of shared purpose and collaboration was a powerful reminder that meaningful change rarely happens in isolation.
Closing Reflections
As this chapter comes to a close, I walk away with a deeper understanding of post stroke recovery, a renewed respect for research, and an even stronger commitment to person centred coaching.
Most of all, I feel grateful. Grateful for the trust of those who shared their stories with me, for the colleagues who walked alongside this journey, and for the reminder that even small, human conversations can create meaningful impact.
This experience has shaped me as a coach, and it will continue to influence how I show up in my work for years to come.
