Gary Bennett has 12 years of experience as a dedicated primary school teacher. Beyond the classroom, he serves as a private tutor, specializing in aiding children who face challenges in accessing mainstream education due to emotional dysregulation. As a certified Young Life Coach and Master NLP practitioner, Gary is committed to supporting young individuals dealing with issues like anxiety, bullying, low self-confidence, and self-esteem. His mission is to empower them to overcome limiting beliefs, ultimately enabling them to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Gary’s multifaceted expertise positions him as a compassionate and effective advocate for the well-being and growth of young minds.
Gary Bennett, Children's Life Coach
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
Hi! Thank you for having me and for this amazing opportunity. I’m Gary. My main passion is probably music. I love all genres from pop to rock, classical to dance. My playlist is just a random roulette – you never know what you’re going to get and I’m always listening to something. I love to cook with my partner with a drink and a kitchen disco. We make a real event of it as it’s quality time between us. My family and friends mean the world to me. I keep my circle small but I treasure it. Can you tell me more about your background and experience as a life coach? What inspired you to start Odyssey Young Life Coaching?
I was a primary school teacher for 12 years. I became a teacher to make a difference. I enjoy teaching, imparting knowledge and seeing the lightbulb moments but I also enjoy helping to build children emotionally and socially. I struggled with confidence and self-esteem as a child and was bullied in both primary and secondary school. My journey into mental health began around 2016 when I was diagnosed with depression. This is where I discovered NLP and CBT and then after going to UPW to see Tony Robbins, I knew that I wanted to do what he does but with children. I want to be the person I needed when I was struggling as a child. The name Odyssey came about because I have always been interested in Ancient Greek Mythology. An odyssey is a long and difficult journey, like mine has been as will those of the children who are struggling.
What specific services or programs do you offer through Odyssey Young Life Coaching, and how do they benefit your clients, especially young individuals?
My coaching helps children who are struggling with their confidence and self-esteem but I also offer coaching around anxiety, bullying, exams, forging friendships and time management as these can all affect the former. Growing up isn’t easy, it never has been but today, children face new pressures: cyberbullying, unrealistic expectations due to social media, an incredibly fast-paced world and, from my experience, children are growing up and losing their innocence far quicker than previous generations. I coach children on life skills that aren’t taught in schools helping to give them the tools and techniques to adapt and thrive in this modern world.
How do you customize your coaching approach to meet the unique needs and goals of your clients, particularly when working with young people?
I have created my own curriculum grounded in the principles of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and drawing from my own experiences. It's important to note that this curriculum isn't a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach; instead, it's tailored to meet each child's specific needs. To begin the coaching process, I offer a complimentary, 1-hour discovery call, where I have the opportunity to connect with both the parents and the child, gaining a thorough understanding of their unique challenges. Prior to commencing coaching sessions, I assign pre-coaching homework to ensure that no time is wasted, this allows us to dive right into the process of making progress right from the first session.
I work with children individually, either in person (if they live locally) or online. Parents are more than welcome to be involved in the sessions as this facilitates a holistic approach to the child's development.
My coaching packages are flexible, offering options for 4, 6, 8, and 10-week programs, as well as a pay-per-session arrangement, which is discussed in detail during the discovery call taking into account the child’s needs and parental finances.
What kind of results or transformations have your clients experienced after going through your coaching programs? Do you have any success stories you can share?
Absolutely. I worked with an 11-year-old girl who had lost her way after moving from primary to secondary school. She had been bullied so her confidence was low. Although she had made new friends, she wasn’t showing up and being herself and was worried about this friendship going wrong. She was very insular and her previous speech problem was returning meaning she didn’t want to speak up in class. After 8 sessions, she was like a different person. Smiling, happy, her posture had changed and was more upright, she was speaking up in class, her friendships were thriving and she was seeking new opportunities such as becoming a school librarian. I am so proud of her progress.
I am currently working with an 8-year-old boy who struggles with his emotions at times due to trauma in his life at a young age. So far, he has managed to consistently walk away form previous situations that would trigger him and he has been star of the day and week numerous times. He his trying so hard to apply the tools we are learning. I am so incredibly proud of him. What would you say to any parent that is considering life coaching for their child?
Firstly, understand that it isn’t therapy. Psychotherapy focuses on the past, life coaching very much focuses on the present and future giving the individual tools and techniques that can be applied immediately.
Assess Your Child's Needs: Reflect on your child's specific challenges, goals, and areas where they might benefit from coaching. Are there issues related to self-esteem, academic performance, social skills, or personal development that need attention?
Choose a Qualified Coach: Seek a certified and experienced life coach who specialises in working with children. Look for credentials, testimonials, and reviews to ensure they are a good fit for your child.
Consult Your Child: Have an open and honest conversation with your child about the idea of life coaching. Their input and willingness to participate are essential for the process to be effective.
Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that life coaching is not a quick fix; it's a process that takes time. Set realistic expectations and be patient with the progress your child makes.
Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with the coach throughout the process. Regular updates and feedback are crucial to ensure the coaching aligns with your child's evolving needs.
Support and Encouragement: Offer your child emotional support and encouragement during the coaching journey. Your involvement and positivity can make a significant difference. Actively encourage your child to apply what they have learned and complete their homework. Coaching isn’t just the session, it’s all the work that is done afterwards to maintain momentum.
Respect Your Child's Choice: If, at any point, your child feels uncomfortable or no longer wishes to continue coaching, respect their decision. It's essential that they are willing participants in the process.
Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, as a parent, trust your instincts and judgment. If you believe life coaching can benefit your child and you've done your due diligence in selecting the right coach, it can be a valuable resource for their personal growth and development.
Remember that life coaching is a collaborative effort between the child, the coach, and the parents, and it should be a positive and empowering experience for the child's overall well-being.
