THE COMPARISON COACH

Lucy Sheridan, 34, from Hove, is the world’s first (and only) comparison coach, helping people to stop negatively comparing themselves to others, particularly on social media. Her coaching sessions take place in person and via online video calls. MY CLIENTS Although their lives might look perfect, they share a feeling of frustration about falling behind their peers, or being unclear or out of alignment with their own goals and dreams. The age range is mostly 28 to 35 years old, although I do have clients in their 40s. WHAT I DO Social media has caused an epidemic of people comparing themselves with each other, particularly with seemingly perfect celebrities. They end up feeling stuck and envious, as though they’re never going to succeed. It also affects people’s confidence and focus. I help them go from compare and despair to comparison-free, so they can stop obsessing over other people’s lives and live their own. MY STRATEGY I aim to give people tools and techniques to deal with their compulsion. I ask them to look deeply into their jealousy triggers to reveal the insight that can cure them. If they can keep asking themselves, ‘Why does this matter to me?’ they’ll be able to live their lives better. It takes commitment, but the change is amazing. TIP Always apply the house-party rule: if you wouldn’t invite someone to your house party then they shouldn’t be in your social media feed. Regularly hide or unfollow people and content that triggers your comparison until you are feeling more robust. COST £300 for a one-off session (in person or via video call); around £3,500 for a three-month coaching programme.

Instagram @lucysheridan

I HELP PEOPLE STOP OBSESSING OVER OTHERS’ LIVES SO THEY CAN LIVE THEIR OWN ”