What Becoming an Accredited Coach Means to Teresha Young: From Personal Healing to Professional Impact 

People often ask me why I became a professional coach.

Well, here’s the backstory and it’s got lots of interesting twists and turns! 😊

In 2009, I hit an all-time low due to personal reasons. My mental health and well-being had spiralled, and I no longer wanted to be here. I even took steps not to be. But by God’s grace, I’m still here.

That dark chapter shaped the light I now offer to others.

At the time, I was working in HR management, providing guidance across employee relations, people management, and professional development, so I’ve always had a passion for holding space for others.

But it was being on the receiving end of cognitive behavioural therapy in 2010, following my 2009 ‘episode’, that truly changed the trajectory of my life for the better.

I began to witness the powerful relationship we have with ourselves: our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and how these affect the outcomes we experience.

That’s what inspired me to explore and gain qualifications in modalities such as counselling, NLP, and life coaching, which ultimately led me to become an accredited coach with the International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring (IAPC&M) at the Master Coach level.

Coaching gave me the tools to turn pain into purpose and a pathway to guide others into deeper clarity and growth, too.

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” — Audre Lorde

And today, having taken (and continuing to take) steps to better my mental health and well-being, I’m a multi-award-winning, accredited International Wellness & Relationship Coach. I specialise in enabling people to build better relationships with themselves, leading to a radical transformation in their well-being, effectiveness, and relationships with others, both personally and professionally.

Because I know how vital it is to feel secure, aligned, fulfilled and empowered (S.A.F.E.), from the inside out, I developed the S.A.F.E. coaching framework, which anchors every client journey I support with invaluable coaching tools and practical strategies.

I’m also proud to now serve as Head of Mental Health & Well-being at the IAPC&M.

Alongside my credentials, what defines my work is how I show up. I lead with heart, empathy, strategy and integrity. These qualities have been consistently reflected back to me by clients, collaborators, loved ones, and supporters. They’re not buzzwords. They are the core of who I am and how I do this work.

Being both a professional coach and a caregiver to my young daughter, who has disabilities, including a rare genetic condition called MED13L Syndrome and profound Global Developmental Delay, has deepened my compassion and resilience in ways no textbook could ever teach.

Such experiences pour into how I help others, whether in their personal, professional, or blended lives.

Why Coach Accreditation Status Matters

It was never about the letters after my name. Coach accreditation, for me, was about aligning with the values I practise, not just preach.

I chose to  be affiliated with a coaching accreditation body that champions professionalism, integrity, continuous growth, and is described as “the most caring, sharing, practical hands-on resource available.”

Here’s what stood out to me about the IAPC&M:

• It’s the only accreditation body approved by the British Industry Ombudsman
• It gives me rigorous feedback that elevates my practice, equipping me to provide best-in-class coaching services
• It reinforces my commitment to ongoing CPD (continuing professional development)
• It’s recognised globally, which fits the international reach of my work

Whether I’m coaching one-to-one, delivering training sessions, or speaking on BBC Radio or in national publications such as The Mirror, my clients know they’re working with someone who has been thoroughly assessed, and that their protection and support are my top priorities. And that matters to me as a professional, and I believe it matters to my clients!

Accreditation has strengthened my approach and deepened the impact of my work in personal and professional development.

“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.” — Aristotle

Why Volunteer with the IAPC&M

How amazing it is to gift your time by volunteering and receive so much in return!

For me, that return comes in the form of deep fulfilment, a connection to my sense of purpose, and the joy of knowing I’m contributing to something bigger than myself.

There’s something powerful about the ripple effect of volunteering, making a meaningful difference in the lives of many. It benefits both the individuals it reaches and the wider coaching & mentoring organisation.

Since joining the IAPC&M volunteer team, it has become one of the most enriching parts of my professional journey.

Here’s what volunteering gives me

• A chance to amplify my leadership by shaping mental health and well-being initiatives for our members 
• A deeper connection with peers who share the same commitment to impact
• Continuous learning through community-led conversations
• A platform to influence how coaching is perceived, delivered and grown worldwide

Harvard Business Review highlights the benefits of volunteering. It explains how taking time to support others can increase well-being, help you rediscover joy and introduce new passions outside of work.

Where to From Here?

If anything here speaks to you, whether you’re:

• Ready to work on your well-being
• Looking to improve your relationship with self and others, personally or professionally
• Curious about my S.A.F.E. coaching framework (Secure, Aligned, Fulfilled and Empowered
• Exploring accreditation or volunteering with the IAPC&M

Let’s connect! 🌷

• If you are looking for the support of an accredited coach/mentor, or training provider, see the IAPC&M directory of trained, experienced and independently accredited practitioners
• To help you find the right coach/mentor or training provider, you can download our useful free e-guides here