As a coach, I use three main tools: 1) deep, intentional and reflective listening, not only to what’s being said, but how it’s being said; the energy behind the words 2) curiosity – in the form of powerful, empowering and challenging questions and 3) exercises designed to facilitate introspection and growth.

This translates into a lot of talking, and a lot of listening, but it’s more than a conversation. My goal during coaching sessions is to help clients see in themselves what they wouldn’t be able to pick up on their own – to illuminate blind spots, identify default patterns of behavior, get to the root cause and create mindset and energy shifts to explore untapped potential.

My coaching style is holistic, supportive and infused with analogies to bring concepts to life. Here’s an example to help put this into perspective:

If a client is struggling with time management, we’re not going to dive directly into time management strategies. My clients are bright and resourceful; if their challenges could be solved with time management strategies – they’d look into time management strategies, and solve them.

What we will do is focus on what’s underlying the client’s time management challenges. Is the client having trouble feeling motivated? Engaging with the substance? Blocked because of self-doubt? Is the client overextended? If so, how did that happen? What’s preventing the client from setting boundaries – or advocating for support? What is the client afraid of? Compensating for? Trying to prove?

The idea is not to interrogate clients (that’s where the supportive piece comes into play); it’s to get below the surface. That’s because the same surface-level challenges may have entirely different drivers – and the drivers dictate what comes next. It’s only once clients have insight into the root cause of their challenges that they can set into motion the mindset and energy shifts necessary to create sustainable change – to consistently implement those time management strategies, feel more confident contributing during meetings, gain clarity on their career goals, and so on and so forth.

As a coach, I’m trained to lean in to what a client is sharing with an open mind, compassion and curiosity – and without assumptions or interpretations. I keep this front of mind during all sessions – including, and perhaps especially, when coaching people of color. That’s because, as a white woman, I’ll never be able to fully understand the societal pressures and injustices faced by my racially and ethnically diverse clients. My focus is not on connecting through similarities; it’s on engaging with the waves of my client’s words, while remaining conscious of not minimizing, dismissing or spiritually bypassing what’s shared. In the context of group work, I also work to create safe and inclusive spaces where members can be imperfectly engaged but wholeheartedly committed to having dynamic conversations and expanding their perspectives.

I come from a position of significant privilege and don’t profess to be an expert in the area of diversity and inclusion. I am, however, a firm believer that diversity is beautiful and that equality hinges upon us all. Do I think structural and institutional inequalities will magically disappear through radical mindset and energy shifts? Not at all. But I do believe that we’re best positioned to create sustainable change through elevated mindsets and energy.

My work is profoundly enriching and I grow from each and every engagement. But, this isn’t about me. It’s about you. If you’d feel most comfortable working with a coach from a different demographic background, that’s absolutely your right – and I may be able to help. I operate from an abundance mindset and have a strong, diverse network of talented coaches with whom I would be happy to connect you. So please don’t hesitate to reach out for a referral.

I described my coaching style as being infused with analogies, so it’s only fitting that I use an analogy to respond to this frequently asked question.

Mental health therapy can be compared to physical therapy and coaching can be compared to personal training.

• Both forms of therapy are focused on healing significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning.

• Physical therapy and coaching are focused on progressing from functional – to optimal.

This is not a perfect comparison (analogies rarely are) and there are certainly exceptions, but I hope this helps put coaching and therapy into context. As a former therapist, the most important distinction is that coaching is not therapy – and should not be used as a substitute for therapy. Coaching can, however, be a powerful complement to therapy and several of my clients have had success working with me and a therapist at the same time.

I tend to meet with clients every other week, so premium coaching engagements span approximately three months. I’ve found this biweekly cadence to be effective, because it provides time in between sessions for clients to reflect upon insights and implement action items that promote mindset and energy shifts. I’m also available throughout the course of our coaching engagement for support, encouragement and accountability.

My group coaching programs are tailored to each business’ needs. In recent months, I’ve been meeting with groups on a weekly basis to promote connection and well-being during a time when both are compromised by remote working arrangements.