Coaching

Virtual sessions*

Whether your goal is to manage your stress, reduce your anxiety, or avoid burnout, the challenge that all these conditions have in common is that they involve working with difficult thoughts and feelings.

I work with women and teen girls who are looking for effective solutions that are individualized to and work for them.

If you want to learn how to live with these challenges instead of struggling to “control” them, then we can work one-to-one to do exactly that.

There are a variety of strategies that we will draw from while we work together, but the primary approach I use is Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, which is based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Training. You can read more about that, who I work with, and the difference between coaching and therapy below in the drop down FAQs.

*In-person sessions may be possible if you live on the North Shore (North Vancouver or West Vancouver). Book a Discovery Session or Parent Consultation to learn more.

Services

Work with me one-to-one

If you prefer one-to-one learning because you know that you would benefit from personalized guidance, or just want to learn and work with a coach, you can book sessions with me either one at a time or as a package.

One session at a time is for those who want to try at least one session before committing to more OR for those who just want a coach who can hold space for one session and help them process and problem-solve one issue. These sessions are 50 minutes long.

COACHING PACKAGES

If you think you would like to purchase a package of 4 or 8 sessions but want to chat first, you can either start with a 50-minute paid One-to-One Session or you can first book a free 25-minute Discovery Session so that we can ensure we are a good fit.

My Course

If you prefer to start by learning on your own and want immediate access to a course, then you can begin with my course Know Your Values.

As a licenced and certified educator for more than 25 years, I build my courses on a strong foundation of skills and experience in curriculum development and instructional design that focusses on the needs of the learner.

This course will help you to identify and clarify your core values so that you can live your life with those personal values in mind.

Just for Teen & Tween Girls

New Program!*

Adjusting to the challenges that come with adolescence can be hard – for both teens and parents!

Thriving Teen Girls is an 8-session program I’ve developed for pre-teen and teenage girls so that they can develop some of the tools they need to navigate adolescence and beyond. It’s a personal development course intended to support tween and teen girls in a proactive rather than reactive way.**

Parents can sign up for a free consultation to learn more:

*Group discounts may be available in some circumstances – book a parent consultation to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do you work with?

I work with a wide range of women, particularly women in service-oriented and caring professions who may be more prone to experiencing burnout in addition to stress and anxiety. This includes women in healthcare professions such as nurses, doctors, and midwives; education such as teachers, professors, instructors, early childhood educators, and educational assistants; social workers and caregivers; as well as women in business, women entrepreneurs, and other professionals.

As a former teacher and mom to 2 young women, I also enjoy working with and supporting teen girls, helping them develop the strengths and skills they need to thrive.

I also work with:

👉🏻 women who need help getting unstuck or figuring out where to start or what steps they need to take when they are overwhelmed;

👉🏽 racialized/BIPOC/women of colour who have experiences they need talk through;

👉🏾 folks who have big decisions to make such as a career change, or a big move;

👉🏼 those who want to change their behaviours/habits;

👉🏽 teen girls learning how to navigate adolescence with psychological flexibility;

👉🏿 parents advocating for their children in schools (usually children with IEPs).

What coaching methodology do you use?

Most certified life coaches develop a set of tools drawn from training, experience, and skills in one or more coaching methodologies. I use a predominantly ACT-based approach to coaching, and when appropriate, I may also integrate tools from other coaching methodologies.

What is ACT?

Acceptance & Commitment Coaching is based on the principles of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is evidence-based with a significant body of research proving its efficacy.

ACT includes the process of learning to notice our thoughts and feelings, deciding on and accepting what is truly out of our control, and committing to taking action to improve our lives. It incorporates mindfulness and self-compassion work to help us live authentic and empowered lives with clarity and intention.

What is Self-Compassion?

Self-compassion is the practice of acknowledging our feelings, recognizing that suffering is a part of the human experience, and treating ourselves with kindness. People who are self-compassionate experience greater well-being, including more life satisfaction, self-confidence, health, and happiness.

What is Mindfulness?

Did you know that practicing mindfulness is good for the brain and may help counter the damaging effects that multitasking can have on the brain?

Mindfulness is one of the common denominators in the practices of ACT and Self-Compassion, and a helpful skill to learn in order to lead a values-driven and purposeful life. While many associate mindfulness with meditation, mindfulness does not have to be practiced as meditation.

Mindfulness in its simplest form is about slowing down, being in the moment, and paying attention with openness, curiosity, and flexibility.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

In general, therapy is more focussed on the past and the “why” that is behind cognitions and behaviour patterns; clinical psychologists and registered counsellors can help their clients explore and uncover the roots of a disorder or trauma, as well as help with treatment and healing. Psychologists can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health problems and disorders.

Coaches DO NOT assess, diagnose, or treat mental health or mood disorders.

Coaches work with clients who have goals or outcomes they want to succeed at and who want support to achieve them. That support can be in a variety of forms such as encouragement, empathy, and accountability, as well as knowledge, skills, and experience.

The role of a coach is also generally more collaborative, and can be that of a guide or mentor who can help with personal growth and development in health, wellness, and more by providing strategies, techniques, and tools for the client to use. Coaching can help reduce procrastination, improve goal attainment, enhance well-being, and improve self-efficacy and self-empowerment.

In general, coaching is focussed on the future, is goal and action-oriented,and helps clients work on the “how.”

Will your approach work for me?

As an educator I know that there is no one method that works for everyone. So book a free Discovery Session and we can determine if we are a good fit.

Can you help with habits and routines?

Yes! With a teaching background in behaviour psychology combined with an understanding of values-guided action, I can help you begin to understand how to build helpful habits, create routines that work, and make the choices that are important to you so that you can work towards results you want in life.

Do you do values work?

I do! I help women get clear on their priorities, identify their values, and set goals that line up with those values. Because when we know what is truly important to us, we can solve problems and make decisions that take us toward our own values, and on our own path. And when we allow ourselves to dream and to believe in ourselves, who knows what is possible?

Are you inclusive?

Absolutely. I am inclusive and I work with women of all identities. As a former teacher who worked with students with disabilities, and as a mixed woman of colour who has done diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting, I have an understanding of intersectionality. I am fully aware of the barriers a diversity of clients may face. I also work with women with ADHD, whether formally diagnosed or not. And of course, I welcome opportunities to work with other mixed or biracial women of colour like myself. Please feel free to reach out for more information.

New program just for teen and tween girls: Thriving Teen Girls!