The experience of coaching for permanently childless women: A heuristic inquiry

S Andeh International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring 2021

Childlessness may affect a woman’s well-being and sense of identity, and cause feelings of loss and grief. I found no research on coaching for childless women. Using heuristic inquiry, I explored the experience of coaching in six participants (co-researchers), including myself. Findings suggest that coaching helped women cope with negative self– and societal– narratives; accept and change their perspective on a life without children; picture alternative futures; build confidence; achieve goals and rediscover themselves. Some women felt vulnerable and coach understanding, support and care were important, as were trust and cocreation. The research highlights the potential utility of coaching amongst childless women.