Stage for Life-Coaching

05/05/2026

Good Morning folks
Hope you're well? A lot has gone on recently but I am now back to offer a new set of programs to help those with 'Lack of Self-Confidence', 'Body & Mind Fitness', 'Social Confidence', 'Presentation & Communication', whilst also adding in 'Acting & Performance Sessions' for would-be performers or those who feel they need some help in driving themselves forward to gain more confidence in performing for the stage (Drama, Vocal Performance')
Each program will be 6 sessions (unless you, personally, feel the need for further sessions)
So, let me know if you, or someone you know, may be interested
Either WhatsApp me: 07895 402556 or email me: [email protected]

I look forward to hearing from you
JD

24/03/2026

Something close to my heart… 🧡✨ BIG NEWS! ☕️✨ I’ve officially joined the CosyChat community!
As many of you know, my journey through parenting has been a massive learning curve. I’ve had the highs, the sleepless lows, and everything in between.
One thing I’ve learned? We aren’t meant to do this alone.
I’ve always loved helping others find their feet, so I’ve decided to turn this passion into action. I am so excited to announce that I’ve officially joined CosyChats as a CosyChatter! ☕️🛋️
What is CosyChats?
It’s a wonderful "digital village" where parents can connect 1-2-1 for real, down-to-earth conversations. I’ll be sharing my own experiences and offering support to anyone who needs a friendly, knowledgeable ear. CosyChats offers judgement free, confidential, parent to parent peer support rooted in lived experience and understanding. Every Cosy Chatter completes a rigorous on-boarding process including identity and DBS checks.
I’m here to give back and help parents who need help. I want to help them navigate the 'fog' of being a parent with a bit more calm and a lot more confidence.
If you (or someone you know) could use a "cosy chat" and some experienced support, I’d love to help. You can find my profile (and lots of others) and book a session here: https://cosychats.com/service/kids/provider/683/
Please share this with your friends and family so we can help more parents who need support.
Thank you

03/03/2026

Then Power of 'NO'
Have you ever been in a situation where you've been with a group of people (big or small) and someone has suggested you go off and do something but you've not really wanted to do it? Instead of saying 'no' you don't want to seem like the odd one out so have gone along with it.
Maybe you've been in a job where you've been handed a couple of really important tasks to do by a set time but then another member of staff (supervisor, manager, etc) has come along and asked you to do another task. Instead of saying 'no' you've not wanted to get told off or feel like you're a bad staff member so have gone ahead with doing that extra task and it's left you stressed and anxious at the end of the day because you've taken longer to do those really important tasks set earlier...
If this is you, think about whether it resulted with you in a positive or negative mood. Chances are it will have been negative because instead of making your own choices, you've been a 'yes' man/woman and done what others have wanted instead.
Saying 'no' when either you can't do it because you're doing other more important tasks or because you honestly don't like to do what's been suggested, doesnt make you a bad or negative person. It actually makes you a stronger person who lives to his/her values rather than other people's values
One of the sessions I do with clients is 'The Wheel of Values' which indicates how much you are sticking to your own values in life right now. If your score is low (maybe really low) because you aren't saying 'no' enough, then it's time to raise your score on the wheel and create a happier, more positive life for yourself

20/02/2026

My Daily Blog: The Integration of Drama in Coaching
The inclusion of drama in my coaching practice is often questioned. Many associate drama solely with theatrical performances—memorising scripts, applying stage make-up, standing under spotlights, and wearing costumes. However, everyday life can be viewed as a stage where we perform before an audience, whether colleagues, family members, friends, or strangers.
We tailor our behavior according to our environment, and by remaining aware of our surroundings and those we interact with, we demonstrate respect, communicate effectively, and build confidence. Our attire reflects the context, whether at work, school, university, or home, while the 'spotlight' refers to any situation in which we are observed completing necessary tasks. The 'audience' consists of individuals present within that environment.
This analogy highlights the connection between theatre, drama, and real-life situations. Those experienced in drama understand that each scene presents unique challenges that require thoughtful responses, shaping the nature of the character portrayed. Similarly, daily life involves overcoming various obstacles; our reactions determine our personal growth and character development.
My coaching approach incorporates techniques developed through training in drama and acting, such as improvisation for creative problem-solving and roleplay for practising responses to real-world challenges in a supportive setting. These methods allow clients to refine their approaches until they feel confident and prepared to face difficult situations.
By utilising a range of drama-based strategies, I aim to empower clients, alleviate anxieties and pressures, and promote well-being, confidence, and assertiveness. If you choose to work with me as your coach, you will experience these innovative methods firsthand and receive guidance designed to foster personal growth and resilience.
I look forward to collaborating with you,
Coach JD

19/02/2026

Fear pt 2

19/02/2026

Fear…

18/02/2026

Never let yourself be controlled by other things or people. Control only what you can control. One of the things I coach is response work which allows for effective hearing and responding. If you are able to respond rather than react you will be in control. An effective drama-based technique asks for the client to respond to things I provide to them. They learn to deep breathe and consider what is being asked and whether that is something they can or cant control. In doing this they learn that somethings are beyond their control but how they respond is something they are in control, of...
Example - you wake up and were hoping to go for a day out but the weather is cold, raining, windy. Do you choose to be affected by the weather (out of your control) or do you respond with an alternative decision (you control)
The more you become aware of what you can and can't control, the more empowering your life becomes

18/02/2026

Morning folks. Hope you are well :)
So from today I will be creating a daily blog (weekdays) giving you a brief insight into the techniques and benefits NLP questioning and drama-based techniques can help you build-rebuild your confidence
Having trained in acting I know just how powerful drama-based techniques can help in life. So how can it help when it comes to me coaching you?
Drama is an incredible tool not just for the theatrical stage but also for the 'stage' that is life. Through drama-based techniques I will help you explore emotion, self-awareness, how to express yourself with confidence and assertiveness. Through a series of engaging exercises I will help you develop the skills to communicate effectively and handle life's challenges (resilience)
Whether you are going through a difficult time, preparing for a big presentation, navigating a career change, or simply want to feel more comfortable in your own skin, my coaching sessions are tailored to your unique journey and circumstances
All sessions are delivered online so you can feel comfortable in your own surroundings.
Let's help you unlock your potential, help get rid of those limiting beliefs and help you achieve your goals

16/02/2026

StageforLife-Coaching aims to help you unlock your confidence using the power of both NLP questioning and drama-based techniques. Coach JD (aka John Durham) provides online coaching in a safe environment for clients to help boost your self-belief, self-worth and help you achieve your goals.
Confidence opens doors that lead to you achieving your potential and goals, rather than hold you back when faced with the many challenges life can deal.
So why NLP? - NLP is a proven approach to help you understand and reshape your thought patterns. It is through powerful NLP questioning that I can help guide you towards uncovering limited beliefs, challenges and, in turn, reframe your perspectives, empowering positive habits, positive mindset and nurturing a healthier, happier you
Why Drama-based techniques? - I am a trained actor and recognise that drama-based skills are life skills. Through role-play, improvisation and focus, I can help you become more assertive, empathetic and express yourself in a much more confident way, therefore enhancing your communication skills.
Through a series of 10 sessions (plus an additional ice-breaker free of charge) I will explore the best way forward for you
Get in touch and let's work together to build you a better now and a better future

Empower yourself with professional coaching tailored for women and dads facing challenges. Discover your potential with Stageforlifecoaching.

16/02/2026