Clarifying “Coaching”

I am a relationship and communication coach, focused on moving individuals and family teams toward whole health: physical, cognitive, emotional, relational, and spiritual health. 

I help individuals, parents and families recognize areas of unhealth. Together we explore strategies for improving those areas, moving toward the goal of whole health.

I am not a therapist and do not offer therapy. I utilize concepts and strategies from my clinical psychology training as I translate clients' goals into practices. When therapy or more intensive mental health services are warranted, I recommend clients seek services elsewhere and help with the transition.

Understanding past experiences is often necessary for moving forward, so coaching may include discussion of historic events or relationships. However, deep exploration and treatment related to individuals’ past experiences is not a focus in coaching. A counseling or therapy context is more appropriate for that foundational and important work.

Coaches are present during big games, as well as each practice. They provide encouragement, support, and guidance when the pressure is on and tension is high...and when it's not.

With each client and family, I emphasize proactive ways to maintain health, even as we address effective ways to respond to current challenges. Having strategies you can use both proactively and reactively will provide the most impact and set you up to maintain health in all seasons of life. 

Your family relationships and parenting style are unique, so your approach to discipline may not look like your best friend's or neighbor's. I work with parents to identify what you most highly value, then create a parenting plan based on your family's way.

When establishing a discipline plan, I apply operant learning techniques -- using consequences to shape and mold children's (and parents'!) behavior. At the heart of every discipline plan is a focus on healthy relationships and communication between all family members.

I encourage collaboration and open communication between parents and children, which maximizes buy-in and cooperation. NOTE: If having healthy family interactions is not something you are interested in, I'm not the right fit.

Because we are whole beings carrying our whole selves into each context we enter, I do not delineate areas of health based on roles. For example, instead of addressing your professional health and financial health, we explore together your underlying thoughts that impact your functioning in both of those areas.

We work together to identify practices that have promoted health for you in the past. We explore new practices to try moving forward. Then we assess how each strategy and the overall plan is working. If it is not moving you toward living a wholly healthy life, we adjust and keep moving.

I can be directive and structured, or informal and flexible, depending on what helps get you to where you desire to be.

I do work individually with children, to the extent that it helps move the family toward the family's goals. I am not a therapist and do not offer therapy. I cannot "fix" your kid or change your children's behavior.

I offer skills training and healthy strategies that, when implemented consistently at home, will effectively shift the emotional atmosphere, behavior, and dynamics within your family. Your child cannot do that alone or even with a professional’s guidance. Parents MUST be involved.