Valentina Canessa-Pollard

About Me

Coaching, to me, is all about building rapport and trust— so let me share a bit about my journey. As an individual raised in a society that consistently undervalued talent and hard work, I have personally undertaken the journey of reshaping one's narrative. In 2002, at the age of 20, I took a significant leap by moving to a new country and embarking on a career dedicated to supporting women survivors of sexual violence.

It was during this transformative period that my first-hand experience with coaching unfolded. In my role, I championed women's incredible resilience as they sought to reclaim control over their lives. This involved supporting them in various aspects of their lives from enhancing their well-being to retraining, gaining employment, and acquiring the confidence and practical skills needed to move forward. 

Fuelling my passion for understanding the human mind, I then embarked on a decade-long (and still ongoing!) journey with psychology. I gained insights into the unique perspectives psychology can provide, fostering self- and other-awareness while transforming thought patterns and behaviours for personal and professional growth.

I've had the honour of guiding a diverse array of individuals—clients, students, and colleagues—through their own battles with self-doubt, burnout, and the pursuit of perfection. 

Through my academic understanding and life experience, I've become a fierce advocate for the transformative power of psychologically-informed coaching. Drawing from my own journey and research, I know it has the ability to empower individuals to recognise their worth, boost self-awareness, build confidence, and take tangible steps toward their goals. 

And when I'm not coaching, researching or teaching, you can find me knee-deep in dirt, happily tending to my garden. Because sometimes, the best solutions to life's problems can be found in the simple joys of  weeding the bad grass, and planting seeds to watch them grow.

Coaching with me

Results & Goals

If you are contemplating a new career path, advancing in your current one, or pursuing academic studies, you may find yourself overwhelmed by self-doubt, fearing failure, and unsure of next steps.

That's why I created Wild Edge Coaching -  to help individuals step unto their wild edge and sail through these transitions, offering support and clarity amidst one's personal and global challenges.

I aim to empower you with the confidence and skills needed to pursue and attain your aspirations sustainably, while remaining true to your values.

Throughout this journey together, my commitment is to support you at every step.

I can help you with:

• Discovering new careers and further study that align with your values and aspirations
• Entering / returning to work or academic study with confidence
• Shifting from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur, by cultivating the skills and mindset necessary for success in self-employment
• Progressing into leadership positions, mastering the necessary skills and mindset for ethical leadership
• Setting clear and attainable goals, both personally and professionally, to provide a roadmap towards what is meaningful to you
• Enhance your skills in time management and organisation, ensuring productivity without sacrificing your well-being
• Develop effective strategies to manage anxieties associated with deadlines, assignments, and responsibilities
• Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Resilience that empowers you to face and bounce back from challenges
• And more...

How I like to coach

Psychologically-informed coaching

My approach is psychologically informed, drawing on evidence-based principles and research to help you identify and overcome obstacles. 

Together, we'll explore new perspectives and behaviours, fostering positive change with safety and humour!

Offerings

Coaching

Walk and Talk 1-1 sessions (West Sussex, UK)

Experience, Certifications & Training

Certifications and Degrees

• PhD in Psychology
• Advanced Diploma in Coaching

Professional and life experience

I am a Coaching Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Psychology, with over 10 years of academic experience. Before transitioning to academia, I spent 7 years as a trainer and manager in the Rape Crisis sector, which has deeply informed my trauma-informed approach.

Fee description

1-1 online

45 min | from £30 | 40 USD to £80| 90 USD per session, depending on what you wish to pay.

6 sessions (twice a month for three months)  - 10% discount if paid in advance, on the agreed fee.

Walk and Talk 1-1 sessions (West Sussex, UK, only)

45 min  - £40 | 50 USD to £90| 100 USD per session, depending on what you wish to pay.