At this point, I don’t get a lot of hate anymore about life coaching. However, that hasn’t always been the case. During my transition out of clinical practice, I fielded questions, criticism, and some pretty negative projections. I believe that my background, my skills, and my personality towards helping others in their healing have built up my reputation and allowed people to see the light. Most people know I have an extensive background in mental health. Still, some people do not know that I was once a clinical therapist. So let’s talk about therapy!

I have two college degrees in psychology and professional counseling. When I was young, I intended to use my ambition for a doctorate, which would be my next step. It was that education that helped me see there was no tangible purpose for me to do that. It would be a huge investment of time and money but would not change what I do with my gift. During and after graduate school, I started out as a clinical therapist. I worked in the public school system for awhile as a school-based therapist. Eventually, I went into virtual mental health and provided CBT services for almost a decade. It was during that time when I grew frustrated with the system. Dealing with insurance meant contributing to diagnosis and medication management for anyone seeking help. I believe there is a place for that level of support. I also believe the majority of people seeking a caring listener because of life circumstances do not need a medical diagnosis or pills. I witnessed a massive amount of misdiagnosis and was even asked to participate in it from my supervisors. The unnecessary medication of people who needed healing, not suppression, was a depressing and frustrating aspect of being a mental health provider. Over time, I grew jaded with the system.

All of that lead to me choosing to coach others in support of creating their healing and personal growth. It’s a different approach to some common issues. When I encounter someone needing a clinical level of care, I have a great network I can refer to for more intensive support. I just know that my gift wasn’t meant to be commandeered by the medical system. My personal journey has not been well supported by the medical system and so I don’t untrust people to that same system when they are going through the same kinds of things I have been through. In other words, my people find me and I know what they need.

Occasionally, someone takes an issue with my approach to helping people. Those folks assume I am doing therapy, but that’s not what I do. Yes, I have a clinical background, a lot of education, and a wealth of skills. All of that benefits me in how I understand people and how I approach life challenges. I am trauma-informed through both my education and professional experience, as well as my own lived experiences. Now, I look through a holistic lens that focuses on emotions, spirituality, social connection, and the personal relationship with self. I connect with those who have complex experiences, who didn’t find the support they needed in therapy, and who are open to doing the work necessary to grow and change. What I do in my work stems from what I have been through and found to be most effective. As a coach, I encourage others to become grounded, seek balance, pursue passions, and create a life they actually want to live in.

Upcoming: Part 3- on massage.