‘I became a version of myself that I didn't recognise’: How Aaron left a dark past behind to become a life coach
A former MMA fighter and qualified life coach has turned his life around after stepping away from a past marked by crime, drugs, and violence.
Aaron Delahunty, from Crawley, once lived a life of drugs, violence, and crime- he then turned his life around and is now helping others to do the same.
"I became a version of myself that I didn't recognise in the mirror so I made the decision to start.”
Now working as a qualified life coach and mentor across West Sussex, he uses mindset coaching and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques to help others break free from negative patterns and overcome limiting beliefs.
He said: “I come from a background involved in crime and I was involved in drugs and violence and stuff and that sort of lifestyle obviously reaches a head.
"I started doing some of my own trauma work, my healing work on myself and then as I was doing it I was like I have to find a way I can firstly turn this into an income and secondly use this to help other people.”
Determined to turn his personal recovery into a positive force, Aaron began volunteering locally, feeding the homeless with Tess Kitchen in Crawley and taking on a fundraising climb up Mount Snowdon for Gaza refugees. He spoke on how a trip to Thailand provided the inspiration to formalise his path.
Today, Aaron estimates he has mentored between 20 and 40 individuals, guiding clients through challenges ranging from drug addiction to anxiety and phobias.
Beyond his private practice, he actively supports the local community by mentoring with the Men’s Share listening group and helping individuals rebuild both their mental confidence and physical health. He’s also visited prison twice to share his transformation story and to show change is possible.
Reflecting on his journey, Aaron emphasises the importance of facing emotional pain directly rather than relying on quick escapes. His central advice to anyone is: “If you are in a bad place, you should know change is possible no matter where you start.”
To find out more about Aaron’s work visit: https://patternshift-coaching.com.